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Biomedical Research Centre

Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London, SE1 9RT

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Access Guide

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Getting To The Hospital

  • By Road View
    • The main entrance to Guy's Hospital is located off Great Maze Pond. Please use the postcode SE1 9RT. Guy's Hospital is located in the Congestion Charge zone.
    • Parking is very limited for Guy's Hospital. Please use public transport whenever possible. Parking in Guy's car park is only available for disabled patients on Monday - Friday between the hours of 8:30 and 16:40.
  • By Bus View
    • Please allow plenty of time to get from the bus stop to the hospital, as the hospital is not signposted from the bus stop locations. The following buses stop at London Bridge, London Bridge Station or near Guy's Hospital: 17, 21, 35, 40, 43, 47, 48, 133, 141, 149, 343, 381, 521, 701, RV1, C10. Night buses stop at or near London Bridge: N21, N35, N47, N133, N343 and N381.
  • By Train View
    • London Bridge is the nearest railway station and is five minutes walk away.
  • By Underground View
    • The nearest underground stations are: London Bridge - Northern and Jubilee lines (five minutes walk away). Monument - District and Circle lines (15 minutes walk away).
  • Useful Links View

Getting Help and Assistance

  • There is a Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) at the hospital.
  • The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is located on the ground floor in the main foyer.
  • The telephone number for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is 020 7188 8801.
  • The email address for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is [email protected].
  • There are volunteers available for help and assistance at the hospital.
  • Volunteers can be found around the hospital at information points.
  • There is not an assistance dog toilet or toileting area on the hospital site.
  • Water bowls for assistance dogs are available.
  • BSL interpreters can be provided on request.
  • Language interpreters can be provided on request.
  • Mobility aids are available to help patients move around and include; wheelchairs, walking frames, walking sticks and crutches.
  • To obtain mobility aids please contact the main reception.
  • If you require any additional information or assistance, please speak to a member of staff.

Hospital Parking

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car park is located outside the main entrance.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park does not have a barrier control system.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • There is/are 15 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the hospital car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 367cm x 756cm (12ft x 24ft 10in).
    • The dimensions of other designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) vary in size.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is a designated drop-off point.
    • The drop-off point is located to the right of the main entrance.
    • There is a dropped kerb from the drop-off point.
    • The dropped kerb does not have tactile paving.
  • Paying View
    • There are not parking charges for the hospital car park.
    • Payment signs are not provided.
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
  • Access to the Hospital View
    • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user unaided.
    • The hospital entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
    • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 24m (26yd 9in) from the accessible entrance.
  • Comments View
    • Parking at Guy's and St Thomas' hospitals and the community services is very limited.
    • Both of the hospitals and many of the services are located in the Congestion Charging zone. Please use public transport whenever possible.
    • Charging exceptions
    • If you're a disabled patient attending an appointment, you'll be given free parking in the main car park upon production of your Blue Badge (registered in your name) along with your appointment card/letter.
    • Please take your Blue Badge (leaving the clock on display if parked in a disabled bay, white entry ticket to the car park and appointment letter/card to the Knowledge and Information Centre (KIC), which is located on the ground floor of St Thomas', North Wing. The KIC is open from 8am to 6pm. Outside these hours, please go to the security desk at the main reception.
    • Parking at Guy's
    • Between Monday-Friday, 8.30am-4.30pm, there is disabled parking only at Guy's Hospital. Vehicles can only access the car park from Snowsfield and not from St Thomas Street.
    • This is for patients who are Blue Badge holders and have an appointment on that day. These disabled parking bays are limited and are available on a first come, first served basis on production of your Blue Badge (registered in your name) along with your appointment card/letter.
    • There is an NCP car park at the junction of Snowsfield and Kipling Street, about a five minute walk from the hospital. Charges are displayed at the entrance.

Getting To (The Biomedical Research Centre)

  • The Biomedical Research Centre is/are located on the sixteenth floor of the Tower Wing.
  • Access to the Biomedical Research Centre is via the main hospital entrance.
  • On entering the main hospital accessible entrance, proceed past the reception to the end of the foyer and turn left into Tower Wing lifts B. Take the lifts to the sixteenth floor and on exiting turn right. Biomedical Research Centre is located directly ahead.
  • There is step free access, via lift, to the Biomedical Research Centre.
  • The Biomedical Research Centre is approximately 5m from the Tower Wing lifts.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
  • There is flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
  • There is some flooring in corridors which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the hospital.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The main door(s) open(s) by revolving.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 210cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
  • Comments View
    • There is a touch button on the revolving doors which slows them down and makes them accessible for wheelchair users. The button is 86cm high from the floor.

Outside Access (Accessible Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The main automatic door(s) is/are push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 196cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The automatic door(s) is/are push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 196cm.
  • Ramp/Slope Details View
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the accessible entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is easy.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • Comments View
    • The push pad buttons to activate the automatic doors range in height from 93cm to 101cm.

Entrance (Tower Wing Entrance Lifts A and B)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located in the hospital main foyer.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 148cm.
  • Comments View
    • There is an entrance for both lifts, one for Tower Wing A and one for Tower Wing B. The entrance details are the same for both.

Other Floors (Tower Wing)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are LG - 30.
    • The stairs are located within the Tower Wing.
    • The stairs are approximately 5m from the Tower Wing entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The steps are not clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting levels are low to moderate.

Lift (Tower Wing Lifts B)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the left of the main foyer.
  • The lift is approximately 16m (17yd 1ft) from the accessible entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are LG,G,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 150cm (4ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 229cm x 165cm (7ft 6in x 5ft 5in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is medium.

Opening Times

  • Monday 08:30 - 17:00.
  • Tuesday 08:30 - 17:00.
  • Wednesday 08:30 - 17:00.
  • Thursday 08:30 - 17:00.
  • Friday 08:30 - 17:00.
  • Saturday Closed.
  • Sunday Closed.

Entrance

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the sixteenth floor of the Tower Wing.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • The intercom is not in a suitable position to allow wheelchair users to gain access.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 176cm.

Reception

  • The Biomedical Research Centre reception is located ahead on entering the Biomedical Research Centre.
  • The reception area/desk is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the Biomedical Research Centre entrance.
  • The reception area/desk is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • There is step free access to the reception area/desk.
  • The lighting levels at the reception area/desk are medium.
  • The height of the reception desk is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the desk.
  • There is a low section of the desk (76cm or below) available.
  • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the low section of the desk.
  • There is not a clear knee recess beneath the low section of the desk.
  • The desk is staffed.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.

Inside Access

  • There is level access once inside.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.
  • This venue does not play background music.
  • Motorised scooters are allowed in public parts of the venue.
  • Wayfinding signage is not available.
  • The type of flooring in walkways and corridors is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
  • There is some flooring in corridors which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
  • The lighting levels are medium.

Waiting Room / Area

  • There is a waiting room / area.
  • The waiting room / area is approximately 2m from the Biomedical Research Centre entrance.
  • There is level access into the waiting room / area.
  • There is not a/are not door(s) into the waiting room / area.
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is a space for a wheelchair user to wait within the seating area.
  • All chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Chairs with armrests are not available.
  • Announcements are in person.
  • The waiting room / area does not have background music playing.
  • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the waiting room / area.
  • There is not a television.
  • Vending machines are not available.
  • A water dispenser is not available.
  • There is not a play area or toys/books for a child to play with.
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest within the seating area.
  • Lighting levels are medium.

Room / Area (Meeting Room 1)

  • There is / are 3 room(s) / area(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room / area surveyed was; Meeting Room 1.
  • The room / area is approximately 22m from the Biomedical Research Centre entrance.
  • There is level access to the room / area.
  • There is a/are door(s) into the room / area.
  • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) is/are double width.
  • The door(s) is/are heavy.
  • The width of the door opening is 176cm (5ft 9in).
  • The type of flooring is carpet.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • A hoist is not available.
  • There is a chair.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • The chair(s) is not/are not height adjustable.
  • All chairs have armrests available.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • The room / area does not have background music playing.
  • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room / area.
  • Lighting levels are medium.

Eating and Drinking

  • The following information is for the refectory.
  • The bar does serve food.
  • Full table service is not available.
  • Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
  • Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • Some tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is approximately 7m (7yd 1ft) from the entrance.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 37cm (1ft 3in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 83cm (2ft 9in).
  • Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
  • Plastic / takeaway cutlery is not available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Menus are wall only.
  • Menus are clearly written.
  • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
  • The type of food served here is hot and cold drinks and snacks.

Washroom (Shower)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower.
    • There is/are 1 washroom(s) of this type in the service.
    • The washroom surveyed is located along the main corridor to the right.
    • The washroom surveyed is approximately 14m from the Biomedical Research Centre entrance.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the service.
    • This is a shared washroom.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the washroom door.
    • The washroom door(s) open(s) outwards.
    • The door(s) is/are locked by a twist lock.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 219cm x 207cm (7ft 2in x 6ft 9in).
    • The washroom does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • There is an emergency pull cord alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor).
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
    • There are coat hooks at 119cm and 155cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is not a tall mirror, with suitable specifications, for ease of use.
    • There is not a wash basin.
  • Shower Details View
    • There is a wheel in shower.
    • The shower head is height adjustable.
    • The shower control type is lever.
    • There is a flip down/tip up seat for the shower.
    • The height of the flip down/tip up or fixed seat is 52cm (1ft 8in).
    • There are wall-mounted grab rails available.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The colour contrast between the external washroom door and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the internal washroom door and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the washroom floor and walls is good.
    • Lighting levels are medium.

Accessible Toilet

  • There are accessible toilet facilities within this venue.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is located along the main corridor to the right.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 12m (13yd 4in) from the Biomedical Research Centre entrance.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a unisex toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 152cm x 176cm (4ft 12in x 5ft 9in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm in front of the seat.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 82cm (2ft 8in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional.
    • The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are female sanitary and general domestic waste disposal units.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the cubicle.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall-mounted grab rails are available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 114cm (3ft 9in).
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 107cm (3ft 6in).
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 97cm.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are medium.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Shared Toilet(s) View
    • The shared toilets that were surveyed are located along the main corridor to the right.
    • The shared toilet(s) is/are approximately 12m (13yd 4in) from the Biomedical Research Centre entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the shared toilet(s).
    • An ambulant toilet with wall mounted grab rails is not available.
    • Lighting levels are medium.

Related Access Guides

Sunflower Lanyard Scheme

  • Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust is part of the Sunflower Lanyard Scheme.
  • The Sunflower Lanyard Scheme helps people with hidden disabilities which aren’t always obvious – such as autism, dementia and visual or hearing impairments.
  • For more information on this scheme please click here.