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The Dental Centre

St Thomas' Hospital, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7EH

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Access Guide

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Getting To The Hospital

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 in the main hospital 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 at information points around the hospital.
  • There is an assistance dog toilet or toileting area on the hospital site.
  • The assistance dog toilet or toileting area is located outside the main entrance.
  • 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.
  • If you require any additional information or assistance, please speak to a member of staff.
  • Additional hospital services link (new tab) - click here.

Hospital Parking

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car park is located in front of the hospital, accessed via Lambeth Palace Road.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does have a height restriction barrier.
    • The maximum height is 280cm (9ft 2in).
    • The car park does 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 10+ designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the hospital car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 422cm x 547cm (13ft 10in x 17ft 11in).
    • There is a 120cm hatched zone around the Blue Badge parking bay(s).
    • 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 left before reaching the entrance barriers.
    • There is a dropped kerb from the drop-off point.
    • The dropped kerb does not have tactile paving.
  • Paying View
    • There are parking charges for the hospital car park.
    • Payment signs are provided.
    • Payment signs are clearly presented.
    • Payment signs are located at the payment machines in the car park.
    • Payment signs do make it clear if parking charges apply to Blue Badge holders.
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
    • Payment machines are located outside the North Wing entrance, inside the Lambeth Wing Lower Ground floor entrance, and inside the Main entrance.
    • There is a payment machine at a convenient height for wheelchair users.
    • There is a level turning space (minimum 185cm x 210cm) in front of the payment machine(s).
    • To see the hospital parking charges please click here (opens new tab).
  • 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 16m (17yd 1ft) from the North Wing Lower Ground entrance.
  • Comments View
    • There is also sheltered parking available.
    • 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 08:00 to 18:00. Outside these hours, please go to the security desk at the main reception.

Getting To (The Dental Centre)

  • The Dental Centre is/are located on the ground floor of South Wing.
  • Access to the Dental Centre is via the hospital main entrance.
  • On entering the main entrance, turn right and proceed past the shops on the right. Take a left into the North Wing and continue past the North Wing lifts into the South Wing and along the corridor. The Dental Centre is located on the right.
  • There is step free access to the Dental Centre.
  • The Dental Centre is approximately 125m from the hospital main entrance.
  • There is a/are manual, heavy, double door(s) between the hospital main entrance and the department/service.
  • 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 flooring in corridors which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.

Outside Access (Main Hospital 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) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 150cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 149cm.

Other Floors (North Wing Stairs A)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are LG, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12.
    • The stairs are located within the North Wing.
    • The stairs are approximately 61m from the main hospital entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting levels are medium.

Lift (North Wing Lifts A)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located within the North Wing.
  • The lift is approximately 55m (60yd 5in) from the main hospital entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are LG, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 134cm (4ft 5in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 166cm x 256cm (5ft 5in x 8ft 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 not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is medium.

Opening Times

  • Access is by appointment only.

Entrance (Centre Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the ground floor of South Wing.
    • 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 but one door is locked.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 68cm.

Reception

  • The Dental Centre reception is located to the left from the centre entrance.
  • The reception area/desk is approximately 7m (7yd 1ft) from the 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 high (110cm+).
  • 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.
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.
  • The hearing assistance system is signed.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.

Inside Access

  • There is not level access once inside.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.
  • This venue does not play background music.
  • Wayfinding signage is available.
  • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
  • 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.
  • The lighting levels are medium.

Level Change (Rear Clinic Rooms)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is located at the rear of the centre leading to treatment room 14.
  • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Treatment Room 3)

  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Treatment Room 3.
  • There is level access to the consultation / treatment room.
  • There is a/are door(s) into the consultation / treatment room.
  • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) is/are single width.
  • The door(s) is/are heavy.
  • The width of the door opening is 76cm (2ft 6in).
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is not a bed / couch.
  • There is a chair.
  • Some chairs are permanently fixed.
  • The chair(s) is/are adjustable.
  • All chairs have armrests available.
  • The room does not have background music playing.
  • There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • Lighting levels are medium.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Treatment Room 14)

  • There is / are 14 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Treatment Room 14.
  • There is level access to the consultation / treatment room.
  • There is a/are door(s) into the consultation / treatment room.
  • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) is/are single width.
  • The door(s) is/are heavy.
  • The width of the door opening is 77cm (2ft 6in).
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is not a bed / couch.
  • There is a chair.
  • Some chairs are permanently fixed.
  • The chair(s) is/are adjustable.
  • There are some chairs with armrests available.
  • The room does not have background music playing.
  • There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • Lighting levels are medium.

Other Floors

  • Stairs View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are B,G.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Accessible Toilet (Reception)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • 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 to the right on entering the centre.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 2m (2yd 7in) from the centre entrance.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is not a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 180cm x 217cm (5ft 11in x 7ft 1in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 109cm (3ft 7in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is 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 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 for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on the right.
    • There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The shelf is not higher than 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 86cm.
    • 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 good.

Accessible Toilet (Clinical Area)

  • 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 at the end of the basement corridor.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 40m (43yd 2ft) from the Lower Ground entrance.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
    • This is by lift.
  • 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 locking handle.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 112cm (3ft 8in).
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 173cm x 280cm (5ft 8in x 9ft 2in).
    • The accessible toilet does 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 left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 103cm (3ft 5in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is not an emergency alarm.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are clinical waste and waste paper pedal bin disposal units.
    • There is 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 48cm (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 108cm (3ft 7in).
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 108cm.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin cannot 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 to the right on entering the centre.
    • The shared toilet(s) is/are approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the centre entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the shared toilet(s).
    • An ambulant toilet with wall mounted grab rails is available.
    • Lighting levels are medium.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located in the shared standard toilet.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the baby change facility.

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.