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Candover Suite - Wessex Ward

Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital, Aldermaston Road, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG24 9NA

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Access Guide

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Getting To The Hospital (Basingstoke and North Hampshire Main Hospital)

  • By Road View
    • Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital is located on the A340, Aldermaston Road in Basingstoke.
      The hospital is signed from the Ring Road.
    • There are five car parks at the hospital which are well signed.
      There is a main car park located on one side of the site with accessible car parks located at the main entrance, level A entrance, DTC entrance and the Sherborne entrance.
      There are drop off points located at the main entrance and level A entrance.
      The Blue Badge bays are well marked with additional signage at windscreen height.
      Please allow extra time on arrival, as parking is sometimes difficult.
      Public car parks are barrier controlled and a pay on exit scheme is in operation.
  • By Bus View
    • The Foundation Trust is serviced by regular buses from Basingstoke town centre.
      The bus routes which stop here are numbers 2, 4 and the link service.
    • There is an onsite bus stop.
    • There are bus stops located within the hospital campus.
    • There are bus shelters with level access and seating for seven people.
      An electronic screen informs you of the next six buses departing the bus stops.
    • There is a slight slope from the onsite bus stop to the main entrance.
      There are dropped kerbs at the zebra crossing with tactile paving on either side.
      The approximate distance from the onsite bus stop to the main entrance is 89 yards.
  • By Train View
    • The nearest train station is Basingstoke.
      The station is 1.7 miles from Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital.
  • Useful Links View

Getting Help and Assistance (Basingstoke and North Hampshire Main Hospital)

  • To see the hospital map please click here (opens new tab).
  • 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 01256 486 766.
  • 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.
  • Documents are available in an alternative format and can be provided to include: Braille on request and large print on request.
  • 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.
  • A mobility scooter charging point is not available at the hospital.
  • Mobility aids are available to help patients move around and include; wheelchairs and walking frames.
  • To obtain mobility aids please contact the main hospital reception.
  • Additional hospital services link (new tab) - click here.

Hospital Parking (Accessible Parking and Drop Off)

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car parking facilities are for Blue Badge holders only.
    • The car park is located in front of 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 11 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the hospital car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 230cm x 470cm (7ft 7in x 15ft 5in).
    • There is a 120cm hatched zone around the Blue Badge parking bay(s).
    • 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 on the left hand side of the hospital, outside the Therapy Department entrance.
    • There is a dropped kerb from the drop-off point.
    • The dropped kerb does have tactile paving.
  • Paying View
    • There are not parking charges for the hospital car park.
    • 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 with assistance.
    • Assistance may be required because there is/are slopes/ramps.
    • The hospital entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
    • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the main entrance.

Hospital Parking (Main Hospital Visitor Parking)

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car park is located on the left hand side of the hospital, off Dinwoodie Drive.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • 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 8 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the hospital car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 224cm x 458cm (7ft 4in x 15ft).
    • There is a 120cm hatched zone around the Blue Badge parking bay(s).
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point.
  • 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 throughout the car park.
    • There is not a payment machine at a convenient height for wheelchair users.
    • There is not a level turning space (minimum 185cm x 210cm) in front of the payment machine(s).
  • Access to the Hospital View
    • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
    • Assistance may be required because there is/are slopes/ramps.
    • The hospital entrance is not clearly visible from the car park.
    • The route from the car park to the hospital entrance is not clearly signposted.
    • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 64m (69yd 2ft) from the A level entrance.
  • Comments View
    • There are steps on the route from the car park to main hospital entrance as shown in photographs 11 to 15.

Hospital Parking (Accessible Parking - A Level Entrance)

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car parking facilities are for Blue Badge holders only.
    • The car park is located outside the A level entrance, off Dinwoodie Drive.
    • 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 10+ designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the hospital car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 240cm x 470cm (7ft 10in x 15ft 5in).
    • 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 not a designated drop-off point.
  • Paying View
    • There are not parking charges for the hospital car park.
    • 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 with assistance.
    • Assistance may be required because there is/are slopes/ramps.
    • The hospital entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
    • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 13m (14yd 8in) from the A level entrance.

Getting To (Candover Suite - Wessex Ward)

  • Candover Suite - Wessex Ward is/are located on the second floor of the Diagnosis & Treatment Centre.
  • Access to Candover Suite - Wessex Ward is via the Diagnosis & Treatment Centre main entrance.
  • Enter the Diagnosis & Treatment Centre via the main entrance.
    Proceed ahead through the waiting area and turn right into the corridor.
    Follow the corridor to the lift lobby on the left.
    Take a lift to the second floor.
    On exiting the lift, turn left and the entrance to the Candover Suite is immediately ahead.
    Enter the Candover Suite through the double doors and the reception for the Wessex Ward is ahead and on the left.
    The Ward is further ahead and on the right.
  • There is step free access, via lift, to Candover Suite - Wessex Ward.
  • Candover Suite - Wessex Ward is approximately 10m from the lift.
  • There is a/are manual, double door(s) which may be difficult to open between the lift and the department/service.
  • There are resting areas along the route.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
  • There is some flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.

Outside Access (Diagnosis and Treatment Centre)

  • 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.
    • There is a bell/buzzer.
    • The height of the bell/buzzer is 144cm (4ft 9in).
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 144cm (4ft 9in).
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 126cm (4ft 2in).
    • There is not a door release button when exiting.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 127cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 1.5cm or below.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 90cm.
  • Ramp/Slope Details View
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is steep.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.

Lift (Diagnosis and Treatment Centre)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located on the ground floor, past reception.
  • Signs indicating the location of this lift are not clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 30m (32yd 2ft) from the Diagnosis and Treatment Centre main entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are floors G, 1 and 2.
  • There are manual, single doors which may be difficult to open to access the lift lobby on the first floor and on the second floor.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on lift lobby landings.
  • There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
  • Lift doors do contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
  • The external controls for the lift are not within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
  • The external lift controls are 113cm from the floor.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is poor.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is good.
  • The clear door width is 132cm (4ft 4in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 177cm x 270cm (5ft 10in x 8ft 10in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • There is a list of floor services available within the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The internal controls for the lift are not within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The internal lift controls are between 86 - 100cm from the floor.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is good.

Other Floors (Diagnosis and Treatment Centre)

  • Stairs View
    • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There are manual, single doors which may be difficult to open to enter and exit the stairwell on the ground floor and on the first floor.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are floors G, 1, and 2.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • Handrails are not at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • There is a landing.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor of the building are provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Reception (Wessex Ward)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located immediately to the left of the entrance to the Candover Suite.
    • The reception point is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the second floor lift.
    • The reception area/desk is clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There is step free access to the reception point.
    • There is a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
    • There are no windows, glazed screens or mirrors behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The reception counter is not placed in front of a background which is patterned.
    • The lighting levels at the reception point are good.
    • The height of the reception counter is high (110cm+).
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the low section of the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • There is not a bell to attract attention.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
    • Signs and universally accepted symbols or pictograms, indicating lifts, stairs, WCs, circulation routes and other parts of the building are not provided in the reception area.
  • Reception Waiting Area View
    • There is not a waiting area close to the reception point.
    • Lighting levels are good.

Ward (Wessex Ward)

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a/an cancer ward.
    • This is a shared ward.
    • There is/are 0 bay(s) available.
    • There is/are 11 side room(s) available.
    • There is/are 11 bed(s) on this ward in total.
  • Ward Access View
    • There is a/are door(s) leading into the ward.
    • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 160cm (5ft 3in).
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 117cm (3ft 10in).
    • There is not a door release button when exiting.
    • There is level access throughout the ward.
    • There is clear signage on the ward.
    • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
    • There is some flooring on the ward which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Relatives' Room View
    • There is not a relatives' room for the ward.
  • Example Side Room View
    • There are multiple side rooms available with accessible ensuites.
    • The side room surveyed does have an accessible ensuite.
    • The width of the door opening into the side room is over 75cm.
    • The side room surveyed does not have a ceiling track hoist.
    • There is sufficient space next to the bed for a mobile hoist to operate.
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre around the bed.
    • Bedside storage is available.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and the floor in the side room is good.
    • The lighting levels in the side room are good.
    • The width of the door opening into the ensuite is over 75cm.
    • There is a clear unobstructed turning space within the ensuite.
    • The fixtures/facilities available in the ensuite include; a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and the floor in the ensuite is good.
    • The lighting levels in the ensuite are good.
  • Ward Features and Patient Facilities View
    • A hearing assistance system is not available on the ward.
    • The ward does not play background music.
    • There is a chair with armrests on both sides.
    • A mobile hoist is available on the ward.
    • There are washroom facilities for patients on the ward.
    • There are toilet facilities for patients on the ward.
  • Visitor Facilities View
    • There are no accessible toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • Accessible toilet facilities for visitors are located on the ground floor.
    • There are standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • All bedrooms have ensuite toilets which can be used by visitors.
  • Visiting Times View
    • There are set visiting times for the ward.
    • Visiting times are 12:00 to 19:00.
    • The visiting times are the same for each day.
    • At the time of surveying, visitors must telephone the ward in advance and bring evidence of a negative Covid test taken on the same day as the visit.
      A screening declaration form must also be completed at reception before entering the ward.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Wessex Ward Treatment Room)

  • There is / are 1 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; 11.
  • 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) may be difficult to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 87cm (2ft 10in).
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is a bed / couch.
  • The bed / couch is adjustable.
  • There is not sufficient space next to the bed/couch for a mobile hoist to operate.
  • There is a chair.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • The chair(s) is not/are not height adjustable.
  • There are no chairs with armrests available.
  • Some tables are permanently fixed.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • The room does not have background music playing.
  • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • Lighting levels are good.

Washroom (Wessex Ward)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • There is/are 11 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
    • The washroom surveyed is located within Room 15.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
    • This washroom is shared.
    • There is no additional 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 may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 190cm x 220cm (6ft 3in x 7ft 3in).
    • 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 tied up and out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor).
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s) 178cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is not a tall mirror, with suitable specifications, for ease of use.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the wash basin is 79cm.
    • There are no wall-mounted grab rails for the wash basin.
    • The tap type is lever. It is a mixer tap.
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 125cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • The washroom has a non-slip floor.
  • Toilet Details View
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 50cm (1ft 8in).
    • The toilet has a lid obstructing the back rest/cistern/wall.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 125cm.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is no dropdown rail for the toilet.
    • There are no wall-mounted grab rails for the toilet.
    • There is not a toilet roll holder.
    • There is not a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
  • Shower Details View
    • There is a wheel in shower.
    • The shower does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The shower head is height adjustable.
    • The shower control type is twist/turn.
    • There is no seat for the shower.
    • There are wall-mounted grab rails available for the shower.
  • 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 toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • 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 good.
  • Comments View
    • Linen hand towels are provided to patients every day.

Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities (Diagnosis and Treatment Centre)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are located on the ground floor of the Diagnosis and Treatment Centre, beyond the reception area on the left hand side. There is also an accessible toilet on the ground floor past the lift lobby and on the left hand side.
  • Female and male standard toilet facilities are located on the ground floor of the Diagnosis and Treatment Centre, beyond the reception area, on the left hand side.
  • Shared standard toilet facilities are located on the ground floor, within the changing room area.

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