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Birth Centre

St Mary's Hospital, Praed Street, Paddington, London, W2 1NY

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Access Guide

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Getting To (Birth Centre)

  • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking bays on South Wharf Road has bollards, step-free level access, uneven surfaces and a dropped kerb.
  • View further information about parking at the hospital (opens new tab).
  • Access to the Birth Centre is via the Cambridge Building Main Entrance - Norfolk Place.
  • There is not a drop-off point at this entrance.
  • The Birth Centre is located on the ground floor of the Cambridge Building.
  • The Birth Centre is approximately 19m from the Cambridge Building Accessible Lift.
  • Enter the Cambridge Building via the Cambridge Building Main Entrance - Norfolk Place, and bypass the stepped level change using the Accessible Lift.
    Go straight ahead beyond the stepped level change, past lift 13 and lift 14.
    The Birth Centre is straight ahead of you.
  • Internally the most accessible route has manual doors, step-free level access, a platform lift and narrow walkways.
  • Some flooring along the route is shiny.
  • There are resting areas along the route.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • Signage is clearly visible with high contrasting colours.
  • The following toilet facilities are available along the route; a toilet with adaptations (with right hand transfer).
  • View more information on getting to and around the hospital (opens new tab).

Parking (South Wharf Road)

Entrance (Cambridge Building Main Entrance - Norfolk Place)

  • This entrance is located at the front of the building, on Norfolk Place.
  • The approach to the entrance has uneven surfaces.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is step-free access via a very easy slope at the entrance.
  • There are double automatic doors at this entrance.
  • The doors are permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 170cm.
  • The doors have a low visual contrast.
  • There is a second set of double automatic doors .
  • The second set of doors open by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 144cm.
  • The second set of doors have a low visual contrast.
  • There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 114cm.
  • The height of the intercom at the second set of doors is 143cm.
  • There is stepped access as you enter.
  • The lift bypasses the steps.
  • There are 9 steps with no handrails.
  • The steps are clearly marked.
  • The height of the steps is not between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the highest step is 12cm.
  • The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
  • This entrance gives access to the ground floor of the Cambridge Building.
    The steps after the entrance can be overcome with a platform lift, however at the time of survey, the lift was not working.
    In the event of the lift not working, there is an alternative ramped entrance off Norfolk Place.

Lift (Cambridge Building Main Entrance - Accessible Lift)

  • The lift surveyed is located to the right as you enter via the Cambridge Building main entrance.
  • This lift is a platform lift.
  • The distance from the Cambridge Building main entrance is 8m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access, manual doors and narrow walkways.
  • The lift door has a high visual contrast.
  • The lift does not have a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
  • The external lift control buttons have a high visual contrast.
  • None of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 94cm.
  • The internal lift control buttons have a high visual contrast.
  • The lift is slow moving and the button needs to be pressed constantly when in use.
  • Internally the lift has: a separate door to exit.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • At the time of survey (June 2025), the lift was out of service.

Ward (Birth Centre)

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a female only ward.
    • There are 5 side rooms available.
    • There are 5 beds in total on the ward.
    • There is 1 consultation/medical room available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is written text signage on or near the door.
    • There is step-free level access into this ward.
    • There is a key fob/card reader at a height of 125cm.
    • There is an intercom at a height of 131cm.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 123cm.
    • There are double manual doors with a high visual contrast.
    • The doors open towards you.
    • The width of the opening is 145cm.
    • There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 124cm.
  • Getting Around View
    • There is step-free level access throughout.
    • Access throughout may include narrow walkways and manual doors.
    • The flooring is shiny.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • There may be background noise in this area.
    • Wayfinding signage is not provided.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
    • Lighting levels are adjustable.
  • Reception / Nurses' Station View
    • The height of the desk is 72cm.
    • There is not a lowered section at the desk.
    • The desk has patterned/distracting backgrounds.
    • There is a clearly signed portable hearing assistance system.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.
  • Facilities and Services View
    • Seating available on the ward includes: chairs with armrests, sofas and armchairs.
    • There is a clearly signed portable hearing assistance system.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.
    • There is not a relatives' room for the ward.
    • The following facilities are available for patients: washrooms.
    • The following facilities are available for visitors: a standard toilet.
    • The nearest toilet with adaptations for visitors is located on the ground floor of the Cambridge Building, immediately outside the ward.
  • Visiting Hours View

Toilet and Changing Facilities (Patient)

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female step-free toilet facilities are located within every birthing room (ensuite).
  • Washroom and Shower Facilities View
    • Standard washroom facilities are located within birthing rooms 2, 3 and 4 (baths with over-bath showers); and within birthing rooms 1 and 5 (wheel-in showers).

Toilet and Changing Facilities (Visitors)

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The shared step-free toilet facilities are located immediately to the right as you enter the Birth Centre.

Consultation / Medical Room

  • There is 1 consultation/medical room available.
  • The room surveyed was; the consultation room.
  • The room is located to the left as you enter the Birth Centre, through the reception waiting area.
  • The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access.
  • There is no signage on or near the door.
  • There is step-free level access into the room.
  • There is a single manual door with a high visual contrast.
  • The door opens inwards.
  • The width of the opening is 85cm.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the room.
  • There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is not space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • The flooring is shiny.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • The treatment table is free standing and height adjustable.
  • The length of the treatment table is 180cm.
  • Seating available in the room includes: chairs with armrests.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise in this room.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.

Standard Bedroom and Ensuite (1 - Water Birthing Room - Marjorie Heath Room)

  • Bedroom Access View
    • The bedroom surveyed is located straight ahead and on the left as you enter the Birth Centre via the ward entrance.
    • The distance from the ward entrance is 12m.
    • The most accessible route to the bedroom has manual doors and step-free level access.
    • There is step-free level access into the bedroom.
    • There is written text and numbered signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens inwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 97cm.
  • Bedroom Features View
    • The bedroom has a single bed.
    • The top of the mattress is 42cm from the floor.
    • Furniture can be moved to enable a manoeuvring space next to the bed (150cm x 150cm).
    • The flooring is shiny.
    • The following is available in this bedroom: a flashing fire alarm, a chair without armrests, a coffee table, bedside plug sockets, an additional single bed and a TV with subtitles.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
    • Lighting levels are adjustable.
    • This room contains a birthing pool.
    • The height of the side of the birthing pool is 75cm.
  • Ensuite Access View
    • There is step-free level access into the ensuite.
    • The ensuite door opens inwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 86cm.
    • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
  • Ensuite Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the ensuite are 206cm (width) x 263cm (depth) and there is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is not a lateral transfer space next to the toilet.
    • The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser, a wall mounted toilet roll holder, a wall mounted towel dispenser, a hand towel and a wash basin available.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The toilet roll holder has a high visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser has a high visual contrast.
    • The towel dispenser has a high visual contrast.
    • Additional features include: a coat hook, a mirror and an emergency alarm.
    • The ensuite has a sanitary bin.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
    • The ensuite has a wheel-in shower.
    • There is an adjustable shower head which can also be detached.
    • The shower controls are twist turn mixer.
    • There is no shower seat, but one can be requested in advance.

Standard Bedroom and Ensuite (2 - Standard Birthing Room)

  • Bedroom Access View
    • The bedroom surveyed is located straight ahead and on the left as you enter the Birth Centre from the ward entrance.
    • The distance from the ward entrance is 8m.
    • The most accessible route to the bedroom has manual doors and step-free level access.
    • There is step-free level access into the bedroom.
    • There is numbered signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens inwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 96cm.
  • Bedroom Features View
    • The bedroom has a double bed.
    • The top of the mattress is 59cm from the floor.
    • The space under the bed is 11cm from the floor.
    • Furniture can be moved to enable a manoeuvring space next to the bed (150cm x 150cm).
    • The flooring is shiny.
    • The following is available in this bedroom: a flashing fire alarm, bedside plug sockets, a coffee table, a chair without armrests, a TV with subtitles and an armchair.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
    • Lighting levels are adjustable.
  • Ensuite Access View
    • There is step-free level access into the ensuite.
    • The ensuite door opens inwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 76cm.
    • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
  • Ensuite Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the ensuite are 124cm (width) x 174cm (depth) and there is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet.
    • The lateral transfer space is 120cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder, a wash basin, a wall mounted soap dispenser and a hand towel available.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The toilet roll holder has a high visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser has a high visual contrast.
    • Additional features include: an emergency alarm, a mirror and a coat hook.
    • The ensuite has a sanitary bin.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.
    • Lighting levels are adjustable.
    • The ensuite has a bath with an overhead shower.
    • The bath controls are lever mixer.
    • There is an adjustable shower head which can also be detached.
    • The shower controls are lever mixer.
    • There is no shower seat.

Standard Toilet Facilities (Visitors W.C)

  • The shared standard toilet facilities were surveyed.
  • The toilet is located immediately to the right as you enter the Birth Centre.
  • The distance from the ward entrance is 3m.
  • The most accessible route has step-free level access and narrow walkways.
  • There is step-free level access into the toilet.
  • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
  • The door opens inwards and has a high visual contrast.
  • The width of the door opening is 67cm.
  • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
  • There are no ambulant toilet facilities available.
  • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser, a wall mounted soap dispenser and a wash basin available.
  • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.