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Emergency Department

Princess Royal University Hospital, Farnborough Common, Orpington, Kent, BR6 8ND

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Access Guide

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Getting To The Hospital

  • By Road View
    • Princess Royal University Hospital is located on Farnborough Common and can be accessed by the A21.
    • There is limited pay and display parking on site with spaces for Blue Badge holders. More spaces are available in the Sainsbury’s supermarket car park, close to the hospital (parking charges apply).

      Standard charges for patient and visitor parking at the hospital apply 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

      Up to 1 hour: £1.50 Up to 2 hours: £2.50 Up to 4 hours: £4 Up to 8 hours: £6 Up to 24 Hours: £8.
  • By Bus View
    • The following bus routes stop within the hospital grounds: 261, R3 and R4. These bus routes stop within a 10-minute walk: 61, 336, 353, 358 and R2.
  • By Train View
    • The nearest train station is Orpington which is approximately 1 mile 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 in the main entrance foyer.
  • The telephone number for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is 01689 863 252.
  • 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 the main reception.
  • Documents are available in an alternative format and can be provided to include: Braille on request, large print on request, Makaton on request and different languages 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.
  • To obtain mobility aids please contact the main reception.

Hospital Parking

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car park is located at the front of the hospital site.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does have a height restriction barrier.
    • The maximum height is 210cm (6ft 11in).
    • 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 342cm x 523cm (11ft 3in x 17ft 2in).
    • There is not 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 in front of the main entrance.
    • There is not a dropped kerb from the 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 not 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 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 with assistance.
    • Assistance may be required because there is/are dropped kerbs.
    • The hospital entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
    • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 17m (18yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • Comments View
    • Part of the patient parking area is sheltered.

Opening Times

  • This service is open 24 hours.

Outside Access (Emergency Department Main Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the hospital 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 dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is not a hand sanitiser.
    • There is not a door release button when exiting.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 145cm.
    • 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 (away from you).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 160cm.
  • Ramp/Slope Details View
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
  • Comments View
    • There is a third set of double doors that are heavy and open both ways. The width of the door opening entrance is 168cm.

Entrance (South Wing Level 1 Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located on level 1 of the South Wing.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is not a hand sanitiser.
    • There is not a door release button when exiting.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 167cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 166cm.

Entrance (Majors Areas A & B, Children's Emergency Department, Ambulance Reception & Resus)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located on level 1 of the South Wing.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 123cm .
    • There is not a hand sanitiser.
    • There is a door release button when exiting.
    • The height of the door release button is 126cm (4ft 2in).
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 154cm.
  • Comments View
    • Patients will be escorted through this door as access is via key card access.

Reception (Emergency Department)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located straight ahead and to the left on entering.
    • The reception point is approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the Emergency Department main entrance.
    • 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 a hearing assistance system.
    • The type of system is a fixed loop.
    • The hearing assistance system is signed.
    • Staff are not trained to use the hearing assistance system.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested on 22/06/2021.
    • The hearing assistance system was working at the time of testing.
    • 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 a waiting area close to the reception point.
    • Access to the waiting area is unobstructed.
    • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.
    • There is bench seating and also a mixture of single seats with and without armrests.
    • The waiting room / area does not have background music playing.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the waiting room / area.
    • There is a television.
    • Subtitles are available.
    • Vending machines are not available.
    • A water dispenser is 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 good.

Inside Access

  • There is level access once inside.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • This venue does not play background music.
  • Motorised scooters are allowed in public parts of the venue.
  • Wayfinding signage is not 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 varied.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Majors A)

  • There is / are 12 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Room 1.
  • 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 with an open extension leaf.
  • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 127cm (4ft 2in).
  • 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.
  • A hoist is available.
  • The hoist is electric.
  • A sling is available.
  • The sling is attached by hook and loop.
  • 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.
  • All chairs have armrests available.
  • No 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.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Majors B)

  • There is / are 6 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; 15.
  • 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 with a locked extension leaf.
  • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 85cm (2ft 9in).
  • 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.
  • A hoist is available.
  • The hoist is electric.
  • A sling is available.
  • The sling is attached by hook and loop.
  • 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 some chairs with armrests available.
  • 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.

Room / Area (Relatives Room)

  • There is / are 1 room(s) / area(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room / area surveyed was; Relatives Room.
  • The room / area is approximately 34m from the Majors Areas A & B, Children's Emergency Department, Ambulance Reception & Resus 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 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 not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is not a bed / couch.
  • 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.
  • All tables are permanently fixed.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • The room / area does not have background music playing.
  • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room / area.
  • Lighting levels are low to moderate.

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 and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is located straight ahead and to the right on entering.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 7m (7yd 1ft) from the Emergency Department main entrance.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is 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 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 189cm x 198cm (6ft 2in x 6ft 6in).
    • 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 121cm (3ft 12in).
    • The lateral transfer space was obstructed at the time of the survey.
    • 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 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, general domestic waste and clinical waste disposal units.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the cubicle.
    • There is not a/are not 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 both sides.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • 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 not a hand dryer.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 103cm (3ft 5in).
    • 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 100cm.
    • 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 poor.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby changing facilities are available within this accessible toilet.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 100cm (3ft 3in).

Accessible Toilet (Majors Areas A & B, Children's Emergency Department, Ambulance Reception & Resus Areas)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is located ahead and to the left on entering the Major's, Resuscitation, Children's Emergency Department and Areas.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the Majors Areas A & B, Children's Emergency Department, Ambulance Reception & Resus entrance.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is 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 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 180cm x 215cm (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 112cm (3ft 8in).
    • The lateral transfer space was obstructed at the time of the survey.
    • 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 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 general domestic waste and clinical 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 for the toilet.
    • 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 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 not a hand dryer.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 104cm (3ft 5in).
    • 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 100cm.
    • 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 poor.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby changing facilities are available within this accessible toilet.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 86cm (2ft 10in).

Accessible Toilet (Majors A)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is located to the left before entering Majors A.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 35m (38yd 10in) from the Majors Areas A & B, Children's Emergency Department, Ambulance Reception & Resus entrance.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 84cm (2ft 9in).
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 191cm x 185cm (6ft 3in x 6ft 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 both sides.
    • The lateral transfer space on the left is 71cm.
    • The lateral transfer space on the right is 72cm.
    • The lateral transfer space was obstructed at the time of the survey.
    • There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • There is a flush 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 general domestic waste and clinical waste 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 not available for the toilet.
    • 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 45cm (1ft 6in).
    • 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 133cm (4ft 4in).
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder cannot 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 130cm.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 77cm (2ft 6in).
  • 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 toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.

Standard Toilet(s) (Reception)

  • 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 straight ahead and to the left on entering.
    • The shared toilet(s) is/are approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the Emergency Department main 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 in the shared toilets are moderate to good.

Standard Toilet(s) (Majors Areas A & B, Children's Emergency Department, Ambulance Reception & Resus Areas)

  • 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 left on entering the Major's, Resuscitation, Children's Emergency Department and Areas.
    • The shared toilet(s) is/are approximately 2m (2yd 7in) from the Majors Areas A & B, Children's Emergency Department, Ambulance Reception & Resus 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 in the shared toilets are moderate to good.

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