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Maternity Assessment Unit (MAU)

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

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Access Guide

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Getting To (Maternity Assessment Unit - MAU)

  • The Maternity Assessment Unit (MAU) is located on Level 3 of the South Wing.
  • The Maternity Assessment Unit (MAU) is approximately 50m from the South Wing – Zone A – Lift 3 and 4 – Main Entrance lifts.
  • The route from the Accessible Parking to the Main Entrance has uneven surfaces, slopes, bollards and bins.
  • View further information about parking at the hospital (opens new tab)
  • Access to the Maternity Assessment Unit (MAU) is via the main entrance.
  • Enter the hospital via the main entrance and proceed ahead through the entrance lobby.
    The South Wing – Zone A – Lift 3 and 4 are located to the right.
    Take a lift to Level 3.
    Exit the lift and follow the main hospital corridor ahead.
    Continue halfway along this corridor and the entrance to the Maternity Assessment Unit (MAU) is located on the right.
  • View further information about entrances (opens new tab)
  • There is step free access, via lift, to the Maternity Assessment Unit (MAU).
  • The most accessible route includes manual doors which are held open.
  • Some flooring is shiny .
  • There are not resting areas along the route.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
  • The following toilet facilities are available along the route; a changing places facility, accessible toilet (with right hand transfer) and standard toilets.
  • View information about accessible toilet facilities in public areas (opens new tab).
  • View information on getting to and around the hospital (opens new tab)

Hospital Parking (Accessible Parking)

  • 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 hospital.
    • 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 and signposted.
    • 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 226cm x 446cm (7ft 5in x 14ft 8in).
    • 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 not parking charges for the hospital car park.
    • Payment signs are provided.
    • Payment signs are clearly presented.
    • Payment signs are located throughout the car park.
    • Payment signs do make it clear if parking charges apply to Blue Badge holders.
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
    • Free parking for Blue Badge holders is for 4 hours only.
    • 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 uneven surfaces.
    • The hospital entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
    • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 25m (27yd 1ft) from the main entrance.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front left side of the hospital.
    • There is a drop-off point at this entrance.
    • 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.
    • There is a bell/buzzer.
    • The height of the bell/buzzer is 142cm (4ft 8in).
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 142cm (4ft 8in).
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 99cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a door release button when exiting.
    • The height of the door release button is 138cm (4ft 6in).
    • Standard manual wheelchairs are available for people to borrow at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 233cm.
    • 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 221cm.
  • Comments View
    • There is a very easy slope if the entrance is approached from the right and there is a slight slope if the entrance is approached from the left.

Lift (South Wing - Zone A - Lift 3 and 4 - Main Entrance)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located ahead from the main entrance, to the right.
  • Signs indicating the location of this lift are not clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the 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 1, 2, 3.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not 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 within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
  • The visual contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is low.
  • The visual contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is high.
  • The clear door width is 129cm (4ft 3in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 178cm x 268cm (5ft 10in x 8ft 10in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • There is not 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 within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is moderate to good.

Waiting Room / Area (Delivery Suite And Maternity Assessment Unit - MAU Waiting Area)

  • There is a waiting room / area.
  • The waiting room / area is approximately 2m from the Delivery Suite And Maternity Assessment Unit (MAU) 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.
  • Some chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs with armrests are available.
  • All tables are permanently fixed.
  • The surface height of the lowest table is 45cm.
  • The tables do contrast visually with the floor.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Announcements are in person.
  • 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 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 moderate to good.

Entrance (Delivery Suite And Maternity Assessment Unit - MAU Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located on Level 3 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 a bell/buzzer.
    • The height of the bell/buzzer is 151cm (4ft 11in).
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 151cm (4ft 11in).
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 109cm (3ft 7in).
    • There is a door release button when exiting.
    • The height of the door release button is 144cm (4ft 9in).
    • Standard manual wheelchairs are available for people to borrow at this entrance.
    • 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 168cm.

Department / Service (Maternity Assessment Unit - MAU)

  • Department / Service Access View
    • The Maternity Assessment Unit (MAU) is located on Level 3 of the South Wing.
    • There is level access throughout the department/service.
    • Staff can provide assistance with using any manual doors within the department/service.
    • There is no clear signage on the department/service.
    • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
    • There is some flooring in the department/service which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • The department/service does not play background music.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Department / Service Facilities View
    • This department/service has; a main reception, a waiting room/area, consultation rooms and accessible toilet facilities for everyone.
    • There are 2 consultation/treatment rooms in this department/service.
    • A hearing assistance system is not available in the department/service.
    • A mobile hoist is available from another department/service.
    • There are accessible toilet facilities within the department/service.
    • There are not standard toilet facilities within this department/service.

Opening Times (Maternity Assessment Unit (MAU))

  • The venue is open 24hrs.

Reception (Delivery Suite And Maternity Assessment Unit - MAU Reception)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located at the end of the unit corridor and on the left.
    • The reception point is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the Delivery Suite And Maternity Assessment Unit (MAU) 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 moderate to good.
    • The height of the reception counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
    • 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.
  • Reception Waiting Area View
    • There is not a waiting area close to the reception point.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Maternity Assessment Unit - MAU)

  • There is / are 1 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Maternity Assessment Unit (MAU).
  • 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 88cm (2ft 11in).
  • 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 a chair.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • The chair(s) is not/are not height adjustable.
  • All chairs have 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 moderate to good.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Triage)

  • There is / are 1 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Triage.
  • 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 88cm (2ft 11in).
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is a bed / couch.
  • The bed / couch is adjustable.
  • There is a chair.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • The chair(s) is not/are not height adjustable.
  • All chairs have 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 moderate to good.

Washroom (Corridor - Shower Room)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • There is/are 1 washroom(s) of this type in the unit.
    • The washroom surveyed is located at the end of the unit corridor and on the right.
    • The washroom surveyed is approximately 10m from the Delivery Suite And Maternity Assessment Unit (MAU) entrance.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the unit.
    • This washroom is female.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the washroom door.
    • The washroom door(s) open(s) inwards.
    • 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 420cm x 262cm (13ft 9in x 8ft 7in).
    • The washroom does 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 red flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s) 163cm 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 84cm.
    • 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 126cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 126cm.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • There is a/are pedal bin and clinical waste disposal units.
    • The washroom has a non-slip floor.
  • Toilet Details View
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet has a wall which can act as a back rest.
    • There is not a lateral transfer space.
    • There is a flush.
    • There is no dropdown rail for the toilet.
    • There are no wall-mounted grab rails for the toilet.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 75cm.
    • There is a shelf next to the toilet.
    • The shelf does not have the minimum dimensions of 12.5cm x 40cm.
    • The shelf is at a height of 104cm.
    • The shelf is located where it is reachable.
    • There is not a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
  • Shower Details View
    • There is not 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 lever.
    • There is a flip-down/tip-up seat for the shower.
    • The height of the flip-down/tip-up or fixed seat is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • There are wall-mounted grab rails available for the shower.
    • The shower cubicle is accessed via a shallow step.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The colour contrast between the external washroom door and wall is medium.
    • The visual contrast between the internal washroom door and wall is medium.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is high.
    • The visual contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is high.
    • The visual contrast between the washroom floor and walls is high.
    • Lighting levels are good.

Toilet with Adaptations (Left Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located at the end of the unit corridor and on the right.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 10m from the Delivery Suite And Maternity Assessment Unit (MAU) entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a female toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is medium.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is medium.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is high.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 200cm x 175cm (6ft 7in x 5ft 9in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 136cm.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a push button flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The visual contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is high.
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are sanitary, pedal bin and clinical waste disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 166cm from the floor.
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The toilet has a backrest.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is high.
    • 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 121cm (3ft 12in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is low.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) 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 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
    • The wash basin tap type is push.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 120cm.
    • 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 122cm (4ft).
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is medium.
    • There is not a hand dryer.