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Acute Assessment Unit (AAU)

Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Galsworthy Road, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, KT2 7QB

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Access Guide

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Getting To The Hospital

  • By Road View
    • The postcode for SAT-NAV users is KT2 7QB.
      Kingston Hospital is located to the east of the town centre.
      Kingston Hospital can be accessed from the M25 or A3.
    • Parking at the hospital is very limited so where possible travel by public transport.
      Car parks 1 to 3 are located at the front of the site.
      There are Blue Badge bays available in car parks 1, 2 and outside of the Esher Wing.
  • By Bus View
    • Kingston Hospital is served by a number of bus routes such as Kingston Hospital Forecourt – K2 and K4, Galsworthy Road – K3, 57, 213 and N213, Coombe Road – K2, K3, K4, K5 and Kingston Hill – 57, 85, 213, N213.
    • There is an onsite bus stop.
    • The main on-site bus stop is located in front of the Sir William Rous Unit, off of Galsworthy Road.
    • The bus stop is sheltered and has bench seating available. There is limited space for a wheelchair user.
    • The route from the main on-site bus stop to the main entrance is approximately 75 meters. The route has slight slopes/ramps on approach and there is a zebra crossing with tactile paving on both sides.
  • By Train View
    • The nearest station to Kingston Hospital is Norbiton, approximately 0.2 miles (4 minute walk) away via Coombe Road or Wolverton Avenue.
      Norbiton Station is served by the South Western Railway.
  • Useful Links View

Getting Help and Assistance

  • 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 on level 2 of the Bernard Meade Wing.
  • The telephone number for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is 020 8934 3993.
  • 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 by the outpatients main entrance.
  • Documents are available in an alternative format and can be provided to include: Braille on request, large print on request, different languages on request and audio on request.
  • There is not an assistance dog toilet or toileting area on the hospital site.
  • Water bowls for assistance dogs are available on request.
  • 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 (Car Park 1)

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • 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 and block paving.
    • There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • There is/are 9 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the hospital car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 254cm x 460cm (8ft 4in x 15ft 1in).
    • There is not a 120cm hatched zone around the Blue Badge parking bay(s).
  • 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 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.
    • Payment machines are located inside the hospital building and close to the Blue Badge parking bays.
    • There is not a payment machine at a convenient height for wheelchair users.
    • 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 slopes/ramps.
    • 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.
  • Comments View
    • Blue Badge holders must register their car registration to get free parking.

Hospital Parking (Staff, Visitor and Disabled Car Park)

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car park is located in front of the Royal Eye Unit.
    • 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 5 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the hospital car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 250cm x 480cm (8ft 2in x 15ft 9in).
    • There is not a 120cm hatched zone around the Blue Badge parking bay(s).
  • 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 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.
    • Payment machines are located close to the Blue Badge parking bays.
    • There is not a payment machine at a convenient height for wheelchair users.
    • 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 slopes/ramps.
    • The hospital entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
    • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 16m (17yd 1ft) from the Royal Eye Unit.
  • Comments View
    • Blue Badge holders must register their car registration to get free parking.

Hospital Parking (Esher Wing - Disabled Car Park)

  • 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 Esher Wing.
    • 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 248cm x 510cm (8ft 2in x 16ft 9in).
    • There is a 120cm hatched zone around the Blue Badge parking bay(s).
  • 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.
    • Payment machines are located inside the hospital building.
    • There is not a payment machine at a convenient height for wheelchair users.
  • 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 10m (10yd 2ft) from the Esher Wing entrance.
  • Comments View
    • Blue Badge holders must register their car registration to get free parking.

Getting To (Acute Assessment Unit (AAU))

  • The Acute Assessment Unit (AAU) is/are located on level 3 of the Kingston Surgical Centre.
  • Access to the Acute Assessment Unit (AAU) is via the Kingston Surgical Centre entrance.
  • Enter the Kingston Surgical Centre, turn left and head through the double doors.
    Take the lift to level 3.
    As you exit the lift continue ahead and the ward on the right.
  • There is step free access, via lift, to the Acute Assessment Unit (AAU).
  • The Acute Assessment Unit (AAU) is approximately 24m from the Kingston Surgical Centre lift.
  • There is a/are manual, double door(s) which may be difficult to open between the Kingston Surgical Centre entrance and the department/service.
  • There are not resting areas along the route.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • Dementia friendly signage is provided.
  • There is flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.

Outside Access (Kingston Surgical Centre Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the Kingston Surgical Centre.
    • 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 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.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 133cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 1.5cm or below.

Other Floors (Kingston Surgical Centre)

  • Stairs View
    • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There are manual doors to enter and exit the stairwell on all floors.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are 2, 3, 4 and 5.
    • 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 at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not 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 moderate to good.

Lift (Kingston Surgical Centre)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the left as you enter the Kingston Surgical Centre.
  • Signs indicating the location of this lift are clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 7m (7yd 1ft) from the Kingston Surgical Centre 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 2, 3, 4 and 5.
  • There are manual, double doors which may be difficult to open to access the lift lobby on the second floor and on the fifth 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 within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is high.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is high.
  • The clear door width is 88cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 135cm x 140cm (4ft 5in x 4ft 7in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is 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 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 low to moderate.

Ward (Acute Assessment Unit (AAU))

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a/an medical ward.
    • This is a shared ward.
    • There is/are 8 bay(s) available.
    • There is/are 11 side room(s) available.
    • There is/are 50 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) 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 (5ft 1in).
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 126cm (4ft 2in).
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 117cm (3ft 10in).
    • There is a door release button when exiting.
    • The height of the door release button is 106cm (3ft 6in).
    • There is level access throughout the ward.
    • There is clear signage on the ward.
    • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
    • There is flooring on the ward which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Reception/Nurses' Station View
    • The height of the ward reception desk is 110cm.
    • There is a lowered section.
    • The height of the lowered section of the desk is 76cm.
    • There is a hearing assistance system available at the desk.
    • The type of system is a portable loop.
    • The hearing assistance system is signed.
    • Staff are not trained to use the hearing assistance system.
    • The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.
  • Relatives' Room View
    • There is a relatives' room for the ward.
    • The width of the door opening into the relatives' room is over 75cm.
    • There is not a clear turning space in the relatives' room.
    • There is a/are chair(s) with armrests available within the relatives' room.
  • Ward Features and Patient Facilities View
    • 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 outside of the ward.
    • There are no standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • Standard toilet facilities for visitors are located outside of the ward.
  • Visiting Times View
    • There are set visiting times for the ward.
    • Visiting times are 11:00 to 20:00.
    • The visiting times are the same for each day.

Day Room / Lounge Area (Relatives Room)

  • There is a day room/lounge area.
  • There is level access into the day room/lounge area.
  • The day room/lounge area is always open.
  • There is a/are door(s) into the day room/lounge area.
  • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) is/are single width with a locked extension leaf.
  • The door(s) is/are easy to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 87cm (2ft 10in).
  • The type of flooring is carpet.
  • There is not a space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There are sofas only.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 52cm (1ft 8in).
  • The room does not have background music playing.
  • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • There is not a television.
  • 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.

Imaging Room (Ultrasound)

  • This section describes the Ultrasound Room(s), located along the ward corridor.
  • There is / are 1 Ultrasound Room(s) available.
  • This room is not accessed via a changing room.
  • Imaging Room View
    • There is step free access into the imaging room.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The door is not push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is/are single width with a locked extension leaf.
    • The door(s) is/are easy to open.
    • A member of staff is available to assist with opening the door if required.
    • The width of the door is 88cm.
    • There is not sufficient space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre within the imaging room.
    • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
    • There is a bed / couch.
    • The bed / couch is adjustable.
    • There is no hoist available.
    • The room does not have background music playing.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the imaging room.
    • The lighting levels in the imaging room are low to moderate.
  • Comments View
    • This ultrasound room is for inpatients on wards across the whole hospital.

Washroom (Bay 3)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower and a wash basin.
    • There is/are 8 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
    • The washroom surveyed is located within bay 3.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
    • This washroom is interchangeable between male and female.
    • There is pictorial, written or text and dementia friendly 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 is easy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 133cm x 242cm (4ft 4in x 7ft 11in).
    • 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 within reach and fully functional.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s) 154cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is a tall mirror, with suitable specifications, for ease of use.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The height of the wash basin is 80cm.
    • 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 height of the soap dispenser is 130cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 135cm.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • Disposal facilities are not available.
    • The washroom has a non-slip floor.
  • 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 lever.
    • A shower chair is available.
    • 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 high.
    • The colour contrast between the internal washroom door and wall is high.
    • The colour contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is high.
    • The colour contrast between the washroom floor and walls is medium.
    • Lighting levels are good.

Standard Toilet(s) (Bay 3)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The interchangeable toilet is located within each bay.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • The colour contrast between the internal toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • Toilet seats do not have a high colour contrast.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is available.
    • There are horizontal wall mounted rails available on both sides of the toilet.
    • The colour contrast of the horizontal wall mounted grab rail(s) in the ambulant cubicle(s) is high.
    • There is a/are vertical wall mounted rail(s) on the left as you face the toilet.
    • The colour contrast of the vertical wall mounted grab rails in the ambulant cubicle(s) is high.
    • There is a/are dropdown rail(s) on the right as you face the ambulant toilet(s).
    • The colour contrast of the dropdown rail(s) in the ambulant cubicle(s) is high.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 80cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The wall fixed soap dispenser is located above the wash basin.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.

Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities

  • Accessible toilet facilities are located on level 3 by the Main Entrance, on level 2 of the Esher Wing and Kingston Surgical Centre, on levels 3 and 4 of the Kingston Surgical Centre and on levels 6 and 7 of the Esher Wing.
  • Shared standard toilet facilities are located on level 3 by the Main Entrance, level 2 of the Esher Wing and Kingston Surgical Centre and on level 5 of Esher Wing.
  • Female and male standard toilet facilities are located on levels 3 and 4 of Kingston Surgical Centre.
  • Parent and baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet on level 2 of the Kingston Surgical Centre and within the accessible toilets on levels 6 and 7 of Esher Wing.

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