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Birth Centre

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 2)

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car park is located in front of the maternity and day surgery 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 2 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the hospital car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 193cm x 558cm (6ft 4in x 18ft 4in).
    • 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 dropped kerbs.
    • The hospital entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
    • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 12m (13yd 4in) from the day surgery unit.
  • Comments View
    • Blue Badge holders must register their car registration to get free parking.

Getting To (The Birth Centre)

  • The Birth Centre is/are located on the first floor of the Maternity Wing.
  • Access to the Birth Centre is via the Maternity Wing entrance.
  • Enter the Maternity Wing and turn right to enter the lift lobby.
    Take the lift up to the first floor.
    Exit the lift lobby, turn right, then immediately left and proceed through the Birth Centre / Transitional Care / Antenatal Ward entrance.
    The Birth Centre will be in front of you.
  • There is step free access, via lift, to the Birth Centre.
  • The Birth Centre is approximately 5m 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 not 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

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the left of the main hospital entrance.
    • 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 not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 140cm (4ft 7in).
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • 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 207cm.
    • 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 212cm.
  • Ramp/Slope Details View
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the first set of entrance doors.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.

Other Floors

  • Stairs View
    • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There are manual, double doors which may be difficult to open to enter and exit the stairwell on all floors.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1.
    • 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 extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • There is a landing.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor of the building are not provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the right as you enter.
  • Signs indicating the location of this lift are clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 9m (9yd 2ft) from the maternity unit 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 G, 1.
  • There are manual, double doors which may be difficult to open to access the lift lobby on the first 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 128cm (4ft 2in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 142cm x 274cm (4ft 8in x 8ft 12in).
  • 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 not a list of floor services available within the lift.
  • The lift does not 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.

Entrance (Birth Centre / Transitional Care / Antenatal Ward Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the first floor, to the right of the maternity reception.
    • The entrance area/door is not 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 114cm (3ft 9in).
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 135cm (4ft 5in).
    • There is not a door release button when exiting.
    • The main 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 168cm.
  • Comments View
    • The intercom is on the inside of the door and is for use when exiting the area.
    • Please ask at the reception for access into the area.

Ward

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a/an birthing ward.
    • This is a female ward.
    • There is/are 0 bay(s) available.
    • There is/are 9 side room(s) available.
    • There is/are 9 bed(s) on this ward in total.
  • Ward Access View
    • 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 moderate to good.
  • Reception/Nurses' Station View
    • The height of the ward reception desk is 127cm.
    • There is not a lowered section.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system available at the desk.
  • Relatives' Room View
    • There is not a relatives' room for the ward.
  • 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 not 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 in the Transitional Care Ward.
    • There are no standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • Standard toilet facilities for visitors are located by the maternity reception.
  • Visiting Times View
    • There are set visiting times for the ward.
    • Visiting times are 15:00 - 20:00. Birth partners can visit 24/7.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Birthing Pool Room)

  • There is / are 9 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; 7.
  • 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) towards you (pull).
  • 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 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 not adjustable.
  • A hoist can be brought in from another department.
  • There is 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 moderate to good.

Washroom (Birthing Pool Room 7)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • There is/are 1 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
    • The washroom surveyed is located in room 7.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
    • This washroom is female.
    • There is no additional signage on or near the washroom door.
    • The washroom door(s) open(s) inwards and outwards.
    • The door(s) is/are locked by a twist lock.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 245cm x 166cm (8ft x 5ft 5in).
    • 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 not a coat hook in the washroom.
    • 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 86cm.
    • There are no wall-mounted grab rails for the wash basin.
    • The tap type is lever. It is not 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 96cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 125cm.
    • 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 44cm (1ft 5in).
    • 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 88cm.
    • 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 height is fixed.
    • The shower control type is twist/turn.
    • There is no seat for the shower.
    • There are not wall-mounted grab rails available for the shower.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The colour contrast between the external washroom door and wall is low.
    • The colour contrast between the internal washroom door and wall is low.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
    • The colour contrast between the washroom floor and walls is medium.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Room 1)

  • There is / are 9 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; 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 a locked extension leaf.
  • The door(s) is/are easy 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.
  • There are some chairs with 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 moderate to good.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Room 9)

  • There is / are 9 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Room 9.
  • 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) towards you (pull).
  • 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 vinyl/laminate.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is a bed / couch.
  • The bed / couch is not adjustable.
  • 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.
  • 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 moderate to good.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Maternity Triage)

  • There is / are 9 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Maternity 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) is/are permanently held 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.
  • A hoist can be brought in from another department.
  • There is 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.
  • 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.

Standard Toilet(s) (Maternity Triage)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The shared toilet is located in the maternity triage room.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 11m from the Birth Centre / Transitional Care / Antenatal Ward entrance.
    • There is no signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is low.
    • The colour contrast between the internal toilet door(s) and wall(s) is medium.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • Toilet seats do not have a high colour contrast.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 84cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever.
    • 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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