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Rainbow Ward

Northwick Park Hospital, Watford Road, Harrow, Middlesex, HA1 3UJ

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Access Guide

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Getting To (Rainbow Ward)

  • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking bays in the Multi Storey Car Park - P1 has slight ramps or slopes, a dropped kerb with tactile paving, bollards and a pedestrian crossing.
  • View further information about parking at the hospital (opens new tab).
  • Access to the Rainbow Ward is via the main entrance.
  • There is a drop-off point at this entrance.
  • View further information about entrances (opens new tab).
  • The Rainbow Ward is located on Level 3 of the Ward Block.
  • The Rainbow Ward is approximately 28m from the Ward Block Lifts - 1A, 1B and 1C.
  • Enter the hospital via the main entrance.
  • Turn left at the main hospital reception, then turn right.
  • Proceed straight ahead along the corridor, until you reach the Ward Block Lifts - 1A, 1B and 1C.
  • Take a lift to Level 3.
  • Exit the lift, turn right, then turn right again along the corridor.
  • The Rainbow Ward is on your left.
  • Internally the most accessible route has step-free level access, a lift, doors permanently held open and automatic doors.
  • Some flooring along the route is shiny.
  • There are resting areas along the route.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • Signage is clearly visible with high contrasting colours.
  • The following toilet facilities are available along the route; standard toilets.
  • View information about accessible toilet facilities in public areas (opens new tab).
  • View more information on getting to and around the hospital (opens new tab).

Parking (Northwick Park Hospital - Multi-Storey Car Park - P1)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located in front of the main hospital building.
    • The car park is multi-storey.
    • The car park surface consists of tarmac and concrete.
    • There are 15+ designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
    • The Blue Badge bays have faded markings.
    • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 220cm (width) x 456cm (depth).
    • There is a marked zone to both sides and rear.
    • The width of the marked zone is 90cm.
    • The nearest designated bay is 67m from the main entrance.
    • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has slight ramps or slopes, bollards and a pedestrian crossing.
    • There is a dropped kerb with tactile paving from the designated Blue Badge parking.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park is for visitors and Blue Badge holders only.
    • Parking is not free for all users.
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
    • Free parking for Blue Badge holders is restricted to 6 hours.
    • Clearly presented parking signs are available.
    • Payment machines are located on Level G and 1 of the multi-storey car park.
    • There is a payment machine with controls at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • There is a level manoeuvring space for a wheelchair user in front of the payment machine (185cm x 210cm).
    • View information on parking policies/charges (opens new tab).
  • Electric Vehicle Charging Points View
    • There are 6 electric vehicle charging points.
    • The dimensions of the surveyed electric vehicle charging bay are 246cm (width) x 460cm (depth).
    • The controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • The nozzle holster is at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • The charging points require an app.
    • There are no electric vehicle charging points designated for Blue Badge holders.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is a designated drop-off point available.
    • The designated drop-off point is located in front of the lift lobby on Level 1.

Entrance (Main Entrance)

  • This entrance is located at the front of the main hospital building.
  • The approach to the entrance has uneven surfaces.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is step-free access via a very easy slope at the entrance.
  • There is an intercom at a height of 124cm.
  • The height of the hand sanitiser is 120cm.
  • There are double automatic doors at this entrance.
  • The doors open by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 141cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The doors have a low visual contrast.
  • There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 130cm.
  • There is a second set of double automatic doors.
  • The second set of doors open by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 133cm.
  • The second set of doors have a high visual contrast.
  • There is step-free level access as you enter.
  • This entrance gives access to Level 4 of the main hospital building.

Lift (Lift 1A, 1B and 1C - Ward Block)

  • The lift surveyed is located to the rear of the main hospital building and on the right, within the Ward Block.
  • The distance from the main entrance is 97m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access and doors permanently held open.
  • Levels 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 of the Ward Block are accessed by this lift.
  • The lift door has a high visual contrast.
  • The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
  • The external lift control buttons have tactile markings, Braille markings and a high visual contrast.
  • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 127cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 170cm (width) x 246cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings, Braille markings and a high visual contrast.
  • All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • Internally the lift has: a mirror to aid reversing, a hearing assistance alarm system, a visual floor indicator, an audible announcer and a list of floor services/facilities.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
  • There are other lifts available at this location which are of a similar size.

Entrance (Ward Entrance)

  • This entrance is located on Level 3 of the Ward Block.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is step-free level access at the entrance.
  • There is an intercom at a height of 135cm.
  • The height of the hand sanitiser is 136cm.
  • There are double automatic doors at this entrance.
  • The doors open towards you.
  • The width of the opening is 153cm.
  • The doors have a high visual contrast.
  • There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 111cm.

Ward (Rainbow Ward)

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a Paediatric ward.
    • This is a shared ward.
    • There is 1 bay available.
    • There are 8 side rooms available.
    • There are 11 beds in total on the ward.
    • There is 1 consultation/medical room available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
    • There is step-free level access into this ward.
    • There is an intercom at a height of 133cm.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 136cm.
    • There are double automatic doors with a high visual contrast.
    • The doors open towards you.
    • The width of the opening is 156cm.
    • Please inform a member of staff to exit the ward.
  • Getting Around View
    • There is step-free level access throughout.
    • Access throughout may include doors permanently held open.
    • The flooring is shiny.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • There is background noise in this area which varies depending on the time of day.
    • Wayfinding signage is provided.
    • Signage is clearly visible with high contrasting colours.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • Facilities and Services View
    • Seating available on the ward includes: chairs with armrests, chairs without armrests, armchairs and stools.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
    • There is not a relatives' room for the ward.
    • The following facilities are available for patients: a toilet with adaptations and washrooms.
    • The following facilities are available for visitors: a toilet with adaptations.
  • Visiting Hours View

Toilet and Changing Facilities (Rainbow Ward)

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • There is 1 toilet with adaptations.
    • The toilet with adaptations is located immediately to the right as you enter the ward.
    • The toilet with adaptations has a left hand transfer space.
    • The toilet with adaptations is shared between patients and visitors.
  • Changing Places and Changing Facilities View
    • Parent and baby changing facilities are located within the washroom with adaptations in the Day Care Bay.
  • Washroom and Shower Facilities View
    • The washroom facilities which have adaptations are located within the Day Care Bay and all side rooms.

Reception (Ward Reception)

  • The reception is located immediately to the left as you enter the ward.
  • The distance from the Rainbow Ward entrance is 3m.
  • There is step-free level access to reception.
  • The height of the reception desk is 88cm.
  • There is not a lowered section at the desk.
  • The reception has windows and glazed screens.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There may be background noise in this area.
  • The flooring is shiny.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • There is some room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs with armrests, chairs without armrests, armchairs and stools.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: tables.

Consultation / Medical Room (Paediatric Assessment Room)

  • There is 1 consultation/medical room available.
  • The room surveyed was; the Paediatric Assessment Room.
  • The room is located immediately to the right as you enter the ward.
  • The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access.
  • There is written text signage on or near the door.
  • There is step-free level access into the room.
  • There is a single manual door with a high visual contrast.
  • The door has a locked extension leaf.
  • The door opens inwards.
  • The width of the opening is 88cm.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the room.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is not space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • The flooring is shiny.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • The treatment table is free standing and height adjustable.
  • The length of the treatment table is 190cm.
  • Seating available in the room includes: chairs without armrests.
  • Furniture available in the room includes: desks.
  • Some furniture is fixed.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise in this room.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Bedroom and Ensuite with Adaptations (PAU Room 4)

  • Bedroom Access View
    • The bedroom surveyed is located straight ahead and on the right as you enter the ward.
    • The distance from the ward entrance is 24m.
    • The most accessible route to the bedroom has step-free level access and doors permanently held open.
    • There is step-free level access into the bedroom.
    • There is written text signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens inwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 88cm.
  • Bedroom Features View
    • Furniture can be moved to enable a manoeuvring space next to the bed (150cm x 150cm).
    • The following is available in this bedroom: a chair with armrests, an armchair, a height adjustable bed, bedside plug sockets and a TV with subtitles.
    • There is a push button emergency alarm.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
    • Lighting levels are adjustable.
    • A standard hospital bed can be provided for a parent/guardian for overnight stays.
  • Ensuite Access View
    • There is step-free level access into the ensuite.
    • The ensuite door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening to the ensuite is 86cm.
    • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a medium visual contrast.
  • Ensuite Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the ensuite are 169cm (width) x 176cm (depth) and there is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is not a lateral transfer space next to the toilet.
    • There is a spatula flush on the right as you face the toilet.
    • There is no horizontal grab rail for the toilet.
    • There are vertical grab rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • The vertical grab rails have varying visual contrasts.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the right as you face the toilet.
    • The dropdown rail has a low visual contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 92cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 85cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rails have a low visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a high visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 100cm from the floor.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is an unobstructed shelf.
    • The shelf does not meet the AccessAble criteria for Stoma Friendly Toilets.
    • The ensuite has a pedal bin.
    • There is one coat hook.
    • The coat hook is 163cm from the floor.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
    • The ensuite has a wheel-in shower.
    • There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the shower (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is an adjustable shower head which can also be detached.
    • The shower controls are lever mixer.
    • There is no shower seat, but one can be requested in advance.
    • There are grab rails for the shower.
    • The shower grab rails have a high visual contrast.
    • The ensuite has a towel dispenser at a height of 140cm.

Bathroom with Adaptations (Day Care Bay - Toilet and Shower)

  • Location and Access View
    • The bathroom surveyed is located at the far end of the ward, to the left inside the Day Care Bay.
    • The most accessible route to the bathroom has step-free level access and doors permanently held open.
    • There is step-free level access into the bathroom.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 85cm.
    • The door has a locking handle.
    • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a medium visual contrast.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the bathroom are 350cm (width) x 146cm (depth) and there is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet.
    • The lateral transfer space is 106cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a spatula flush on the transfer side.
    • There is no horizontal grab rail for the toilet.
    • There are vertical grab rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • The vertical grab rails have a low visual contrast.
    • There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • The dropdown rails have a low visual contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 90cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 86cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin rails have a low visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a high visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 100cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser has a high visual contrast.
    • The towel dispenser is 141cm from the floor.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm but it was tied up at the time of the survey.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is an unobstructed shelf.
    • The shelf does not meet the AccessAble criteria for Stoma Friendly Toilets.
    • The bathroom has a sanitary bin and a pedal bin.
    • There is one coat hook.
    • The coat hook is 163cm from the floor.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
    • There is a baby change table within the facility, at a height of 90cm.
    • The bathroom has a wheel-in shower.
    • There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the shower (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is an adjustable shower head which can also be detached.
    • The shower controls are lever mixer.
    • There is no shower seat, but one can be requested in advance.
    • There are grab rails for the shower.
    • The shower grab rails have varying visual contrasts.

Toilet with Adaptations (Left Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located immediately to the left as you enter the ward.
    • The distance from the ward entrance is 1m.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial, written text and dementia friendly signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 86cm.
    • The door has a locking handle.
    • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a medium visual contrast.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the cubicle are 147cm (width) x 167cm (depth) and there is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is not a lateral transfer space next to the toilet.
    • There is a spatula flush on the right as you face the toilet.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the right as you face the toilet.
    • The horizontal grab rail has a medium visual contrast.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the left as you face the toilet.
    • The vertical grab rail has a low visual contrast.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the left as you face the toilet.
    • The dropdown rail has a low visual contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 92cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 85cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rails have a low visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a high visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 101cm from the floor.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer has a low visual contrast.
    • The hand dryer is 116cm from the floor.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm but it was tied up at the time of the survey.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The cubicle has a sanitary bin and a pedal bin.
    • There is one coat hook.
    • The coat hook is 164cm from the floor.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.