Access Guide
Getting To (Chelmer Ward)
- Chelmer Ward is located on Level D of the Cardiothoracic Centre.
- Chelmer Ward is approximately 20m from the 22A and 22B Lifts.
- From the car park there is a dropped kerb from the car park to the Cardiothoracic Centre entrance.
- View further information about parking at the hospital (opens new tab)
- Access to Chelmer Ward is via the Cardiothoracic Centre - Accessible entrance.
- From the entrance, take the lift ahead to level D.
Exit the lift and Chelmer Ward is to the right, down the corridor. - View further information about entrances (opens new tab)
- There is ramped/sloped and lift access to Chelmer Ward.
- The most accessible route includes manual doors.
- Some flooring is shiny .
- There are not resting areas along the route.
- Wayfinding signage is provided.
- Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
- 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 (The Cardiothoracic Centre)
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Parking
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- The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
- The car park is located in front of the Cardiothoracic Centre.
- 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 4 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the hospital car park.
- The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 245cm x 272cm (8ft x 8ft 11in).
- There is a 120cm hatched zone around the Blue Badge parking bay(s).
- The dimensions of other designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) vary in size.
- Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
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Drop-off Point
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- There is a designated drop-off point.
- The drop-off point is located in front of the Cardiothoracic Centre.
- There is a dropped kerb from the drop-off point.
- The dropped kerb does have tactile paving.
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Paying
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- There are not parking charges for the hospital car park.
- To see the hospital parking charges please click here (opens new tab).
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Access to the Hospital
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- 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 10m (10yd 2ft) from the Cardiothoracic Centre entrance.
Outside Access (The Cardiothoracic Centre - Accessible)
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Entrance Details
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- This information is for the entrance located at the front of the Cardiothoracic Centre, on Level A.
- There is a drop-off point at this entrance.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
- There is ramped/sloped or stepped 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 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 automatic door(s) is/are push pad activated.
- The door(s) is/are single width.
- The width of the door opening is 79cm.
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 1.5cm or below.
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Ramp/Slope Details
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- The ramp/slope is located to the left of the entrance.
- The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
- The ramp/slope is permanent.
- There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
- The handrail(s) is/are on both sides going up the ramp.
- The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
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Step Details
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- The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
- There is/are 2 step(s).
- The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
- The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
- The handrail(s) is/are on both sides going up the step(s).
Lift (22A and 22B)
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located in the Cardiothoracic Centre.
- Signs indicating the location of this lift are clearly visible from the entrance.
- The lift is approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the Cardiothoracic 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 level A, B, C and D.
- 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 90cm (2ft 11in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 151cm x 131cm (4ft 11in x 4ft 4in).
- 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 not 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 not have Braille markings.
- The lift does have tactile markings.
- The lighting level in the lift is moderate to good.
Ward (Chelmer Ward)
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Ward Information
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- This is a/an surgical ward.
- This is a shared ward.
- There is/are 4 bay(s) available.
- There is/are 16 side room(s) available.
- There is/are 32 bed(s) on this ward in total.
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Ward Access
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- 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 164cm (5ft 5in).
- There is a bell/buzzer.
- The height of the bell/buzzer is 149cm (4ft 11in).
- There is an intercom.
- The height of the intercom is 149cm (4ft 11in).
- There is a hand sanitiser.
- The height of the hand sanitiser is 120cm (3ft 11in).
- There is a door release button when exiting.
- The height of the door release button is 92cm (3ft).
- There is level access throughout the ward.
- Staff can provide assistance with using any manual doors within 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 good.
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Reception/Nurses' Station
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- The height of the ward reception desk is 112cm.
- There is a lowered section.
- The height of the lowered section of the desk is 77cm.
- There is not a hearing assistance system available at the desk.
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Relatives' Room
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- There is not a relatives' room for the ward.
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Example Side Room
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- There are multiple side rooms available with accessible ensuites.
- The side room surveyed does have an accessible ensuite.
- The width of the door opening into the side room is over 75cm.
- The side room surveyed does not have a ceiling track hoist.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre around the bed.
- Bedside storage is available.
- The colour contrast between the walls and the floor in the side room is high.
- The lighting levels in the side room are good.
- The width of the door opening into the ensuite is over 75cm.
- There is a clear unobstructed turning space within the ensuite.
- The fixtures/facilities available in the ensuite include; a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
- The colour contrast between the walls and the floor in the ensuite is high.
- The lighting levels in the ensuite are low to moderate.
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Ward Features and Patient Facilities
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- 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 available on the ward.
- There are washroom facilities for patients on the ward.
- There are toilet facilities for patients on the ward.
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Visitor Facilities
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- There are no accessible toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
- Accessible toilet facilities for visitors are located on Level A of the Cardiothoracic Centre.
- There are no standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
- Standard toilet facilities for visitors are located on Level A of the Cardiothoracic Centre.
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Visiting Times
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- There are set visiting times for the ward.
- Visiting times are 14:00 to 20:00.
- The visiting times are the same for each day.
- Protected meal times are between 08:00 to 09:00,
12:00 to 13:00,
17:00 to 18:00.
Washroom (Side Room 16 Ensuite - Shower)
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Washroom Details
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- The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
- There is/are 16 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
- The washroom surveyed is located within side room 16.
- There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
- This washroom is shared.
- There is no additional 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 212cm x 217cm (6ft 11in x 7ft 1in).
- The washroom does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- There is not an emergency pull cord alarm.
- There is a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
- There are coat hooks at 158cm and 172cm 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 87cm.
- 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 135cm.
- There is a towel dispenser.
- The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the towel dispenser is 134cm.
- There is not a hand dryer.
- Disposal facilities are available.
- There is a/are pedal bin disposal units.
- The washroom has a non-slip floor.
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Toilet Details
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- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 45cm (1ft 6in).
- The toilet has a lid obstructing the back rest/cistern/wall.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
- The lateral transfer space is 151cm.
- There is a flush on the transfer side.
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
- There is a toilet roll holder.
- The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the toilet roll holder is 90cm.
- The shelf does not have the minimum dimensions of 12.5cm x 40cm.
- The shelf is at a height of 96cm.
- The shelf is not located where it is reachable.
- There is not a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
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Shower Details
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- There is a wheel in shower.
- The shower does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- The shower head is height adjustable.
- 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.
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- 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 dropdown rail(s) and wall is high.
- The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall is high.
- The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet and wall is high.
- The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
- The colour contrast between the washroom floor and walls is high.
- Lighting levels are low to moderate.
Washroom (Bay - Shower)
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Washroom Details
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- The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
- There is/are 4 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
- The washroom surveyed is located to the left, beyond reception.
- The washroom surveyed is approximately 10m from the Chelmer Ward entrance.
- There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
- This washroom is shared.
- There is pictorial and written or text 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 167cm x 221cm (5ft 6in x 7ft 3in).
- 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 are coat hooks at 158cm and 172cm 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 height of the wash basin is 87cm.
- 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 137cm.
- There is a towel dispenser.
- The height of the towel dispenser is 135cm.
- There is not a hand dryer.
- Disposal facilities are available.
- There is a/are pedal bin disposal units.
- The washroom does not have a non-slip floor.
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Shower Details
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- There is a wheel in shower.
- The shower does 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.
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- 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 high.
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.
Toilet with Adaptations (Right Hand Transfer)
- There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
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Location and Access
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- This accessible toilet is located to the left of the corridor, beyond reception.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 10m from the Chelmer Entrance.
- There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
- This is a shared toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
- The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
- The door opens inwards.
- The door is easy to open.
- There is no lock for the toilet door.
- The width of the accessible toilet opening is 88cm (2ft 11in).
- The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
- The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
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Toilet Features
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- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 132cm x 253cm (4ft 4in x 8ft 4in).
- 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 right.
- The lateral transfer space is 74cm.
- The transfer space is obstructed by a waste disposal bin.
- There is a flush on the transfer side.
- There is a spatula type lever flush.
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- The 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 pedal bin disposal units.
- There is a/are coat hook(s).
- There are coat hooks in the toilet at 148cm and 162cm from the floor.
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Additional Fixtures
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- There is a mirror.
- The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
- The shelf does not have the minimum dimensions of 12.5cm x 40cm.
- The shelf is at a height of 98cm.
- The shelf is located where it is reachable.
- The toilet has a backrest.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
- The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
- 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).
- The height of the toilet roll holder is 87cm (2ft 10in).
- 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 87cm (2ft 10in).
- There are no vertical wall-mounted grab rails at the wash basin.
- The wash basin tap type is twist/turn.
- There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
- The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the soap dispenser is 136cm.
- 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 134cm (4ft 5in).
- The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is medium.
- There is not a hand dryer.