Access Guide
Getting To (Thames Ward)
- Thames Ward is located on Level B of the Cardiothoracic Cenrte.
- Thames Ward is approximately 5m from the 22A and 22B lifts.
- The route from the car park has dropped kerbs and uneven surfaces to the Cardiothoracic Centre Entrance.
- View further information about parking at the hospital (opens new tab)
- Access to Thames Ward is via the Cardiothoracic Centre - Accessible Entrance.
- Enter via the Cardiothoracic Centre - Accessible Entrance.
Continue ahead to the 22A and 22B lifts.
Take the lift to Level B.
Exit the lifts and head to the left.
Thames Ward will be ahead. - View further information about entrances (opens new tab)
- There is step free access, via lift, to Thames Ward.
- The most accessible route includes manual doors.
- Some flooring is shiny .
- There are resting areas along the route.
- Wayfinding signage is provided.
- Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
- The following toilet facilities are available along the route; accessible toilet (with right hand transfer), toilets for ambulant disabled users 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 (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.
Department / Service (Thames Ward)
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Department / Service Access
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- Thames Ward is located on Level B of the Cardiothoracic Centre.
- There is a/are door(s) leading into the department/service.
- The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- 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 84cm.
- There is a bell/buzzer.
- The height of the bell/buzzer is 135cm (4ft 5in).
- There is an intercom.
- The height of the intercom is 135cm (4ft 5in).
- There is a hand sanitiser.
- The height of the hand sanitiser is 137cm (4ft 6in).
- There is a door release button when exiting.
- The height of the door release button is 89cm (2ft 11in).
- There is level access throughout the department/service.
- Staff can provide assistance with using any manual doors within the department/service.
- There is 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 varied.
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Department / Service Facilities
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- This department/service has; a main reception, a waiting room/area, consultation rooms, treatment rooms and accessible toilet facilities for everyone.
- There are 17 consultation/treatment rooms in this department/service.
- A hearing assistance system is not available in the department/service.
- A mobile hoist is not available on the department/service.
- There are accessible toilet facilities within the department/service.
- There are not standard toilet facilities within this department/service.
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Comments
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- The accessible toilet is used as a standard toilet.
Reception (Thames Ward/Special Echo)
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Reception
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- The reception point is located on Level B of the Cardiothoracic Centre.
- The reception point is approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the 22A and 22B lifts.
- The reception area/desk is clearly visible from the lift.
- There is step free access to the reception point.
- There is a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
- There are 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 high (110cm+).
- 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.
- Signs and universally accepted symbols or pictograms, indicating lifts, stairs, WCs, circulation routes and other parts of the building are not provided in the reception area.
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Reception Waiting Area
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- There is a waiting area close to the reception point.
- Access to the waiting area is unobstructed.
- The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
- There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.
- There is bench seating and also a mixture of single seats with and without armrests.
- No tables are permanently fixed.
- The waiting room / area does have background music playing.
- There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the waiting room / area.
- There is a television.
- Subtitles are available.
- 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.
Consultation / Treatment Room (Recovery Bay)
- There is / are 8 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
- The name / number of the room surveyed was; Recovery Bay.
- There is level access to the consultation / treatment room.
- There is not a/are not door(s) into the consultation / treatment room.
- 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 not a chair.
- 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 good.
Consultation / Treatment Room (Prep Bay)
- There is / are 9 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
- The name / number of the room surveyed was; Prep Bay 4.
- There is level access to the consultation / treatment room.
- There is not a/are not door(s) into the consultation / treatment room.
- The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
- There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- There is not a bed / couch.
- 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 good.
Consultation / Treatment Room (Cath Lab)
- There is / are 4 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
- The name / number of the room surveyed was; Amsterdam Lab.
- 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) automatically away from you.
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The width of the door opening is 164cm (5ft 5in).
- 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 not a chair.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- The room does not have background music playing.
- There is a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
- Lighting levels are good.
Day Room / Lounge Area (Lounge)
- There is a day room/lounge area.
- The day room/lounge area is approximately 8m from the department entrance.
- 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.
- The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
- The width of the door opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
- The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
- There is not a space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- There are sofas and also a mixture of single seats with and without armrests.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- Some tables are permanently fixed.
- The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 34cm (1ft 1in).
- The distance between the floor and the highest table is 78cm (2ft 7in).
- The room does not have background music playing.
- There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
- There is a television.
- Subtitles are 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 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 off the main department corridor.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 8m from the department 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 tactile and pictorial 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.
- The door is locked by a twist lock.
- The width of the accessible toilet opening is 85cm (2ft 9in).
- The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
- The door has a horizontal grab rail.
- The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is high.
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Toilet Features
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- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 136cm x 205cm (4ft 6in x 6ft 9in).
- The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- The height of the light switch/pull cord is 50cm from floor level.
- 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 69cm.
- The transfer space is obstructed by a waste disposal bin.
- There is a flush on the transfer side.
- There is not a spatula type lever flush.
- There is a 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).
- The height of the coat hook is 151cm 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 69cm.
- The shelf is not 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 93cm (3ft 1in).
- The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is low.
- There is a wash basin.
- The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
- The height of the wash basin is 73cm (2ft 5in).
- 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 lever mixer.
- 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 97cm.
- There is a towel dispenser.
- The towel dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the towel dispenser is 117cm (3ft 10in).
- The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is medium.
- There is not a hand dryer.