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A402 - Birthing Unit / Labour Ward

Broomfield Hospital, Court Road, Broomfield, Chelmsford, CM1 7ET

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Access Guide

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Getting To (A402 - Birthing Unit / Labour Ward)

Hospital Parking (Broomfield Hospital - Multi Storey Car Park)

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car park is located opposite the Main Entrance.
    • The car park type is multi storey.
    • The car park does have a height restriction barrier.
    • The maximum height is 260cm (8ft 6in).
    • The car park does 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 250cm x 480cm (8ft 2in x 15ft 9in).
    • 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.
  • Paying View
    • There are parking charges for the hospital car park.
    • Payment signs are provided.
    • Payment signs are clearly presented.
    • Payment signs are located at the payment machines in 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.
    • There is a level turning space (minimum 185cm x 210cm) in front of the payment machine(s).
    • 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 unaided.
    • The hospital entrance is not clearly visible from the car park.
    • The route from the car park to the hospital entrance is clearly signposted.
    • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 70m (76yd 1ft) from the Main Entrance.

Outside Access (Main Entrance - Zone A)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the hospital building, providing access to level 1 of Zone A.
    • There is a drop-off point at this entrance.
    • 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 204cm.
    • 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 204cm.
  • Comments View
    • The entrance doors may be set to a narrower opening width depending on weather conditions.

Lift (Zone A - Front Atrium)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located ahead and to the left as you enter via the Main Entrance.
  • Signs indicating the location of this lift are clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the Main 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 1 (Ground), 2, 3 and 4.
  • 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 109cm (3ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 158cm x 138cm (5ft 2in x 4ft 6in).
  • 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 have an audible announcer.
  • The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • There is 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 (A402 - Antenatal Ultrasound)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located on Level 4 in Zone A.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • There is a bell/buzzer.
    • The height of the bell/buzzer is 118cm (3ft 10in).
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 118cm (3ft 10in).
    • 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 124cm (4ft 1in).
    • The main 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 152cm.

Ward (A402 - Birthing Unit / Labour Ward)

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a/an Clinical ward.
    • This is a female ward.
    • There is/are 0 bay(s) available.
    • There is/are 15 side room(s) available.
    • There is/are 15 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 174cm (5ft 9in).
    • There is a bell/buzzer.
    • The height of the bell/buzzer is 120cm (3ft 11in).
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 120cm (3ft 11in).
    • 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 120cm (3ft 11in).
    • There is level access throughout the ward.
    • Staff can provide assistance with using any manual doors within the ward.
    • There is no 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.
  • Reception/Nurses' Station View
    • The height of the Nurses' Station desk is 73cm.
    • There is 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.
  • Example Side Room View
    • There are no side rooms available with an accessible ensuite.
    • The width of the door opening into the side room is over 75cm.
    • The side room surveyed does have a ceiling track hoist.
    • The hoist covers all areas.
    • 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 adjustable.
    • 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 bath, 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 good.
  • 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 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 on Level 1 in Zone A.
    • There are no standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • Standard toilet facilities for visitors are located on Level 1 in Zone A.
  • Visiting Times View
    • There are no set visiting times, please contact the ward in advance.
  • Comments View
    • Rooms 1 - 4 are the Birthing Unit. The rest of the rooms are part of the Labour Ward.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Labour Ward Room 14)

  • There is / are 11 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Room 14.
  • 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 86cm (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 adjustable.
  • There is a chair.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • The chair(s) is not/are not height adjustable.
  • All chairs have armrests available.
  • All 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.

Washroom (Birthing Unit Room 2 Ensuite)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a bath, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • There is/are 4 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
    • The washroom surveyed is located in Room 2.
    • 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) outwards.
    • The door(s) is/are locked by a locking handle.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 364cm x 256cm (11ft 11in x 8ft 5in).
    • 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 142cm and 150cm 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 86cm.
    • 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 124cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 149cm.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • There is a/are pedal bin and clinical waste disposal units.
    • The washroom has a non-slip floor.
  • Toilet Details View
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet has a wall which can act as a back rest.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 131cm.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is no dropdown rail for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on the left.
    • 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 86cm.
    • There is a shelf next to the toilet.
    • The shelf does not have the minimum dimensions of 12.5cm x 40cm.
    • The shelf is at a height of 101cm.
    • The shelf is not located where it is reachable.
    • There is a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
  • Bath Details View
    • There is a bath.
    • The height of the side of the bath from floor level is 55cm (1ft 10in).
    • The bath is not height adjustable.
    • The bath tap type is lever. It is a mixer tap.
    • There is a shower over/for the bath.
    • The shower head is height adjustable.
    • There are wall-mounted grab rails available for the bath.
    • A bath hoist is not available.
  • 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 wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall is high.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is high.
    • The colour contrast between the bath wall-mounted grab rails and wall is high.
    • The colour contrast between the washroom floor and walls is high.
    • Lighting levels are good.

Washroom (Labour Ward Room 14)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a bath, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • There is/are 11 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
    • The washroom surveyed is located in Delivery Suite Room 14.
    • 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) outwards.
    • The door(s) is/are locked by a locking handle.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 189cm x 311cm (6ft 2in x 10ft 2in).
    • 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 tied up and 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 142cm and 151cm 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 86cm.
    • 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 124cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 143cm.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • There is a/are pedal bin and clinical waste disposal units.
    • The washroom has a non-slip floor.
  • Toilet Details View
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • 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.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on the right.
    • 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 101cm.
    • There is not a shelf next to the toilet.
    • There is not a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
  • Bath Details View
    • There is a bath.
    • The height of the side of the bath from floor level is 54cm (1ft 9in).
    • The bath is not height adjustable.
    • The bath tap type is lever. It is a mixer tap.
    • There is a shower over/for the bath.
    • The shower head is height adjustable.
    • There are wall-mounted grab rails available for the bath.
    • A bath hoist is not available.
  • 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 wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet and wall is high.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is high.
    • The colour contrast between the bath wall-mounted grab rails and wall is high.
    • The colour contrast between the washroom floor and walls is high.
    • Lighting levels are good.

Day Room / Lounge Area (Quiet Room Pharmacy)

  • There is a day room/lounge area.
  • The day room/lounge area is approximately 1m from the Pharmacy counter.
  • There is level access into the day room/lounge area.
  • The day room/lounge area is not 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) may be difficult to 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 seats with armrests on both sides.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • All tables are permanently fixed.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 73cm (2ft 5in).
  • The room does not have background music playing.
  • 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.