Skip to main content
The new name for DisabledGo

Search for accessible places to go

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Surgical Assessment Unit

Southend University Hospital, Prittlewell Chase, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, SS0 0RY

View Accessibility Symbols

Accessibility Symbols

For more information about what these symbols mean, view our Accessibility Symbols Guide.

Close this popup window.

Access Guide

Show Easy Read

Getting To (Surgical Assessment Unit)

  • The Surgical Assessment Unit is located on the first floor of the Prittlewell Building.
  • The Surgical Assessment Unit is approximately 85m from the Cardigan Building - Lifts 26 and 27.
  • The route from Car Park A to the Cardigan Building - Main Entrance has a pedestrian crossing and dropped kerbs.
  • View further information about parking at the hospital (opens new tab)
  • Access to the Critical Care Unit is via the Cardigan Building - Main Entrance.
  • Enter via the Cardigan Building - Main Entrance and proceed along the main corridor ahead.
    Follow this corridor and the Cardigan Building - Lifts 26 and 27 is located on the right.
    Take a lift to the first floor.
    Exit the lift and turn right.
    Continue along this corridor, entering the Prittlewell Building and the entrance to the Surgical Assessment Unit is located on the right.
  • View further information about entrances (opens new tab)
  • There is step free access, via lift, to the Surgical Assessment Unit.
  • The most accessible route includes manual doors which are held open.
  • Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
  • 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) 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 (Car Park A - Accessible)

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car park is located on the west side of the hospital site.
    • 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) markings are faded.
    • 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 239cm x 470cm (7ft 10in x 15ft 5in).
    • There is a 120cm hatched zone around the Blue Badge parking bay(s).
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
  • 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 throughout the car park.
    • There is not a payment machine at a convenient height for wheelchair users.
    • There is not 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 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 12m (13yd 4in) from the Cardigan Building Main Entrance.

Outside Access (Cardigan Building - Main Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the east side of the hospital site.
    • 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/do 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 (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 108cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 1.5cm or below.
    • 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 154cm.
  • Comments View
    • This entrance gives access to the ground floor of the main hospital building.

Lift (Cardigan Building - Lifts 26 and 27)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located in the Cardigan Building, off the main hospital corridor.
  • Signs indicating the location of this lift are not clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 26m (28yd 1ft) from the Cardigan Building 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 and 2.
  • 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 low.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is low.
  • The clear door width is 127cm (4ft 2in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 133cm x 283cm (4ft 4in x 9ft 3in).
  • 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 not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is moderate to good.

Ward (Surgical Assessment Unit)

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a/an surgical assessment ward.
    • This is a shared ward.
    • There is/are 4 bay(s) available.
    • There is/are 1 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) 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 160cm (5ft 3in).
    • There is a bell/buzzer.
    • The height of the bell/buzzer is 112cm (3ft 8in).
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 112cm (3ft 8in).
    • There is not a hand sanitiser.
    • There is a door release button when exiting.
    • The height of the door release button is 114cm (3ft 9in).
    • 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 some flooring on the ward which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • 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 on the ground floor of the Prittlewell building.
    • There are no standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • Standard toilet facilities for visitors are located on the ground floor of the Cardigan building.
  • Visiting Times View
    • 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 12:00 to 13:00.

Reception (Surgical Assessment Unit Reception)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located in front as you enter the unit.
    • The reception point is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the Surgical Assessment Unit entrance.
    • The reception area/desk is clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There is step free access to the reception point.
    • There is a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
    • There are no 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 good.
    • The height of the reception counter is high (110cm+).
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is not a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
    • The counter is not 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 provided in the reception area.
  • Reception Waiting Area View
    • 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 only.
    • The waiting room / area does not have background music playing.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the waiting room / area.
    • There is not a television.
    • 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 good.

Washroom (Bay B - Shower and Toilet)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • There is/are 5 washroom(s) of this type in the unit.
    • The washroom surveyed is located within Bay B.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the unit.
    • This washroom is shared.
    • There is pictorial, written or text and dementia friendly signage on or near the washroom door.
    • The washroom door(s) open(s) outwards.
    • The door(s) is/are locked by a twist lock.
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 142cm x 208cm (4ft 8in x 6ft 10in).
    • 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 a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
    • There is not a coat hook in the washroom.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is a tall mirror, with suitable specifications, for ease of use.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the wash basin is 72cm.
    • As you face the wash basin the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • The tap type is lever. It is a mixer tap.
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 110cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 104cm.
    • 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.
  • Toilet Details View
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a rail with a padded back rest.
    • There is not a lateral transfer space.
    • There is a flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail but no transfer space.
    • There are no wall-mounted grab rails for the toilet.
    • 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.
    • There is not a shelf next to the toilet.
    • 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.
    • A shower chair is available.
    • There are 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 colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is high.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast 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 good.

Washroom (Bay D - Shower and Toilet)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • There is/are 5 washroom(s) of this type in the unit.
    • The washroom surveyed is located within Bay D.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the unit.
    • This washroom is shared.
    • There is pictorial, written or text and dementia friendly signage on or near the washroom door.
    • The washroom door(s) open(s) outwards.
    • The door(s) is/are locked by a twist lock.
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 211cm x 211cm (6ft 11in x 6ft 11in).
    • 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 out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor).
    • There is a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
    • There is not a coat hook in the washroom.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is 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 72cm.
    • As you face the wash basin the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • 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 110cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 102cm.
    • 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.
  • Toilet Details View
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a rail with a padded back rest.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 105cm.
    • There is a flush, however it is not 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 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 88cm.
    • There is not a shelf next to the toilet.
    • 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 have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The shower head height is fixed.
    • The shower control type is lever.
    • A shower chair is available.
    • There are 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 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 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 good.