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Labour Ward

Milton Keynes University Hospital, Standing Way, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, MK6 5LD

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Access Guide

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Getting To The Hospital

Getting Help and Assistance

  • There is a Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) at the hospital.
  • The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is located on level 2 of the Yellow Zone, opposite the main reception.
  • The telephone number for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is 07773 577 923.
  • The email address for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is [email protected].
  • There are volunteers available for help and assistance at the hospital.
  • Volunteers can be found by the main reception on level 2 of the Yellow Zone.
  • Documents are available in an alternative format and can be provided to include: large print on request and different languages on request.
  • There is not an assistance dog toilet or toileting area on the hospital site.
  • Water bowls for assistance dogs are available on request.
  • BSL interpreters can be provided on request.
  • Language interpreters can be provided on request.
  • A mobility scooter charging point is not available at the hospital.
  • Mobility aids are available to help patients move around and include; wheelchairs.

Hospital Parking (Car Park A)

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car park is located at the right hand side of the hospital, in front of the Purple Zone and the Emergency Department.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park does have a barrier control system.
    • There is a touchscreen at the barrier.
    • The barrier controls/touchscreen can be reached from the car.
    • 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 260cm x 500cm (8ft 6in x 16ft 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 at the payment machines in the hospital building.
    • Payment signs do not make it clear if parking charges apply to Blue Badge holders.
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
    • Payment machines are located inside the hospital building.
    • There is not a payment machine at a convenient height for wheelchair users.
    • 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 route from the car park to the hospital entrance is clearly signposted.
  • Comments View
    • There is signage from the car park to the payment machine on the opposite side of Fleming Drive, between the 2 entrances to the Emergency Department.
    • There is a zebra crossing to cross Fleming Drive.
    • Some Blue Badge bays have a hatched zone around them, but there is not a hatched zone around all of the bays.
    • Blue Badge bay parking tickets can be validated by scanning the Blue Badge code at the payment machine or at the barrier.

Hospital Parking (Multi Storey Car Park D)

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car park is located at the front of the hospital.
    • The car park type is multi storey.
    • The car park does have a height restriction barrier.
    • The maximum height is 210cm (6ft 11in).
    • The car park does have a barrier control system.
    • The barrier controls/touchscreen can be reached from the car.
    • 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 245cm x 475cm (8ft x 15ft 7in).
    • 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 at the entrance to the car park, at the payment machines in the car park, throughout the car park and at the payment machines in the hospital building.
    • Payment signs are located next to the pedestrian entrance to the car park.
    • Payment signs do not make it clear if parking charges apply to Blue Badge holders.
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
  • 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 route from the car park to the hospital entrance is clearly signposted.
    • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 85m (92yd 2ft) from the Hospital Main Entrance.
  • Comments View
    • Levels three and four of the Car Park are reserved for staff parking only.
    • Blue Badge bay parking tickets can be validated by scanning the Blue Badge code at the payment machine or at the barrier.

Drop Off Point

  • There is a drop off point located directly in front of main entrance.
  • There are tactile drop kerbs between the bays and the main entrance.
  • There are six bays available.
  • There is a zebra crossing from four of the bays to the entrance.

Getting To (Labour Ward)

  • The Labour Ward is/are located on Level 2 of the Purple Zone.
  • Access to the Labour Ward is via the Yellow Zone main entrance.
  • Enter the hospital via the main entrance and go along the corridor that is to the left. Continue past the Costa Coffee café and then go through the corridor entrance that is to the right. Go along this corridor, going through the Yellow Zone and continuing into to the Purple Zone. Then go up the slope and continue along the Purple Zone corridor. Then the entrance to the Labour Ward will be on the left.
  • There is ramped/sloped access to the Labour Ward.
  • The Labour Ward is approximately 150m from the Yellow Zone main entrance.
  • There are resting areas along the route.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
  • There is flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the hospital.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • There is not 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 an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 136cm (4ft 6in).
    • There is not a hand sanitiser.
    • There is a door release button when exiting.
    • The height of the door release button is 108cm (3ft 7in).
    • Standard manual wheelchairs are available for people to borrow at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 160cm.
    • 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 180cm.
  • Comments View
    • There is a ramp with a very easy incline leading to the entrance.
    • The ramp has hand rails on both sides.

Ward (Labour Ward)

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a/an labour ward.
    • This is a female ward.
    • There is/are 0 bay(s) available.
    • There is/are 11 side room(s) available.
    • There is/are 11 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 162cm (5ft 4in).
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 146cm (4ft 9in).
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 101cm (3ft 4in).
    • There is not a door release button when exiting.
    • There is level access throughout 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 varied.
  • Reception/Nurses' Station View
    • The height of the ward reception desk is 118cm.
    • There is a lowered section.
    • The height of the lowered section of the desk is 72cm.
    • 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 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 good.
    • The lighting levels in the side room are good.
    • The width of the door opening into the ensuite is over 75cm.
    • There is not a clear unobstructed turning space within the ensuite.
    • The fixtures/facilities available in the ensuite include; a shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and the floor in the ensuite is fair.
    • 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 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 along the Yellow Zone corridor and on level 2 of the hospital.
    • There are standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.

Entrance (Delivery Rooms Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located in front as you enter the ward.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 130cm (4ft 3in).
    • There is not a door release button when exiting.
    • 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 164cm.

Waiting Room / Area (Ward Reception)

  • There is a waiting room / area.
  • The waiting room / area is approximately 5m from the ward entrance.
  • There is level access into the waiting room / area.
  • There is not a/are not door(s) into the waiting room / area.
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is a space for a wheelchair user to wait within the seating area.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Chairs with armrests are not available.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • The surface height of the lowest table is 43cm.
  • The surface height of the highest table is 86cm.
  • The tables do contrast visually with the floor.
  • There is not ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Announcements are in person.
  • 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 not space for an assistance dog to rest within the seating area.
  • Lighting levels are good.

Reception (Staff Base)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located along the corridor that leads to the rear of the ward.
    • The reception point is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the ward entrance.
    • Clear signage for the reception area/desk is not 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 windows, glazed screens or mirrors behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The reception counter is 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 medium height (77cm - 109cm) .
    • There is not 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 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.
  • Reception Waiting Area View
    • There is not a waiting area close to the reception point.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Butterfly Suite)

  • There is / are 2 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Butterfly Suite.
  • 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) may be difficult to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 88cm (2ft 11in).
  • 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.
  • A hoist is not available.
  • There is a chair.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • The chair(s) is not/are not height adjustable.
  • All chairs have armrests available.
  • 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.
  • Comments View
    • There is also a toilet and shower within this room. The entrance to access this toilet is a push door, that is heavy and 87cm wide.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Triage Room 1)

  • There is / are 2 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Triage Room 1.
  • 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) 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 room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is a bed / couch.
  • The bed / couch is adjustable.
  • A hoist is not available.
  • 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.

Washroom (Shower Room - Female)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • There is/are 1 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
    • The washroom surveyed is located along the corridor that is on the right side of the ward.
    • The washroom surveyed is approximately 20m from the ward entrance.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
    • This washroom is female.
    • 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 may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 139cm x 213cm (4ft 7in x 6ft 12in).
    • 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 not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
    • There is not a coat hook in the washroom.
    • 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 can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the wash basin is 83cm.
    • As you face the wash basin the wall-mounted grab rails are on the right.
    • The tap type is sensor. 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 133cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser can 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.
    • The washroom has a non-slip floor.
  • Toilet Details View
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 42cm (1ft 5in).
    • 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 both sides.
    • The lateral transfer space on the left is 62cm.
    • The lateral transfer space on the right is 118cm.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is no dropdown rail for the toilet.
    • 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 84cm.
    • There is not a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
  • Shower Details View
    • There is not a wheel in shower.
    • The shower does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The shower head is height adjustable.
    • The shower control type is lever.
    • There is no seat for the shower.
    • There are not wall-mounted grab rails available for the shower.
    • The shower tray is accessed via a deep step.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The colour contrast between the external washroom door and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the internal washroom door and wall is fair.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The colour contrast between the washroom floor and walls is good.
    • Lighting levels are good.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The shared toilet is located to the left as you enter the ward and past the reception.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 10m from the ward entrance.
    • There is written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • The colour contrast between the internal toilet door(s) and wall(s) is fair.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The toilet seats have a good colour contrast.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is available.
    • There is a/are horizontal wall mounted rail(s) on the right as you face the toilet.
    • The colour contrast of the horizontal wall mounted grab rail(s) in the ambulant cubicle(s) is good.
    • The ambulant toilet does not have vertical wall mounted grab rails.
    • There is a/are dropdown rail(s) on the left as you face the ambulant toilet(s).
    • The colour contrast of the dropdown rail(s) in the ambulant cubicle(s) is good.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 80cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The wall fixed soap dispenser is located above and to the right of the wash basin.
    • Lighting levels are good.

Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities

  • Accessible toilet facilities are located on level 2 of the Yellow Zone.
  • Female and male standard toilet facilities are located on level 2 of the Yellow Zone and outside of Ward 14 on level 3.
  • Parent and baby changing facilities are located within the standard toilets on level 2 of the Yellow Zone.

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