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Blakeney Ward & Midwifery-Led Birthing Unit

Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital , Colney Lane, Norwich, Norfolk, NR4 7UY

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Access Guide

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Overview (Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital)

Parking (Car Park F)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located at the front centre of the hospital.
    • The car park is open air/surface.
    • The car park surface consists of block paving.
    • There are 15+ designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
    • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked.
    • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 237cm (width) x 522cm (depth).
    • The hatched/marked zones vary between bays.
    • The width of the marked zone is 210cm.
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bays vary in size.
    • The nearest designated bay is 65m from the West Atrium entrance.
    • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has slight ramps or slopes.
    • There is a dropped kerb with tactile paving from the designated Blue Badge parking.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park is for visitors and Blue Badge holders only.
    • Parking is not free for all users.
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
    • Clearly presented parking signs are available.
    • Payment machines are located inside the main building.
    • There is not a payment machine with controls at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • View information on parking policies/charges (opens new tab).
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point available.

Parking (Car Park N)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located at the rear of the hospital and in front of the In-Patients West and Centre Blocks entrance.
    • The car park is open air/surface.
    • The car park surface consists of tarmac and block paving.
    • There are 8 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
    • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked and signposted.
    • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 230cm (width) x 434cm (depth).
    • There is a marked zone to both sides but not at the rear.
    • The width of the marked zone is 128cm.
    • The nearest designated bay is 15m from the In-Patients West and Centre Blocks entrance.
    • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has slight ramps or slopes.
    • There is a dropped kerb with tactile paving from the designated Blue Badge parking.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point available.

Getting To (Blakeney Ward and Midwifery-Led Birthing Unit)

  • The Blakeney Ward and Midwifery-Led Birthing Unit is/are located on the third floor of West Block.
  • Access to the Blakeney Ward and Midwifery-Led Birthing Unit is via the Inpatients West and Centre Block Entrance.
  • Enter via Inpatients West and Centre Block Entrance and head forward. Take the lifts on the left up to the third floor. Exit the lift, turn right and right again. Continue forward into West Block and turn left at the end of the corridor. Head down this corridor and the Blakeney Ward and Midwifery-Led Birthing Unit is located directly ahead.
  • There is step free access, via lift, to the Blakeney Ward and Midwifery-Led Birthing Unit.
  • The Blakeney Ward and Midwifery-Led Birthing Unit is approximately 62m from the lifts.
  • There is a/are manual, heavy, double door(s) between the lifts and the department/service.
  • 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.
  • There is some flooring in corridors which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.

Entrance (In-Patients West and Centre Blocks Entrance)

  • This entrance is located at the rear of the hospital.
  • The approach to the entrance has bollards.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is step-free access via slope at the entrance.
  • The slope has a slight gradient.
  • There is an intercom at a height of 128cm.
  • There is a key fob/card reader at a height of 132cm.
  • The height of the hand sanitiser is 120cm.
  • There are double automatic doors at this entrance.
  • The doors open by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 190cm.
  • The doors have a low visual contrast.
  • There is a second set of double automatic doors .
  • The second set of doors open by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 190cm.
  • The second set of doors have a low visual contrast.
  • The minimum width between the bollards is 123cm.
  • There is step-free level access as you enter.

Lift (West Atrium Lifts)

  • The lift surveyed is located ahead as you enter through the In-Patients West and Centre Blocks entrance.
  • The distance from the In-Patients West and Centre Blocks entrance is 10m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
  • Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 and Level 4 are accessed by this lift.
  • The lift door has a high visual contrast.
  • The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
  • The external lift control buttons have tactile markings and a medium visual contrast.
  • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 110cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 153cm (width) x 135cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings and a medium visual contrast.
  • The majority of the internal controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • Internally the lift has: a mirror to aid reversing, a hearing assistance alarm system, a visual floor indicator, an audible announcer and a list of floor services/facilities.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • There are other lifts available at this location which are of a similar size.

Stairs (West Atrium Stairs)

  • The stairs surveyed are located to the right as you enter via the In-Patients West and Centre Blocks entrance.
  • Level 1 and Level 2 can be accessed by these stairs.
  • There are 20+ steps between floors.
  • The steps are clearly marked and have handrails on both sides.
  • The handrails are easy to grip.
  • The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • The handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
  • The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the highest step is 17cm.
  • The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Entrance (Midwifery-Led Birthing Unit)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the right of the reception desk.
    • 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 124cm (4ft 1in).
    • 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) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 172cm.

Day Room / Lounge Area

  • There is a day room/lounge area.
  • The day room/lounge area is approximately 26m from the ward 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) towards you (pull).
  • The door(s) is/are single width.
  • The door(s) is/are heavy.
  • The width of the door opening is 87cm (2ft 10in).
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is a space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is a mixture of seating with and without armrests.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Some tables are permanently fixed.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 30cm (12in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 70cm (2ft 4in).
  • The room does not have background music playing.
  • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • 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 medium.

Ward

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a/an Maternity ward.
    • This is a female ward.
    • There is/are 4 bay(s) available.
    • There is/are 12 side room(s) available.
    • There is/are 36 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) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 174cm (5ft 9in).
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 132cm (4ft 4in).
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 135cm (4ft 5in).
    • There is a door release button when exiting.
    • The height of the door release button is 134cm (4ft 5in).
    • There is level access throughout 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.
    • There is some flooring on the ward which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
    • The lighting levels are medium.
  • Reception/Nurses' Station View
    • The height of the ward reception desk is 102cm.
    • 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 a relatives' room for the ward.
    • The width of the door opening into the relatives' room is over 75cm.
    • There is a clear turning space in the relatives' room.
    • There is a/are chair(s) with armrests available within the relatives' room.
  • Ward Features and Patient Facilities View
    • 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.
  • Visitor Facilities View
    • There are no accessible toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • Accessible toilet facilities for visitors are located along the first floor corridor of the West Block.
    • There are standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
  • Visiting Times View
    • There are set visiting times for the ward.
    • Visiting times are 14:30 to 16:00 and 19:00 to 20:00.
    • The visiting times are the same for each day.
    • Protected meal times are between 08:00 to 09:00 and 12:15 to 13:15 and 17:30 to 18:30.

Washroom (Opposite Room 8)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • There is/are 1 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
    • The washroom surveyed is located opposite room 8.
    • The washroom surveyed is approximately 22m from the ward entrance.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
    • This washroom is female.
    • There is 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(s) is/are light to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 250cm x 270cm (8ft 2in x 8ft 10in).
    • 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 flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s) 157cm 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 85cm.
    • As you face the wash basin the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • The tap type is twist/turn. It is not 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 114cm.
    • 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 44cm (1ft 5in).
    • 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 right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 185cm.
    • There is a flush 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 98cm.
    • 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 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.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The colour contrast between the external washroom door and wall is high.
    • The visual 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 low.
    • The visual contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is high.
    • The visual contrast between the washroom floor and walls is high.
    • Lighting levels are medium.

Washroom (Opposite Bay 10)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • There is/are 1 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
    • The washroom surveyed is located opposite Bay 10.
    • The washroom surveyed is approximately 32m from the ward entrance.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
    • This washroom is female.
    • There is 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(s) is/are light to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 84cm (2ft 9in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 330cm x 250cm (10ft 10in x 8ft 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 flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s) 146cm 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 68cm.
    • 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 94cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 128cm.
    • 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 44cm (1ft 5in).
    • 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 right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 135cm.
    • 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 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 92cm.
    • 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 head is height adjustable.
    • The shower control type is lever.
    • There is a flip-down/tip-up seat for the shower.
    • The height of the flip-down/tip-up or fixed seat is 44cm (1ft 5in).
    • 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 high.
    • The visual contrast between the internal washroom door and wall is high.
    • The visual 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 toilet seat colour contrast is low.
    • The visual contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is high.
    • The visual contrast between the washroom floor and walls is medium.
    • Lighting levels are medium.

Washroom (Opposite Bay 11)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • There is/are 1 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
    • The washroom surveyed is located opposite Bay 11.
    • The washroom surveyed is approximately 34m from the ward entrance.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
    • This washroom is female.
    • There is 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(s) is/are light to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 250cm x 270cm (8ft 2in x 8ft 10in).
    • 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 within reach and fully functional.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s) 160cm 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 84cm.
    • As you face the wash basin the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • The tap type is twist/turn. It is not 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 120cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 122cm.
    • 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 the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 190cm.
    • 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 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 100cm.
    • 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 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.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The colour contrast between the external washroom door and wall is high.
    • The visual 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 low.
    • The visual contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is high.
    • The visual contrast between the washroom floor and walls is medium.
    • Lighting levels are low.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The shared toilet is located to the left of the ward entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 1m from the ward entrance.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The visual contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is available.
    • There is a/are horizontal wall mounted rail(s) on the left as you face the toilet.
    • There is a/are vertical wall mounted rail(s) on the left as you face the toilet.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 87cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • Lighting levels are good.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are available in the toilet that was surveyed.
    • There is a flip down baby change table available.
    • The height of the baby change table is 100cm.
  • Toilet Facilities 2 View
    • The shared toilet is located along the main ward corridor.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The visual contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • There is a/are horizontal wall mounted rail(s) on the right as you face the toilet.
    • There is a/are vertical wall mounted rail(s) on the right as you face the toilet.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 87cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever.
    • Lighting levels are good.

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