Access Guide
Getting To The Hospital
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By Road
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- Hinchingbrooke Hospital is situated off Parkway which is to the West of Huntingdon Town Centre, just off the A14. The hospital is clearly signposted from all major routes which include the A14, and the A141. If you are dropping someone off at the hospital there are allocated drop off points, located near to most entrances to the hospital.
- The main car park is located opposite the Treatment Centre and main hospital entrance. As you enter, please take a coin token from the entrance barrier. You need to keep your coin token with you and pay at the pay station on your way back to your car.
There is a designated drop-off point outside the main entrance.
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By Bus
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- There is an onsite bus stop.
- There is an onsite bus stop.
- The hospital bus stop is located on Hinchingbrooke Park Road, approximately 180 metres from the Dynamic Health Musculoskeletal Services & Uro-Gynaecological Physiotherapy entrance.
- You can use Traveline to start to plan your journey by bus.
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By Train
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- The nearest station is Huntingdon which is 0.9 miles away. To view the route use the Google Maps link below.
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Useful Links
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- Traveline for South East and Anglia.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
- Cambridgeshire County Council information on buses.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
- National Rail Enquiries.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
- Walking route from the train station on Google Maps.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
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 at the rear of the entrance foyer.
- The telephone number for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is 01480 428 964.
- 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 at the reception desk.
- 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, mobile hoists and adjustable beds.
- To obtain mobility aids please contact reception.
- Additional hospital services link (new tab) - click here.
Hospital Parking (Main Entrance Blue Badge Parking)
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Parking
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- The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
- The car parking facilities are for Blue Badge holders only.
- The car park is located in front of the main entrance to the main hospital building.
- 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 9 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the hospital car park.
- The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 340cm x 690cm (11ft 2in x 22ft 8in).
- 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.
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Drop-off Point
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- There is a designated drop-off point.
- The drop-off point is located to the left of the main entrance to the main hospital building.
- 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 parking charges for the hospital car park.
- Payment signs are provided.
- Payment signs are located at the payment machines in the hospital building.
- Payment signs do make it clear if parking charges apply to Blue Badge holders.
- Parking is not free for Blue Badge holders.
- Payment machines are located inside the hospital building.
- There is 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).
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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 dropped kerbs.
- The hospital entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
- The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
Hospital Parking (Main Car Park - Car Park 2)
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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 hospital buildings.
- 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 355cm x 477cm (11ft 8in x 15ft 8in).
- There is not 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.
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Drop-off Point
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- There is not a designated drop-off point.
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Paying
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- 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 and 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 not free for Blue Badge holders.
- Free parking for Blue Badge holders is for 1 hour only.
- Payment machines are located inside the hospital building and at the front of the car park.
- There is 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).
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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 slopes/ramps.
- 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 79m (86yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
Getting To (Lilac Ward)
- Lilac Ward is/are located on the 1st floor of the hospital.
- Access to Lilac Ward is via the Main Hospital entrance.
- Enter via the Main Hospital entrance and proceed along the corridor, past the shops and cafes and then turn left to the lifts. Take the lift to the first floor and on exiting turn left. Continue to the end of the corridor and turn right, continue along the corridor and the entrance to the Lilac Ward is to the left.
- There is step free access, via lift, to Lilac Ward.
- Lilac Ward is approximately 60m from the 1st floor lift.
- There is a/are manual, double door(s) which may be difficult to open between the 1st floor lift and the department/service.
- There are not resting areas along the route.
- Wayfinding signage is provided.
- Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
- There is some flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
Outside Access (Main Entrance)
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Entrance Details
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- This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
- 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.
- Standard manual wheelchairs are available for people to borrow at this entrance.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically (away from you).
- The automatic door(s) is/are push pad activated.
- The door(s) is/are single width.
- The width of the door opening is 100cm.
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Comments
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- Photograph 7 shows the wheelchairs which are available to borrow at this entrance.
Other Floors (Main Stairs)
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Stairs
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- Signs indicating the location of the stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
- There are manual, double doors which may be difficult to open to enter and exit the stairwell on the first floor.
- The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1.
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
- The going of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
- The steps are clearly marked.
- The steps do have handrails.
- The steps have a handrail on both sides.
- Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
- Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- Handrails are easy to grip.
- Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
- There is a landing.
- Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor of the building are provided on landings.
- The lighting levels are good.
Lift (Main Lift)
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located ahead as you enter via the main entrance, on Main Street, opposite X-Ray.
- Signs indicating the location of this lift are clearly visible from the entrance.
- The lift is approximately 40m (43yd 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 G, 1.
- 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 high.
- The clear door width is 136cm (4ft 6in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 153cm x 264cm (5ft x 8ft 8in).
- 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 not a hearing assistance system.
- The lift does have Braille markings.
- The lift does have tactile markings.
- The lighting level in the lift is good.
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Comments
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- There are 2 lifts in this location.
Ward
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Ward Information
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- This is a/an maternity ward ward.
- This is a female ward.
- There is/are 5 bay(s) available.
- There is/are 4 side room(s) available.
- There is/are 30 bed(s) on this ward in total.
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Ward Access
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- There is a/are door(s) leading into the ward.
- The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The automatic door(s) is/are push pad activated.
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The door(s) may be difficult to open.
- The width of the door opening is 194cm (6ft 4in).
- There is not a bell/buzzer.
- 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 107cm (3ft 6in).
- There is a door release button when exiting.
- The height of the door release button is 150cm (4ft 11in).
- 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 moderate to good.
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Reception/Nurses' Station
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- The height of the ward reception desk is 120cm.
- There is a lowered section.
- The height of the lowered section of the desk is 74cm.
- There is a hearing assistance system available at the desk.
- The type of system is a fixed loop.
- The hearing assistance system is signed.
- Staff are not trained to use the hearing assistance system.
- The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
- The hearing assistance system was tested on 02/11/2021.
- The hearing assistance system was working at the time of testing.
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Ward Features and Patient Facilities
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- A hearing assistance system is available on the ward.
- The system is a fixed loop.
- Staff are not trained to use the hearing assistance system.
- The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
- The hearing assistance system was tested on 04/11/2021.
- The hearing assistance system was not working at the time of testing.
- 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.
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Visitor Facilities
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- There are no accessible toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
- Accessible toilet facilities for visitors are located off the ground floor main entrance foyer.
- There are standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
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Visiting Times
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- There are set visiting times for the ward.
- Visiting times are Birth partners: 9:00am to 1:30pm and 3:30pm to 10:00pm All other visitors: 6:30pm to 8:00pm.
- Protected meal times are between Breakfast: 7.30am-8.30am Lunch: 12.15pm - 1.15pm Supper: 5pm-6pm.
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Comments
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- There is a second set of doors 192cm wide that open towards you. The intercom and hand sanitiser are located before the second set of doors.
Room / Area (Mother and Baby Room)
- There is / are 1 room(s) / area(s) available.
- There is level access to the room / area.
- There is a/are door(s) into the room / 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 room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- There is a bed / couch.
- The bed / couch is not adjustable.
- There is a chair.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- The chair(s) is not/are not height adjustable.
- There are no chairs with armrests available.
- Some tables are permanently fixed.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- The room / area does not have background music playing.
- There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room / area.
- Lighting levels are good.
Washroom (Bay 1 Toilet and Shower)
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Washroom Details
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- 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 ward.
- The washroom surveyed is located in Bay 1.
- The washroom surveyed is approximately 15m from the ward entrance.
- There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
- This washroom is female.
- There is pictorial signage on or near the washroom door.
- The washroom door(s) open(s) inwards and 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 85cm (2ft 9in).
- The dimensions of the washroom are 265cm x 221cm (8ft 8in x 7ft 3in).
- 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 cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the wash basin is 81cm.
- 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 97cm.
- There is a towel dispenser.
- The towel dispenser cannot 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.
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Toilet Details
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- 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 right.
- The lateral transfer space is 212cm.
- 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 both sides.
- 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.
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Shower Details
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- There is 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 twist/turn.
- There is a flip-down/tip-up seat for the shower.
- The height of the flip-down/tip-up or fixed seat is 50cm (1ft 8in).
- There are wall-mounted grab rails available for the shower.
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- 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 dropdown rail(s) and wall is low.
- The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall is low.
- The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet and wall is low.
- The toilet seat colour contrast is high.
- The colour contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is low.
- The colour contrast between the washroom floor and walls is high.
- Lighting levels are good.
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Comments
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- The bidet is 41cm high.
Washroom (Ward Corridor Shower Room)
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Washroom Details
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- The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower.
- There is/are 1 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
- The washroom surveyed is located to the left as you enter the ward, along the corridor and on the left.
- There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
- This washroom is female.
- There is pictorial 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 150cm x 182cm (4ft 11in x 5ft 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 not a mirror.
- There is not a wash basin.
- There is not a soap dispenser.
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- There is not a hand dryer.
- Disposal facilities are not available.
- The washroom has a non-slip floor.
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Shower Details
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- There is 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 twist/turn.
- There is a flip-down/tip-up seat for the shower.
- The height of the flip-down/tip-up or fixed seat is 49cm (1ft 7in).
- There are wall-mounted grab rails available for the shower.
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- 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 shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is low.
- The colour contrast between the washroom floor and walls is high.
- Lighting levels are good.
Standard Toilet(s) (Ward Corridor)
- Standard toilet facilities are available.
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Toilet Facilities
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- The female toilet is located to the left as yiou enter the ward, along the corridor and on the left.
- There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
- The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 21m 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 high.
- The colour contrast between the internal toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
- The colour contrast between the walls and floor is high.
- Toilet seats do not have a high colour contrast.
- An ambulant toilet cubicle is available.
- There is a/are horizontal wall mounted rail(s) on the left as you face the toilet.
- The colour contrast of the horizontal wall mounted grab rail(s) in the ambulant cubicle(s) is low.
- There is a/are dropdown rail(s) on the right as you face the ambulant toilet(s).
- The colour contrast of the dropdown rail(s) in the ambulant cubicle(s) is low.
- The height of the wash basin(s) is 80cm.
- The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
- There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
- The wall fixed soap dispenser is located above the sink and to the right.
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.
Standard Toilet(s) (Ward Corridor Visitor)
- Standard toilet facilities are available.
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Toilet Facilities
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- The shared toilet is located to the left as you enter the ward along the corridor and on the left.
- There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
- The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 20m 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 high.
- The colour contrast between the internal toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
- The colour contrast between the walls and floor is high.
- Toilet seats do not have a high colour contrast.
- An ambulant toilet cubicle is available.
- There is a/are horizontal wall mounted rail(s) on the left as you face the toilet.
- The colour contrast of the horizontal wall mounted grab rail(s) in the ambulant cubicle(s) is low.
- There is a/are dropdown rail(s) on the right as you face the ambulant toilet(s).
- The colour contrast of the dropdown rail(s) in the ambulant cubicle(s) is low.
- There are additional ambulant cubicles with differing rail configurations.
- The height of the wash basin(s) is 78cm.
- The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
- There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
- The wall fixed soap dispenser is located above the sink to the right.
- Lighting levels are low to moderate.
Toilet with Adaptations
- There is not an/are not accessible toilet(s) available.
- The nearest accessible toilet(s) is/are located off the ground floor main entrance foyer.
Related Access Guides
- To view other Detailed Access Guides that are related to this one please use the links below.
- Hinchingbrooke Hospital Main Building link (new tab) - click here.