You are on Getting To The Hospital. Skip to the next section.

Getting To The Hospital

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• By Road View
  • The West Suffolk Hospital is located to the south of Bury St. Edmunds Town Centre. It is within easy access of the A14 (westerly or easterly direction). Please also note that car parking at West Suffolk Hospital, Bury St. Edmunds can be very difficult at busy times of the day.
• By Bus View
  • The main bus station is in St Andrew's Street North, a few minutes walk from the town centre. Mulley's Bus Company runs the M11/M22 bus service from here to the hospital and return. Currently this runs at hourly intervals at 10 minutes past the hour arriving at the hospital at 27 minutes past. Stephenson's Bus Company runs the Bury St Edmunds Town Breeze Service from here to the hospital and return. Currently this runs at half hourly intervals, at 15 and 45 minutes past the hour arriving at the hospital at 25 and 55 minutes past.
• By Train View
  • The railway station is on Station Hill (Tel: 01284 484950), about 1 mile from the town centre and 2 miles from the hospital. There are at least five train services daily between Bury St Edmunds and Ipswich and Cambridge. The journey time for either is approximately 45 minutes. There is a bus service from the station which runs to the main bus station in St Andrew's Street North, with connecting services to the hospital. There is also a taxi rank outside the station, and further taxi offices on Station Hill.

You are on Getting Help and Assistance. Skip to the next section.

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 to the left as you enter the main hospital entrance.
• There are volunteers available for help and assistance at the hospital.
• Volunteers can be found at main reception.
• There is not an assistance dog toilet or toileting area on the hospital site.
• Mobility aids are available to help patients move around and include; wheelchairs.
• To obtain mobility aids please contact main reception.

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• Comments View
  • Disability awareness training can be provided for staff.
  • The most commonly used documents can be produced in different formats on request.
  • Different formats may include Braille, large print, audio and different languages.
  • British Sign Language interpreters can be provided on request.
  • A member of staff generally on duty is trained to level 2.
  • Language interpreters can be provided on request.
  • The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) can provide advice and support for accessing these services.
  • They can be contacted on 01284 712555 or by visiting the office in the main reception area.
  • Registered assistance dogs are generally welcomed in all areas although departments with high risk from infection, such as wards and intensive care units, should be contacted in advance.
  • Help with luggage is available for inpatients.
  • The mobility aids available in the hospital include mobile hoists, wheelchairs, motorised wheelchairs, tri wheel walkers, shower chairs, bath hoists, commodes, walking sticks, walking frames, hoist slings, adjustable beds and crutches.

You are on Hospital Parking (Rear Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Hospital Parking (Rear Entrance)

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• Parking View
  • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
  • The car parking facilities are for Blue Badge holders only.
  • The car park is located adjacent to the rear entrance.
  • 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.
  • 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 6 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the hospital car park.
  • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 360cm x 500cm (11ft 10in x 16ft 5in).
  • 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.
• Drop-off Point View
  • There is a designated drop-off point.
  • There is a dropped kerb from the drop-off point.
  • The dropped kerb does not have tactile paving.
• Paying View
  • 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 free for Blue Badge holders.
  • Free parking for Blue Badge holders is for 4 hours only.
  • 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).
• 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 slopes/ramps.
  • The hospital entrance is not clearly visible from the car park.
  • The route from the car park to the hospital entrance is not clearly signposted.
  • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 30m (32yd 2ft) from the from the rear entrance.
• Comments View
  • Blue Badge holders can have their chip coin validated (for free parking) at the Eye Treatment Centre, Macmillan Unit or Day Surgery Unit only if they have attended these units.
  • For more information on hospital parking please see the Car Parking Information guide.

You are on Opening Times. Skip to the next section.

Opening Times

• Monday 09:00 - 17:30.
• Tuesday 09:00 - 17:30.
• Wednesday 09:00 - 17:30.
• Thursday 09:00 - 17:30.
• Friday 09:00 - 17:30.

You are on Outside Access (Children's Outpatients Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Children's Outpatients Entrance)

• This information is for the entrance located on the ground floor of the hospital.
• There is not level access into the venue.
• The bell is not in a suitable position to allow wheelchair users to gain access.
• The main door(s) open both ways.
• The doors are double width.
• The door(s) is / are heavy.
• The door opening is 162cm (5ft 4in) wide.

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• Second set of doors View
  • There is a second set of doors.
  • The door(s) open both ways.
  • The doors are double width.
  • The door(s) is / are heavy.
  • The door opening is 160cm (5ft 3in) wide.

You are on Level Change (Children's Outpatients Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Level Change (Children's Outpatients Entrance)

• There is a ramp or slope to access this service.
• The ramp or slope is located in front of the entrance.
• The ramp or slope is permanent.

You are on Reception. Skip to the next section.

Reception

• There is level access to reception from the entrance.
• The reception desk is high (110cm+).
• The desk has a low (76cm or lower) section.
• The desk is generally staffed.
• The lighting levels are medium.
• There is a hearing assistance system.
• The hearing system is available only on request.
• The type of system is a portable loop.
• Staff are trained to use the system.
• There is not a prescription box.
• There is not a bell to attract attention.
• There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the desk.

You are on Inside Access. Skip to the next section.

Inside Access

• There is level access to the service.
• There is a hearing assistance system.
• The hearing system is available only on request.
• The system is a portable loop.
• Staff are trained to use the system.
• This venue does not play background music.
• Customers cannot charge scooters or wheelchairs at the venue.
• Route finding signage is available.
• The type of flooring in walkways and corridors is vinyl.
• The lighting levels are medium.

You are on Waiting Room / Area. Skip to the next section.

Waiting Room / Area

• There is a waiting room / area.
• The waiting room / area is 3m (3yd 10in) from the entrance.
• There is level access into the waiting room / area.
• There are not doors into the waiting room / area.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• The type of flooring is vinyl.
• No chairs are permanently fixed.
• Chairs with armrests are not available.
• No tables are permanently fixed.
• Information is available in large print, large print on request and different languages.
• Information in other languages and formats is available on request.
• Announcements are in person.
• The room does not have background music playing.
• There is not a television.
• Vending machines are not available.
• There is a children's play area.
• There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
• Lighting levels are medium.

You are on Consultation / Treatment Room. Skip to the next section.

Consultation / Treatment Room

• There are 6 consultation/treatment rooms available.
• The room surveyed was Consulting Room 4.
• The consultation / treatment room is 6m (6yd 1ft) from the entrance.
• There is level access to the consultation / treatment room.
• There are doors into the consultation / treatment room.
• The main doors open away from you (push).
• The doors are single width.
• The doors are light.
• The door opening is 87cm (2ft 10in) wide.
• The type of flooring is vinyl.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• There is a bed / couch.
• The bed / couch is adjustable.
• A hoist is available.
• The hoist is manual.
• A sling is available.
• The sling is attached by hook and loop.
• There is a chair.
• No chairs are permanently fixed.
• The chair is not adjustable.
• There are no chairs with armrests available.
• A flashing alarm is not available.
• A vibrating alarm is not available.
• The room does not have background music playing.
• Lighting levels are bright.

You are on Consultation / Treatment Room. Skip to the next section.

Consultation / Treatment Room

• There are 6 consultation/treatment rooms available.
• The room surveyed was Consulting Room 2.
• The consultation / treatment room is 11m (12yd 1in) from the entrance.
• There is level access to the consultation / treatment room.
• There are doors into the consultation / treatment room.
• The main doors open away from you (push).
• The doors are single width.
• The doors are light.
• The door opening is 88cm (2ft 11in) wide.
• The type of flooring is vinyl.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• There is a bed / couch.
• The bed / couch is adjustable.
• A hoist is available.
• The hoist is manual.
• A sling is available.
• The sling is attached by hook and loop.
• There is a chair.
• No chairs are permanently fixed.
• The chair is not adjustable.
• There are no chairs with armrests available.
• A flashing alarm is not available.
• A vibrating alarm is not available.
• The room does not have background music playing.
• Lighting levels are bright.

You are on Accessible Toilet. Skip to the next section.

Accessible Toilet

• There are accessible toilets within this venue designated for public use.

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• Location and Access View
  • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
  • There is no signage on or near the toilet door.
  • The accessible toilet is located to the left after you enter the department.
  • The accessible toilet is 2m (2yd 7in) from the entrance.
  • There is level access to the accessible toilet.
• Features and Dimensions View
  • This is a unisex toilet.
  • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
  • The door opens inwards.
  • The door is locked by a twist lock.
  • The door weight is light.
  • The width of the accessible toilet door is 84cm (2ft 9in).
  • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 155cm x 200cm (5ft 1in x 6ft 7in).
  • Floor manoeuvring space is clear in the accessible toilet.
  • There is not a lateral transfer space.
  • The tap type is lever.
  • There is a mixer tap.
  • The emergency alarm is not fully functional.
  • The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
  • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
  • There is a coat hook.
• Position of Fixtures View
  • Wall mounted rails are available.
  • As you face the toilet the wall mounted grab rails are on the left.
  • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
  • There are mirrors.
  • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 43cm (1ft 5in).
  • There is not a hand dryer.
  • There is a towel dispenser.
  • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • There is a toilet roll holder.
  • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The toilet roll holder is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The toilet roll holder is 120cm (3ft 11in) high.
  • There is a sink.
  • The sink can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The sink is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
• Colour Contrast and Lighting View
  • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
  • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
  • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
  • The contrast between the grab rails and wall is good.
  • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
  • The lighting levels are low.
• Comments View
  • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
  • The baby change facilities are located in the adapted toilet.
  • The height of the baby change table once extended is 88cm (2ft 10in).
  • Inside the venue, there is level access to the baby change facility.
  • The adapted toilet also serves as the standard unisex facility.

You are on Standard Toilet(s). Skip to the next section.

Standard Toilet(s)

• The nearest standard toilets are located in the main hospital corridor.

You are on Standard Toilet(s) (Children's Facility). Skip to the next section.

Standard Toilet(s) (Children's Facility)

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• Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
  • Standard toilets are available.
• Access to Standard Shared Toilet(s) View
  • The unisex toilets are located in the waiting room.
  • Unisex toilets are 7m (7yd 1ft) from the entrance.
  • Inside the venue, there is level access to the unisex toilet.
  • Lighting levels are medium.