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.

Acute Medical Unit (AMU) / Higher Monitoring Unit (HMU)

Royal Berkshire Hospital, London Road, Reading, RG1 5AN

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

Overview (Royal Berkshire Hospital)

  • About View
    • This is a large general hospital foundation trust and the main provider of acute and specialist care services for Berkshire West.
    • Facilities available in the venue include: Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS), a Pharmacy, a buggy transportation service ran by volunteers to assist those with mobility issues, volunteer help desks for wayfinding, a variety of cafes and restaurants on Level 1 and Level 2 of the building, a convenience store and M&S Food.
    • View information on opening times
  • Parking and Public Transport View
  • Getting In and Around View
    • There is step-free level access at the most accessible entrance.
    • The main and most accessible entrance is via Level 2 of the Craven Road Multi-Storey car park entrance, which enters the hospital at the Level 2 Main Entrance foyer.
      There are alternative entrances which are step-free level via lift throughout Levels 0, 1 and 3 of the multi-storey car park and step-free via ramped and lift access at the Level 1 Main Entrance - Craven Road.
      Each Block of the hospital has its own entrance located around the hospital site and its surrounding roads with varying levels of access.
    • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas, this may include the use of a lift.
    • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: a slight ramp in the main entrance foyer corridor into the Centre Block on Level 2, a slight ramp along the Centre Block corridor on Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 leading towards the Eye Block, a slight ramp between the Eye Block and Battle Block corridor on Level 2, a slight ramp leading from the Maternity Block into the South Block on Level 2, slight ramps in the corridor between the Battle Block and North Block on Level 1, a steep ramp leading from the North Block to the Berkshire Cancer Centre on Level 1 and slight ramps on either side of the North Block corridor on Level 2.
    • The following areas have stepped access: the Centre Block corridor on Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 leading towards the Eye Block.
    • Access throughout may include manual doors, doors permanently held open, automatic doors and narrow walkways.
    • All levels of the building can be accessed via a standard lift and stairs.
    • There are also a number of gender neutral and designated stoma-friendly toilets located around the hospital building.
      A changing place is available at the Level 1 Main Entrance.
  • Getting Help and Assistance View
    • There is seating available.
    • There is a fixed hearing assistance system.
    • You can borrow or hire the following equipment: a manual wheelchair and walking aids.
    • There is a designated safe space which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
    • The designated safe space is located in the Sanctuary multi-faith room.
    • British Sign Language interpreters can be provided on request.
    • Documents are available in the following formats: Braille (on request), large print (on request), different languages (on request) and audio (on request).
    • There is not a water bowl available for assistance dogs.
    • There is not a designated assistance dog spending area.
    • Additional facilities/services include: an ATM machine, a pay phone, Wi-Fi and TV pre-pay machines for patients.
    • Staff receive the following training: mandatory disability awareness training.

Parking (Craven Road Multi-Storey Car Park - Levels 0-3)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located on Craven Road.
    • The car park is multi-storey.
    • The car park surface consists of concrete.
    • The height of the restriction barrier is 220cm.
    • There are 15+ designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
    • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked and signposted.
    • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 229cm (width) x 460cm (depth).
    • There is a marked zone to both sides but not at the rear.
    • The width of the marked zone is 126cm.
    • The nearest designated bay is 4m from the Level 2 Main Entrance.
    • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has step-free level access and bollards.
  • 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 on Level 0, 1, 2 and 3 of the car park.
    • There is not a payment machine with controls at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • There is not a level manoeuvring space for a wheelchair user in front of the payment machine (185cm x 210cm).
    • View information on parking policies/charges (opens new tab).
    • This is a pay on exit car park.
      Blue Badge holders can park for free if they verify their Blue Badge and car registration at the parking desk in the main entrance foyer on Level 2.
      Staff permit holders are to park on Levels 4-6 of the car park.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is a designated drop-off point available.
    • The designated drop-off point is located on Level 2 of the car park.

Getting To (Acute Medical Unit - AMU / Higher Monitoring Unit - HMU)

  • The Acute Medical Unit (AMU) / Higher Monitoring Unit (HMU) is/are located on Level 1 of the Centre Block.
  • Access to the Acute Medical Unit (AMU) / Higher Monitoring Unit (HMU) is via the Level 2 Main Entrance - Craven Road Multi-Storey Car Park.
  • Enter via the Level 2 Main Entrance - Craven Road Multi-Storey Car Park entrance and proceed straight ahead towards the main hospital reception.
    Turn right down the corridor and down the slight slope.
    Continue past the café and down to the double doors which open out into an open foyer.
    Take the second entrance on the left and take a lift located immediately on the right to Level 1.
    Exit the lift and turn right down the corridor.
    The entrance to the Acute Medical Unit (AMU) / Higher Monitoring Unit (HMU) is located along the corridor and on the right.
  • There is ramped/sloped and lift access to the Acute Medical Unit (AMU) / Higher Monitoring Unit (HMU).
  • The Acute Medical Unit (AMU) / Higher Monitoring Unit (HMU) is approximately 73m from the lifts 25 and 26.
  • There are resting areas along the route.
  • Wayfinding signage is not 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 (Level 2 Main Entrance - Craven Road Multi-Storey Car Park)

  • This entrance is located on Level 2 of the Craven Road multi-storey car park.
  • The approach to the entrance has bollards.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is step-free level access at the entrance.
  • The height of the hand sanitiser is 129cm.
  • There are double automatic doors at this entrance.
  • The doors open away from you.
  • The width of the opening is 153cm.
  • The doors have a high visual contrast.
  • There is a second set of double manual doors .
  • The second set of doors are permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 161cm.
  • The second set of doors have a high visual contrast.
  • The minimum width between the bollards is 152cm.
  • This entrance gives access to the main reception area on Level 2.

Lift (Centre Block - Lifts 25 and 26)

  • The lift surveyed is located along the Centre Block main corridor.
  • The distance from the Level 2 Main Entrance is 60m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has a slight ramp or slope and doors permanently held open.
  • Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 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 low visual contrast.
  • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 130cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 154cm (width) x 277cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings, Braille markings and a low visual contrast.
  • Some of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • Internally the lift has: a mirror to aid reversing, a visual floor indicator 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.

Ward (Acute Medical Unit - AMU / Higher Monitoring Unit - HMU)

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a/an acute medical ward.
    • This is a shared ward.
    • There is/are 6 bay(s) available.
    • There is/are 10 side room(s) available.
    • There is/are 46 bed(s) on this ward in total.
    • There are 7 additional HMU beds which are for higher monitoring with a greater nursing ratio.
  • 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 170cm (5ft 7in).
    • There is a bell/buzzer.
    • The height of the bell/buzzer is 155cm (5ft 1in).
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 155cm (5ft 1in).
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 120cm (3ft 11in).
    • There is a door release button when exiting.
    • The height of the door release button is 130cm (4ft 3in).
    • 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 flooring on the ward which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Reception/Nurses' Station View
    • The height of the ward reception desk is 110cm.
    • There is a lowered section.
    • The height of the lowered section of the desk is 73cm.
    • 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
    • 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 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 Level 1 of the South 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 10:30 to 20:30.
    • The visiting times are the same for each day.
    • Only 2 visitors are allowed in the ward at a time.

Day Room / Lounge Area (Relatives Room 1)

  • There is a day room/lounge area.
  • The day room/lounge area is approximately 27m from the Acute Medical Unit (AMU) / Higher Monitoring Unit (HMU) 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) 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 88cm (2ft 11in).
  • 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.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 56cm (1ft 10in).
  • The room does not have background music playing.
  • There is not a red 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 good.

Washroom (Shower Room 1)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • There is/are 6 washroom(s) of this type in the unit.
    • The washroom surveyed is located along the unit corridor to the left, before the reception desk.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the unit.
    • This washroom is shared.
    • There is pictorial and written or text 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 is easy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 83cm (2ft 9in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 208cm x 190cm (6ft 10in x 6ft 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 within reach and fully functional.
    • 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 78cm.
    • As you face the wash basin the wall-mounted grab rails are on the left.
    • 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 132cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 132cm.
    • 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 45cm (1ft 6in).
    • 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 140cm.
    • 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 99cm.
    • 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 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 46cm (1ft 6in).
    • 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 medium.
    • 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 low.
    • The visual contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is low.
    • The visual contrast between the washroom floor and walls is high.
    • Lighting levels are good.

Washroom (Shower Room 2)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • There is/are 6 washroom(s) of this type in the unit.
    • The washroom surveyed is located along the unit corridor, opposite Bay 3.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
    • This washroom is shared.
    • There is pictorial and written or text 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 82cm (2ft 8in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 221cm x 277cm (7ft 3in x 9ft 1in).
    • 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 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 78cm.
    • There are no wall-mounted grab rails for the wash basin.
    • 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 95cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 90cm.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • There is a/are clinical waste disposal units.
    • 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 129cm.
    • 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 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 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 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • 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 low.
    • 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 good.
  • Comments View
    • There is an additional towel dispenser available which is 138cm high.
    • There is an additional soap dispenser available which is 139cm high.

Standard Toilet(s) (Visitors Toilet)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The shared toilet is located along the HMU corridor, on the right.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 41m from the Acute Medical Unit (AMU) / Higher Monitoring Unit (HMU) 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.
    • 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 visual contrast.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 85cm.
    • 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 left of the wash basin.
    • Lighting levels are good.

Toilet and Changing Facilities (Royal Berkshire Hospital)

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • There are 10+ toilets with adaptations.
    • Toilets with adaptations are located in the Level 2 main entrance foyer, on Level 2 of the Centre Block and South Block, on Level 3 of the South Block and Eye Block and on Level 1 of the Battle Block, South Block and North Block.
    • The transfer space varies between left and right in the toilets with adaptations.
    • Ambulant toilet facilities are located within the male and female standard toilets on Level 2 of the South Block and on Level 3 of the South Block.
    • The male and female step-free toilet facilities are located in the main entrance foyer on Level 2, on Level 2 of the South Block and on Level 2 and Level 5 of the Maternity Block.
    • The male step-free toilet facilities are located on Level 1 of the South Block.
    • The gender inclusive step-free toilet facilities are located on Level 1 of the Battle Block, on Level 2 of the Eye Block, on Level 3 of the South Block, on Level 1 of the North Block, on Level 2 of the Centre Block and on Level 4 of the Maternity Block.
    • The female toilet facilities are located on Level 1 and Level 3 of the South Block.
  • Changing Places and Changing Facilities View
    • The Changing Places toilet facilities are located next to the Level 1 Main Entrance.
    • Parent and baby changing facilities are located in the toilet with adaptations in the main entrance foyer on Level 2, within the toilet with adaptions and within the stoma friendly male and female cubicles on Level 2 of the South Block and within the stoma friendly toilets on Level 2 of the Centre Block.

Related Access Guides