You are on Overview (Royal Berkshire Hospital). Skip to the next section.

Overview (Royal Berkshire Hospital)

Collapse all Expand all

• 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
  • The venue has its own car park, with Blue Badge parking available.
  • There is a drop-off point, on-street standard parking and a taxi rank.
  • The nearest train station is Reading Railway Station.
  • The nearest bus station is Reading Bus Station.
  • For the latest travel options and information you can plan your travel using Google Maps (opens new tab).
  • View information on getting here (opens new tab) .
• 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.

You are on Parking (Craven Road Multi-Storey Car Park - Levels 0-3). Skip to the next section.

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

Collapse all Expand all

• 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.

You are on Hospital Parking (21a Craven Road). Skip to the next section.

Hospital Parking (21a Craven Road)

Collapse all Expand all

• Parking View
  • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
  • The car parking facilities are for Blue Badge holders and staff only.
  • The car park is located at 21a Craven Road.
  • 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.
  • There is/are 1 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the hospital car park.
  • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 480cm x 510cm.
  • There is not a 120cm hatched zone around the Blue Badge parking bay(s).
  • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do need to be booked in advance.
• Drop-off Point View
  • There is not a designated drop-off point.
• Paying View
  • There are not parking charges for the hospital car park.
• 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 clearly visible from the car park.
  • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the Breast Screening Main Entrance.

You are on Getting To (Breast Screening). Skip to the next section.

Getting To (Breast Screening)

• Breast Screening is/are located on Level 0 at 21a Craven Road, which is opposite the main hospital entrance.
• Access to Breast Screening is via the Breast Screening Main Entrance.
• Enter via the Breast Screening Main Entrance and take the lift on the left. Go to Level 0. The entrance to Breast Screening is located on the right.
• There is step free access, via lift, to Breast Screening.
• Breast Screening is approximately 3m from the lift.
• 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.

You are on Outside Access (Breast Screening Main Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Breast Screening Main Entrance)

Collapse all Expand all

• Entrance Details View
  • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
  • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
  • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
  • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
  • The entrance door(s) does/do 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 a bell/buzzer.
  • The height of the bell/buzzer is 130cm .
  • There is an intercom.
  • The height of the intercom is 130cm .
  • 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 133cm (4ft 4in).
  • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
  • The door(s) is/are single width.
  • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 94cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 1.5cm or below.
  • There is a second set of doors.
  • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
  • The door(s) is/are single width.
  • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 87cm.
• Ramp/Slope Details View
  • The ramp/slope is located leading to the Breast Screening Main Entrance.
  • The ramp/slope gradient is steep.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
  • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides going up the ramp.

You are on Other Floors (Breast Screening). Skip to the next section.

Other Floors (Breast Screening)

Collapse all Expand all

• Stairs View
  • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The floors which are accessible by stairs are 0,1.
  • There are 15+ steps between floors.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
  • The depth 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 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 moderate to good.
• Comments View
  • Breast Screening is located on Level 0.

You are on Lift (Breast Screening). Skip to the next section.

Lift (Breast Screening)

• There is a lift for public use.
• The lift is located to the left as you enter the building.
• Signs indicating the location of this lift are not clearly visible from the entrance.
• The lift is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the Breast Screening 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 0,1.
• 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 visual contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is high.
• The visual contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is medium.
• The clear door width is 80cm.
• The dimensions of the lift are 110cm x 140cm.
• There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
• There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
• There is 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 not have Braille markings.
• The lift does have tactile markings.
• The lighting level in the lift is moderate to good.

Collapse all Expand all

• Comments View
  • Breast Screening is located on level 0.

You are on Opening Times (Breast Screening). Skip to the next section.

Opening Times (Breast Screening)

• Monday 08:30 - 16:30.
• Tuesday 08:30 - 16:30.
• Wednesday 08:30 - 16:30.
• Thursday 08:30 - 16:30.
• Friday 08:30 - 16:30.
• Saturday Closed.
• Sunday Closed.

You are on Department / Service (Breast Screening). Skip to the next section.

Department / Service (Breast Screening)

Collapse all Expand all

• Department / Service Access View
  • Breast Screening is located on Level 0 at 21a Craven Road, opposite the main hospital entrance.
  • There is a/are door(s) leading into the department/service.
  • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
  • The door(s) is/are single width.
  • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
  • The width of the door opening is 87cm.
  • There is not a bell/buzzer.
  • There is not an intercom.
  • There is a hand sanitiser.
  • The height of the hand sanitiser is 136cm (4ft 6in).
  • There is not a door release button when exiting.
  • There is level access throughout the department/service.
  • There is clear signage on the department/service.
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is some flooring in the department/service which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
  • The department/service does play background music.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
• Department / Service Facilities View
  • This department/service has; a main reception, a waiting room/area, a consultation room, treatment rooms and accessible toilet facilities for everyone.
  • There are 4 consultation/treatment rooms in this department/service.
  • A hearing assistance system is not available in the department/service.
  • A mobile hoist is not available on the department/service.
  • There are accessible toilet facilities within the department/service.
  • There are not standard toilet facilities within this department/service.

You are on Reception (Breast Screening). Skip to the next section.

Reception (Breast Screening)

Collapse all Expand all

• Reception View
  • The reception point is located directly ahead as you enter the reception waiting area.
  • The reception point is approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the Breast Screening entrance.
  • The reception area/desk is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • There is step free access to the reception point, via lift.
  • 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 not placed in front of a background which is patterned.
  • The lighting levels at the reception point are moderate to good.
  • The height of the reception counter is low (76cm or lower) .
  • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
  • The counter is staffed.
  • 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 a waiting area close to the reception point.
  • Access to the waiting area is unobstructed.
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.
  • There is a mixture of seating with and without armrests.
  • Some tables are permanently fixed.
  • The waiting room / area does have background music playing.
  • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the waiting room / area.
  • There is a television.
  • Subtitles are available.
  • Vending machines are not available.
  • A water dispenser is available.
  • 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 moderate to good.

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

Consultation / Treatment Room (Clinical Room)

• There is / are 1 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
• The name / number of the room surveyed was; Clinical Room.
• 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.
• The door(s) is/are easy 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 adjustable.
• There are some chairs with 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 adjustable.

You are on Consultation / Treatment Room (X-Ray Room - Accessible). Skip to the next section.

Consultation / Treatment Room (X-Ray Room - Accessible)

• There is / are 3 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
• The name / number of the room surveyed was; X-Ray Room 3.
• 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.
• The door(s) may be difficult to open.
• The width of the door opening is 85cm (2ft 9in).
• The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• There is not a bed / couch.
• There is a chair.
• No chairs are permanently fixed.
• The chair(s) is/are 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 adjustable.

Collapse all Expand all

• Comments View
  • This is the larger X-Ray Room and patients are asked to inform the Breast Screening Department before arrival.

You are on Consultation / Treatment Room (X-Ray Room - Standard). Skip to the next section.

Consultation / Treatment Room (X-Ray Room - Standard)

• There is / are 3 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
• The name / number of the room surveyed was; X-Ray 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.
• 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 not a bed / couch.
• There is a chair.
• No chairs are permanently fixed.
• The chair(s) is not/are not adjustable.
• All chairs have armrests available.
• All 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 adjustable.

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (Right Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (Right Hand Transfer)

• There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.

Collapse all Expand all

• Location and Access View
  • This accessible toilet is located in the reception waiting area.
  • This accessible toilet is approximately 7m from the Breast Screening entrance.
  • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
  • This is a shared toilet.
  • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
  • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
  • The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
  • The door opens inwards.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The door is locked by a twist lock.
  • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 87cm (2ft 10in).
  • The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
  • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
  • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is medium.
• Toilet Features View
  • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 195cm x 216cm (6ft 5in x 7ft 1in).
  • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
  • The height of the light switch/pull cord is 113cm from floor level.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • There is a lateral transfer space.
  • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
  • The lateral transfer space is 121cm.
  • There is a flush on the transfer side.
  • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
  • There is a lever flush.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • The visual contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is high.
  • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
  • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
  • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
  • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
  • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
  • The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
  • There is an emergency alarm.
  • The emergency alarm is fully functional.
  • There is a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
  • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
  • There is a/are sanitary and pedal bin disposal units.
  • There is a/are coat hook(s).
  • The height of the coat hook is 142cm from the floor.
• Additional Fixtures View
  • There is a mirror.
  • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
  • The toilet has a cistern.
  • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 49cm (1ft 7in).
  • The toilet seat colour contrast is high.
  • 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 height of the toilet roll holder is 105cm (3ft 5in).
  • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is low.
  • There is a wash basin.
  • The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • The height of the wash basin is 70cm (2ft 4in).
  • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
  • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
  • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
  • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
  • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The height of the soap dispenser is 112cm.
  • There is a towel dispenser.
  • The towel dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The height of the towel dispenser is 105cm (3ft 5in).
  • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is low.
  • There is not a hand dryer.
• Comments View
  • There is an identical left hand transfer accessible toilet to the right of this toilet.

You are on Related Access Guides. Skip to the next section.

Related Access Guides

• To view other Detailed Access Guides that are related to this one please use the links below.
• Centre Block - Building Guide link (new tab) - click here.