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Castle Ward

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

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Access Guide

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Getting To (Castle Ward)

Parking (West Drive - Redlands Road)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located at the rear of the hospital building, off Redlands Road.
    • The car park is open air/surface.
    • The car park surface consists of tarmac.
    • There are 4 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
    • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked and signposted.
    • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 250cm (width) x 480cm (depth).
    • There is a marked zone to both sides and rear.
    • The width of the marked zone is 128cm.
    • The nearest designated bay is 49m from the Level 1 Battle Block entrance.
    • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has a very easy slope and uneven surfaces.
    • There is a dropped kerb with tactile paving from the designated Blue Badge parking.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park is for Blue Badge holders only.
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
    • Clearly presented parking signs are available.
    • View information on parking policies/charges (opens new tab).
    • Blue Badge holders can validate their car registration at the parking desk in the main entrance foyer on Level 2.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point available.

Entrance (Level 1 Battle Block - Redlands Road)

  • This entrance is located to the rear of the hospital building, off Redlands Road.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is step-free access via ramp at the entrance.
  • The ramp has a slight gradient.
  • The ramp is between 75cm and 150cm wide with handrails on both sides.
  • The ramp bypasses the steps.
  • There are 3 steps with a handrail on the left going up.
  • The handrail is easy to grip.
  • The handrail covers the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • The handrail extends horizontally beyond the first and last step.
  • The steps are unmarked.
  • The steps have tactile markings at the top and bottom.
  • 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.
  • The height of the hand sanitiser is 132cm.
  • There are double automatic doors at this entrance, however one door is locked or bolted.
  • The locked door can be opened on request.
  • The doors open towards you.
  • The width of the opening is 98cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The doors have a low visual contrast.
  • There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 97cm.
  • There is step-free level access as you enter.
  • This entrance gives access to Level 1 of the Battle Block.

Lift (Battle Block - Lifts 33 and 34)

  • The lift surveyed is located along the Battle Block main corridor.
  • The distance from the Level 1 Battle Block entrance is 13m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has slight ramps or slopes 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, Braille markings and a high visual contrast.
  • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 128cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 155cm (width) x 283cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings, Braille markings and a high visual contrast.
  • The majority of the internal controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • Internally the lift has: 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.

Entrance (Castle Ward)

  • This entrance is located on Level 2 of the Battle Block.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is step-free level access at the entrance.
  • There is an intercom at a height of 153cm.
  • There is a key fob/card reader at a height of 133cm.
  • The height of the hand sanitiser is 107cm.
  • There are double manual doors at this entrance.
  • The doors open away from you.
  • The width of the opening is 158cm.
  • The doors have a high visual contrast.
  • There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 137cm.

Ward (Castle Ward)

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a rheumatology and endocrine ward.
    • This is a shared ward.
    • There are 4 bays available.
    • There are 7 side rooms available.
    • There are 20+ beds in total on the ward.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is written text signage on or near the door.
    • There is step-free level access into this ward.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 130cm.
    • There are double manual doors with a high visual contrast.
    • The doors open towards you.
    • The width of the opening is 160cm.
  • Getting Around View
    • There is step-free level access throughout.
    • Access throughout may include doors permanently held open.
    • The flooring is shiny.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.
    • Wayfinding signage is not provided.
    • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
  • Reception / Nurses' Station View
    • The height of the desk is 111cm.
    • There is a lowered section at the desk.
    • The height of the lowered section is 75cm.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Facilities and Services View
    • Seating available on the ward includes: chairs with armrests and chairs without armrests.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
    • The hoist is mobile.
    • There is a relatives' room for the ward.
    • The following facilities are available for patients: toilets with adaptations and washrooms.
    • The nearest toilet with adaptations for visitors is located on Level 1 of the Battle Block or Level 3 of the Eye Block.
  • Visiting Hours View
    • There are set visiting times for the ward.
    • Visiting times are Monday to Sunday 08:00 to 20:00.
    • Protected meal times are between 08:00 - 09:00, 12:00 - 13:00 and 17:00 to 18:00.

Toilet and Changing Facilities (Castle Ward)

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • There is 1 toilet with adaptations.
    • The toilet with adaptations is located on the ward corridor opposite Bay 1.
    • The toilet with adaptations has a right hand transfer space.
  • Washroom and Shower Facilities View
    • The washroom facilities which have adaptations are located opposite Bay 1, Bay 3 and Bay 4.
    • There is a toilet with adaptations and two female shower with adaptations facilities opposite Bay 1, two male shower with adaptations opposite Bay 3 and a male and female shower with adaptations opposite Bay 4.

Room (Quiet Room)

  • The room is located along the ward corridor and on the right.
  • The distance from the ward entrance is 12m.
  • The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access and manual doors.
  • There is written text signage on or near the door.
  • There is step-free level access into the room.
  • There is a single manual door with a high visual contrast.
  • The door opens inwards.
  • The width of the opening is 76cm.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the room.
  • Furniture cannot be moved to enable a manoeuvring space for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is not space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • The flooring is shiny.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Seating available in the room includes: armchairs and sofas.
  • Furniture available in the room includes: coffee tables.
  • The surface heights are not suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear underside space of the surfaces is not suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Additional facilities/services include: a flashing fire alarm.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise in this room.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Bathroom with Adaptations (Bay 1 - Female Shower Room)

  • Location and Access View
    • The bathroom surveyed is located along the ward corridor, opposite Bay 1.
    • The most accessible route to the bathroom has step-free level access and manual doors.
    • There is step-free level access into the bathroom.
    • There is pictorial, written text and dementia friendly signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 78cm.
    • The door has a lever twist lock.
    • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
    • There is not a grab rail on the internal door .
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the bathroom are 196cm (width) x 294cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet.
    • The lateral transfer space is 128cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a lever flush on the non-transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • The horizontal grab rail has a low visual contrast.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The vertical grab rail has a low visual contrast.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown rail has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 44cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
    • The toilet has a padded backrest.
    • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a medium visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 100cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 85cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • There are no vertical grab rails at the wash basin.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a medium visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 142cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser has a medium visual contrast.
    • The towel dispenser is 138cm from the floor.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm, however it is not within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The bathroom has a clinical waste bin.
    • There are no coat hooks.
    • The walls and floor have a medium visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
    • The bathroom has a wheel-in shower.
    • There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the shower (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is an adjustable shower head which can also be detached.
    • The shower controls are twist/turn.
    • There is a flip-down shower seat.
    • The shower seat is 60cm from the floor.
    • There are grab rails for the shower.
    • The shower grab rails have a low visual contrast.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm for the shower, however it is not within 10cm from the floor.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 142cm.

Toilet with Adaptations (Right Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located along the ward corridor, opposite Bay 1.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access and manual doors.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial and dementia friendly signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 78cm.
    • The door has a lever twist lock.
    • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
    • There is not a grab rail on the internal door .
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the cubicle are 188cm (width) x 210cm (depth) and there is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
    • The lateral transfer space is 110cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a lever flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the left as you face the toilet.
    • The horizontal grab rail has a low visual contrast.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The vertical grab rail has a low visual contrast.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown rail has a low visual contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 45cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
    • The toilet has a padded backrest.
    • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a medium visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 100cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 85cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • There are no vertical grab rails at the wash basin.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a medium visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 144cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser has a medium visual contrast.
    • The towel dispenser is 131cm from the floor.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm, however it is not within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The cubicle has a clinical waste bin.
    • There are no coat hooks.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 144cm.