You are on Getting To The Hospital (Royal Berkshire Hospital). Skip to the next section.

Getting To The Hospital (Royal Berkshire Hospital)

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• By Road View
  • Royal Berkshire Hospital is located on Craven Road to the south east of the city. The postcode to use for the sat nav is RG1 5AN. From the west of the city, Royal Berkshire Hospital can be accessed via several routes from the A33. From the east of the city the main route to the hospital is from the A3290 via London Road which is a one way street.
  • There are various car parks at the hospital but the main public parking is in the multi-storey car park located on Craven Road, next to the main entrance of the hospital. The multi-storey car park is pay on foot and the pay stations are located on Level 0 and Level 2. Levels 0, 1, 2 and 3 are public. Most wards and departments are accessed from Level 2. There is no public access to A&E or Endoscopy from inside the main hospital. Level 2 has 26 disabled-only spaces and leads straight to the main reception and to most wards and departments in the hospital. There are also seven disabled spaces on Level 0. A limited number of disabled spaces are also available near West Drive buildings, South Block, North Block, Endoscopy, Sexual Health and Battle Block.
• By Bus View
  • Several local bus routes serve the hospital site. They are the leopard 3, leopard 8, leopard 9, little oranges 19a, little oranges 19b, little oranges 19c and 149. The bus stop is located on Craven Road to the right of the Main Hospital entrance.
  • There is not an onsite bus stop.
• By Train View
  • The closest station is Reading which is approximately 1 mile from the hospital. You can catch the 19a little oranges and the 19b little oranges buses from the station. Both services stop outside the main hospital entrance on Craven Road. There are also several taxi services which run from the station.
• Useful Links View
  • Google Map of Royal Berkshire Hospital location.
  • To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
  • Route from Reading Train Station to the hospital.
  • To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
  • Please click on the link below for First Group Buses.
  • To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
  • Please click on the link below for Reading Buses.
  • To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).

You are on Getting Help and Assistance (Royal Berkshire Hospital). Skip to the next section.

Getting Help and Assistance (Royal Berkshire Hospital)

• To see the hospital map please click here (opens new tab).
• There is a Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) at the hospital.
• The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is located on Level 2 of Centre Block.
• The telephone number for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is 0118 322 8338.
• 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 main reception.
• Documents are available in an alternative format and can be provided to include: Braille on request, large print, different languages and audio.
• There is not an assistance dog toilet or toileting area on the hospital site.
• Water bowls for assistance dogs are not available.
• BSL interpreters can be provided on request.
• Language interpreters can be provided on request.
• Mobility aids are available to help patients move around and include; wheelchairs.
• To obtain mobility aids please contact main reception.
• There is a Changing Places facility at this hospital which is located on Level 1 of Centre Block.

You are on Hospital Parking (Multi-Storey). Skip to the next section.

Hospital Parking (Multi-Storey)

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• Parking View
  • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
  • The car park is located to the right hand side of the main entrance.
  • The car park type is multi storey.
  • The car park does have a height restriction barrier.
  • The maximum height is 220cm (7ft 3in).
  • The car park does have a barrier control system.
  • The car park surface is concrete.
  • 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 360cm x 480cm (11ft 10in x 15ft 9in).
  • 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.
• Drop-off Point View
  • There is a designated drop-off point.
  • The drop-off point is located on level 0 and level 2.
  • There is not a dropped kerb from the drop-off point.
• Paying View
  • 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 throughout the car park.
  • Payment signs are located next to and on the screen of the payment machines.
  • Payment signs do not make it clear if parking charges apply to Blue Badge holders.
  • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
  • Payment machines are located throughout the car park.
  • Payment machines are located on level 0 in the lift lobby and on the level 2 central walkway in 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).
• Access to the Hospital View
  • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user unaided.
  • 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 4m (4yd 1ft) from the Car Park - Level 2 entrance.
• Comments View
  • Patient and visitor parking is available on level 0, 1, 2 and 3.
  • Blue badge holders must register on the APCOA Blue Badge Portal to receive free parking.
  • The portal can be accessed via www.bluebadge.apcoa.co.uk or by scanning the QR code on a parking sign.
  • To validate Blue Badge parking please go to reception on level 2.
  • There are Blue Badge bays and drop off zones on level 0 (A and E drop off only) and level 2 and are located near the entrances to the hospital.
  • The maximum wait time in the drop off bays is 30 minutes.
  • There is a payment machine located in the middle of the car park on every level.

You are on Getting To (Castle Ward). Skip to the next section.

Getting To (Castle Ward)

• Castle Ward is/are located on level 2 of Battle Block.
• Access to Castle Ward is via the Car Park Level 2 entrance.
• Enter via the Car Park Level 2 entrance and go straight ahead towards the main hospital reception. Turn right down the corridor and down the slight slope past the Café. Continue down to the double doors which open out into an open foyer. Take the steep ramp straight ahead and at the end of the ramp follow the corridor through into the Eye Block. Continue through the Eye Block into the Battle Block corridor up a slight slope. Follow the corridor and the entrance to the Castle Ward is located on the left.
• There is ramped/sloped access to Castle Ward.
• Castle Ward is approximately 154m from the Car Park Level 2 entrance.
• There is a/are manual, double door(s) which may be difficult to open between the Car Park Level 2 entrance and the department/service.
• There are 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.
• There is some flooring in corridors which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.

You are on Entrance (Car Park - Level 2). Skip to the next section.

Entrance (Car Park - Level 2)

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• Entrance Details View
  • This information is for the entrance located on level 2.
  • The entrance area/door is clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
  • There is step free access at this entrance.
  • There is a hand sanitiser.
  • The height of the hand sanitiser is 131cm (4ft 4in).
  • 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 door(s) is/are double width.
  • The width of the door opening is 158cm.
  • There is a second set of doors.
  • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) is/are double width.
  • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
  • The width of the door opening is 161cm.

You are on Entrance (Level 2 Eye Block). Skip to the next section.

Entrance (Level 2 Eye Block)

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• Entrance Details View
  • This information is for the entrance located on Level 2.
  • The entrance area/door is clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
  • There is step free access at this entrance.
  • There is not a bell/buzzer.
  • There is not an intercom.
  • There is a hand sanitiser.
  • The height of the hand sanitiser is 127cm (4ft 2in).
  • There is not a door release button when exiting.
  • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
  • The door(s) is/are double width.
  • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
  • The width of the door opening is 157cm.

You are on Entrance (Castle Ward). Skip to the next section.

Entrance (Castle Ward)

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• Entrance Details View
  • This information is for the entrance located on Level 2 of Battle Block.
  • The entrance area/door is clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
  • There is step free access at this entrance.
  • There is not a bell/buzzer.
  • There is an intercom.
  • The height of the intercom is 154cm .
  • There is a hand sanitiser.
  • The height of the hand sanitiser is 104cm (3ft 5in).
  • There is a door release button when exiting.
  • The height of the door release button is 137cm (4ft 6in).
  • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) is/are double width.
  • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 158cm.
  • There is a second set of doors.
  • 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 162cm.

You are on Ward (Castle Ward). Skip to the next section.

Ward (Castle Ward)

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• Ward Information View
  • This is a/an Rheumatology and Diabetes ward.
  • This is a shared ward.
  • There is/are 4 bay(s) available.
  • There is/are 7 side room(s) available.
  • There is/are 28 bed(s) on this ward in total.
• Ward Access View
  • There is level access throughout the ward.
  • There is clear signage on the ward.
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is some 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 111cm.
  • There is a lowered section.
  • The height of the lowered section of the desk is 76cm.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system available at the desk.
• Example Side Room View
  • The width of the door opening into the side room is over 75cm.
• Ward Features and Patient Facilities View
  • 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 3 of the Eye Block.
  • There are no standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
  • Standard toilet facilities for visitors are located on level 1 of the Battle Block.
• Visiting Times View
  • There are no set visiting times, please contact the ward in advance.

You are on Room / Area (Quiet Room). Skip to the next section.

Room / Area (Quiet Room)

• There is / are 1 room(s) / area(s) available.
• The name / number of the room / area surveyed was; Quiet Room.
• 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 72cm (2ft 4in).
• The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
• There is not a bed / couch.
• There is a chair.
• No chairs are permanently fixed.
• The chair(s) is not/are not height adjustable.
• All chairs have armrests available.
• No 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.

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

Consultation / Treatment Room (Treatment Room)

• There is / are 1 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
• The name / number of the room surveyed was; Treatment 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 with an open extension leaf.
• The door(s) is/are easy to open.
• The width of the door opening is 84cm (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 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 good.

You are on Washroom (Bay 1 - Shower Room). Skip to the next section.

Washroom (Bay 1 - Shower Room)

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• Washroom Details View
  • The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
  • There is/are 2 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
  • There is/are also 4 washroom(s) which has/have a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
  • The washroom surveyed is located to the left from bay 1.
  • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
  • This washroom is female.
  • There is pictorial and written or text signage on or near the washroom door.
  • The washroom door(s) open(s) outwards.
  • The door(s) is/are locked by a twist lock.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 76cm (2ft 6in).
  • The dimensions of the washroom are 195cm x 262cm (6ft 5in x 8ft 7in).
  • 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 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 86cm.
  • 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 148cm.
  • 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 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 left.
  • The lateral transfer space is 116cm.
  • 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 100cm.
  • 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 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 61cm (2ft).
  • 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 good.
  • The colour contrast between the internal washroom door and wall is good.
  • The colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is fair.
  • The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall is poor.
  • The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet and wall is poor.
  • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
  • The colour contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is good.
  • The colour contrast between the washroom floor and walls is good.
  • Lighting levels are good.

You are on Washroom (Side Room 3 - Shower Room). Skip to the next section.

Washroom (Side Room 3 - Shower Room)

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• Washroom Details View
  • The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
  • There is/are 4 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
  • There is/are also 2 washroom(s) which has/have a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
  • The washroom surveyed is located next to side room 3.
  • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
  • This washroom is shared.
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the washroom door.
  • The washroom door(s) open(s) outwards.
  • The door(s) is/are locked by a twist lock.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • The dimensions of the washroom are 180cm x 206cm (5ft 11in x 6ft 9in).
  • 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 a wash basin.
  • The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The height of the wash basin is 88cm.
  • 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 150cm.
  • 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).
  • 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 left.
  • The lateral transfer space is 110cm.
  • 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 100cm.
  • 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 twist/turn.
  • A shower chair is available.
  • 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 good.
  • The colour contrast between the internal washroom door and wall is good.
  • The colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is fair.
  • The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall is poor.
  • The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet and wall is poor.
  • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
  • The colour contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is good.
  • The colour contrast between the washroom floor and walls is good.
  • Lighting levels are good.

You are on Accessible Toilet(s) (Right Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Right Hand Transfer)

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

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• Location and Access View
  • This accessible toilet is located to the left from bay 1 on the ward.
  • 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 signage on or near the toilet door.
  • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
  • The door opens outwards.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The door is locked by a lever twist.
  • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 76cm (2ft 6in).
  • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
  • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
• Toilet Features View
  • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 190cm x 150cm (6ft 3in x 4ft 11in).
  • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
  • The lighting levels are 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 120cm.
  • The transfer space is obstructed by a waste disposal bin.
  • 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 contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is poor.
  • 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 poor.
  • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
  • There is an emergency alarm.
  • The emergency alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
  • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
  • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
  • There is a/are nappy/incontinence items bin disposal units.
  • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
• 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 backrest.
  • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 45cm (1ft 6in).
  • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
  • There is a toilet roll holder.
  • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The height of the toilet roll holder is 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is fair.
  • There is a wash basin.
  • The wash basin and tap(s) cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • The height of the wash basin is 86cm (2ft 10in).
  • There are no vertical wall-mounted grab rails at the wash basin.
  • 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 148cm.
  • There is a towel dispenser.
  • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The height of the towel dispenser is 130cm (4ft 3in).
  • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is fair.
  • There is not a hand dryer.

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.
• Battle Block - Building Guide link (new tab) - click here.
• Centre Block - Building Guide link (new tab) - click here.