Access Guide
Overview (Royal Berkshire Hospital)
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About
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- 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
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Parking and Public Transport
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- 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) .
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Getting In and Around
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- 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.
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Getting Help and Assistance
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- 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)
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Car Park
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- 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.
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Charges and Restrictions
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- 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.
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Drop-off Point
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- There is a designated drop-off point available.
- The designated drop-off point is located on Level 2 of the car park.
Getting To (Fertility Clinic)
- The Fertility Clinic is/are located on Level 2 of the Maternity Block.
- Access to the Fertility Clinic is via the Maternity Accessible entrance.
- Enter via the Maternity Accessible entrance and the entrance to the Antenatal and Gynaecology Clinics is located to the right. Report to the main reception desk and they will guide you to the Fertility clinic.
- There is step free access to the Fertility Clinic.
- The Fertility Clinic is approximately 3m from the Maternity Accessible entrance.
- 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.
Entrance (Level 2 Maternity Block - Main Entrance)
- This entrance is located at the front of the building, on Craven Road.
- The entrance area is not clearly signed.
- There is 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 steep gradient.
- The ramp is over 150cm wide with no handrails.
- There is an intercom at a height of 117cm.
- There is an intercom at a height of 160cm.
- The height of the hand sanitiser is 125cm.
- There is a single automatic door at this entrance.
- The door opens by sliding.
- The width of the opening is 128cm.
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
- The door has a medium 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 163cm.
- The second set of doors have a medium visual contrast.
- There is step-free level access as you enter.
- This entrance gives access to Level 2 of the Maternity Block. There is an alternative entrance to the right of this one for disabled users.
Entrance (Level 2 Maternity Block - Alternative Entrance)
- This entrance is located at the front of the building, on Craven Road.
- The approach to the entrance has uneven surfaces.
- The entrance area is clearly signed.
- There is 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 steep gradient.
- The ramp is over 150cm wide with no handrails.
- The height of the hand sanitiser is 124cm.
- There is a single automatic door at this entrance.
- The door opens by sliding.
- There is a push pad at a height of 95cm.
- The width of the opening is 140cm.
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
- The door has a medium visual contrast.
- There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 115cm.
- There is a second single automatic door.
- The second door opens by sliding.
- The width of the opening is 114cm.
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
- The second door has a high visual contrast.
- There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 93cm.
- There is step-free level access as you enter.
- This entrance gives access to Level 2 of the Maternity Block.
Reception (Level 2 Maternity Block - Maternity Reception)
- The reception is located on Level 2 of the Maternity Block, to the right as you enter via the Maternity Block alternative entrance.
- The distance from the Level 2 Maternity Block alternative entrance is 6m.
- The most accessible route to reception has automatic doors.
- There is step-free level access to reception.
- The height of the reception desk is 110cm.
- There is not a lowered section at the desk.
- There is a clearly signed fixed hearing assistance system.
- The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.
- There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.
- The flooring is shiny.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
- There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
- Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests.
- Furniture available in this area includes: coffee tables.
- The height of the push pad to enter and exit the reception area is 93cm.
Opening Times (Fertility Clinic)
- Monday 08:00 - 12:00.
- Tuesday 08:00 - 12:00.
- Wednesday 08:00 - 12:00.
- Thursday Closed.
- Friday 08:00 - 12:00.
- Saturday Closed.
- Sunday Closed.
Department / Service (Fertility Clinic)
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Department / Service Access
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- The Fertility Clinic is located on Level 2 of the Maternity Block.
- There is a/are door(s) leading into the department/service.
- 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 158cm.
- There is not a bell/buzzer.
- There is not an intercom.
- There is a hand sanitiser.
- The height of the hand sanitiser is 108cm (3ft 7in).
- 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.
- There is some flooring in the department/service which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
- The department/service does not play background music.
- The lighting levels are moderate to good.
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Department / Service Facilities
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- This department/service has; a main reception, a waiting room/area, consultation rooms, accessible toilet facilities for everyone, ambulant toilet facilities for everyone and standard toilet facilities.
- 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 standard toilet facilities within this department/service.
Reception (Fertility Clinic)
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Reception
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- The reception point is located to the left of the waiting area.
- The reception point is approximately 14m (15yd 11in) from the Fertility Clinic entrance.
- Clear signage for the reception area/desk is not visible from the entrance.
- There is step free access to the reception point.
- 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 high (110cm+) .
- There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
- There is not a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
- 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.
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Reception Waiting Area
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- 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 are seats with armrests on both sides.
- No tables are permanently fixed.
- The waiting room / area does not have background music playing.
- There is a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the waiting room / area.
- There is not a television.
- Vending machines are not available.
- A water dispenser is not 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.
Consultation / Treatment Room (Consultation Room)
- There is / are 4 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
- The name / number of the room surveyed was; Fertility Clinic Consultation 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) is/are easy to open.
- The width of the door opening is 79cm (2ft 7in).
- 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 height 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 moderate to good.
Consultation / Treatment Room (Scan Room)
- There is / are 1 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
- The name / number of the room surveyed was; Scan 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) may be difficult to open.
- The width of the door opening is 77cm (2ft 6in).
- The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
- There is not 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 no chairs with armrests available.
- No 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.
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Comments
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- This Scan Room is accessed via Consultation Room 1.
Toilet with Adaptations (Right Hand Transfer)
- There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
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Location and Access
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- The accessible toilet was out of use at the time of the survey.
- This accessible toilet is located opposite the Fertility Clinic reception desk.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 19m from the Fertility Clinic 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 medium.
- 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.
- The contrast between the internal door and wall is medium.
- The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
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Toilet Features
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- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 140cm x 295cm.
- The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- 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 71cm.
- The transfer space is obstructed by a sanitary 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 visual contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is low.
- There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
- As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on the left.
- There is not 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 low.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is medium.
- There is not an emergency alarm.
- 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 not a/are not coat hook(s).
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Additional Fixtures
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- 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.
- There is a lid attached to the toilet seat.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 43cm (1ft 5in).
- The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
- 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 93cm (3ft 1in).
- The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is low.
- There is a wash basin.
- The wash basin and tap(s) cannot 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 74cm (2ft 5in).
- 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 98cm.
- 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 122cm (4ft).
- The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is medium.
- There is not a hand dryer.
Standard Toilet(s)
- Standard toilet facilities are available.
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Toilet Facilities
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- The shared toilet is located opposite the reception.
- There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
- The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 16m from the Fertility Clinic 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 medium.
- The colour contrast between the internal toilet door(s) and wall(s) is medium.
- The colour contrast between the walls and floor is medium.
- 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.
- There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
- The wall fixed soap dispenser is located above the middle of the wash basin.
- Lighting levels are low to moderate.
Toilet and Changing Facilities (Royal Berkshire Hospital)
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Toilet Facilities
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- 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.
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Changing Places and Changing Facilities
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- 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
- 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.
- Maternity Block link (new tab) - click here.
- Antenatal and Gynaecology Clinics link (new tab) - click here.
