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

Overview (Royal Berkshire Hospital)

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• 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)

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• 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 Getting To (Gynaecology Outpatients). Skip to the next section.

Getting To (Gynaecology Outpatients)

• Gynaecology Outpatients is/are located within the Sonning Ward on Level 5 of the Maternity Block.
• Access to Gynaecology Outpatients is via the Level 2 Maternity Block - Main Entrance.
• Enter via the Level 2 Maternity Block - Main Entrance and head straight ahead to the lifts in front of you. Take the lifts to Level 5. Exit the lift, turn left and the entrance to Sonning Ward is located in front of you. Enter Sonning Ward and you will be asked to have your temperature taken by a member of staff before you go to the reception desk directly in front of you.
• There is step free access, via lift, to Gynaecology Outpatients.
• Gynaecology Outpatients is approximately 7m from the lifts 10, 11, and 12.
• There are resting areas along the route.
• Wayfinding signage is not 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 (Level 2 Maternity Block - Main Entrance). Skip to the next section.

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.

You are on Lift (Maternity Block - Lifts 10, 11 and 12). Skip to the next section.

Lift (Maternity Block - Lifts 10, 11 and 12)

• The lift surveyed is located immediately ahead as you enter the Level 2 Maternity Block - Alternative Entrance.
• The distance from the Level 2 Maternity Block - Alternative Entrance is 7m.
• The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
• Level 1 - Level 6 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 high visual contrast.
• All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• The lift door opening width is 120cm.
• The internal dimensions of the lift are 144cm (width) x 149cm (depth).
• The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings and a high visual contrast.
• All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• Internally the lift has: a separate door to exit, 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.

You are on Entrance (Sonning Ward - Gynaecology Outpatients). Skip to the next section.

Entrance (Sonning Ward - Gynaecology Outpatients)

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• Entrance Details View
  • This information is for the entrance located on Level 5 of the Maternity 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 a bell/buzzer.
  • The height of the bell/buzzer is 145cm .
  • There is an intercom.
  • The height of the intercom is 145cm .
  • There is a hand sanitiser.
  • The height of the hand sanitiser is 124cm (4ft 1in).
  • There is a door release button when exiting.
  • The height of the door release button is 136cm (4ft 6in).
  • The main 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 160cm.

You are on Opening Times (Gynaecology Outpatients). Skip to the next section.

Opening Times (Gynaecology Outpatients)

• Monday 07:00 - 19:30.
• Tuesday 07:00 - 19:30.
• Wednesday 07:00 - 19:30.
• Thursday 07:00 - 19:30.
• Friday 07:00 - 19:30.
• Saturday Closed.
• Sunday Closed.

You are on Department / Service (Gynaecology Outpatients). Skip to the next section.

Department / Service (Gynaecology Outpatients)

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• Department / Service Access View
  • Gynaecology Outpatients is located within the Sonning Ward on Level 5 of the Maternity Block.
  • 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 varied.
• Department / Service Facilities View
  • This department/service has; a main reception, sub waiting areas, consultation rooms 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 available from another department/service.
  • There are not accessible toilet facilities within the department/service.
  • Accessible toilet facilities are located on Level 2 of the Centre Block.
  • There are standard toilet facilities within this department/service.

You are on Reception (Gynaecology Outpatients). Skip to the next section.

Reception (Gynaecology Outpatients)

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• Reception View
  • The reception point is located ahead and to the right as you enter the ward.
  • The reception point is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the Sonning Ward - Gynaecology Outpatients entrance.
  • The reception area/desk is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • There is step free access to the reception point.
  • There is not 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 not sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.
  • There are seats with armrests on both sides.
  • 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 not space for an assistance dog to rest within the seating area.
  • Lighting levels are moderate to good.

You are on Waiting Room / Area (Waiting Area 1). Skip to the next section.

Waiting Room / Area (Waiting Area 1)

• There is a waiting room / area.
• The waiting room / area is approximately 5m from the Sonning Ward - Gynaecology Outpatients entrance.
• There is level access into the waiting room / area.
• There is not a/are not door(s) into the waiting room / area.
• The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
• There is a space for a wheelchair user to wait within the seating area.
• No chairs are permanently fixed.
• All chairs have armrests.
• No tables are permanently fixed.
• The surface height of the lowest table is 36cm.
• The surface height of the highest table is 56cm.
• The tables do contrast visually with the floor.
• There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• Announcements are in person.
• The waiting room / area does not 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 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.

You are on Waiting Room / Area (Waiting Area 2). Skip to the next section.

Waiting Room / Area (Waiting Area 2)

• There is a waiting room / area.
• The waiting room / area is approximately 14m from the Sonning Ward - Gynaecology Outpatients entrance.
• There is level access into the waiting room / area.
• There is not a/are not door(s) into the waiting room / area.
• The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
• There is a space for a wheelchair user to wait within the seating area.
• No chairs are permanently fixed.
• Some chairs with armrests are available.
• Some tables are permanently fixed.
• The surface height of the lowest table is 74cm.
• The tables do contrast visually with the floor.
• There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• Announcements are in person.
• 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 low to moderate.

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• Comments View
  • This is a temporary waiting area.

You are on Waiting Room / Area (Outpatients Clinic Waiting Room). Skip to the next section.

Waiting Room / Area (Outpatients Clinic Waiting Room)

• There is a waiting room / area.
• The waiting room / area is approximately 27m from the Sonning Ward Gynaecology Outpatients entrance.
• There is level access into the waiting room / area.
• There is a/are door(s) into the waiting room / area.
• The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
• The door(s) is/are single width with a locked extension leaf.
• The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
• The width of the door opening is 80cm (2ft 7in).
• The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
• There is a space for a wheelchair user to wait within the seating area.
• No chairs are permanently fixed.
• All chairs have armrests.
• No tables are permanently fixed.
• The surface height of the lowest table is 40cm.
• The tables do contrast visually with the floor.
• There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• Announcements are in person.
• The waiting room / area does not 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 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.

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

Consultation / Treatment Room (Consultation Room)

• There is / are 4 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
• The name / number of the room surveyed was; 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 with a locked extension leaf.
• The door(s) may be difficult to open.
• The width of the door opening is 94cm (3ft 1in).
• 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 can be brought in from another department.
• There is sufficient space next to the bed/couch for a mobile hoist to operate.
• There is a chair.
• No chairs are permanently fixed.
• The chair(s) is not/are not 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 moderate to good.

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

Consultation / Treatment Room (Procedure Room)

• There is / are 4 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
• The name / number of the room surveyed was; Procedure 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 a locked extension leaf.
• The door(s) may be difficult to open.
• The width of the door opening is 87cm (2ft 10in).
• 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.
• 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 low to moderate.

You are on Standard Toilet(s) (Department Corridor). Skip to the next section.

Standard Toilet(s) (Department Corridor)

• Standard toilet facilities are available.

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• Toilet Facilities View
  • The female toilet is located to the left of the reception desk.
  • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
  • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 5m from the Sonning Ward - Gynaecology Outpatients entrance.
  • There is 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 available.
  • There is a/are horizontal wall mounted rail(s) on the left as you face the toilet.
  • The visual contrast of the horizontal wall mounted grab rail(s) in the ambulant cubicle(s) is low.
  • The ambulant toilet does not have vertical wall mounted grab rails.
  • The height of the wash basin(s) is 87cm.
  • The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
  • 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 low to moderate.
• Toilet Facilities 2 View
  • The female toilet is located off the corridor.
  • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
  • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 14m from the Sonning Ward - Gynaecology Outpatients entrance.
  • There is written text signage on or near the toilet door.
  • The visual contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
  • The visual contrast between the internal toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
  • The visual contrast between the walls and floor is high.
  • Toilet seats do not have a high visual contrast.
  • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
  • There is a/are horizontal wall mounted rail(s) on the right as you face the toilet.
  • The visual contrast of the horizontal wall mounted grab rail(s) in the ambulant cubicle(s) is medium.
  • The ambulant toilet does not have vertical wall mounted grab rails.
  • The height of the wash basin(s) is 87cm.
  • The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
  • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
  • The wall fixed soap dispenser is located to the right of the wash basin.
  • Lighting levels are low to moderate.
• Baby Changing Facilities 2 View
  • Baby change facilities are available in the female toilets.
  • There is a flip down baby change table available.
  • The height of the baby change table is 95cm.

You are on Toilet and Changing Facilities (Royal Berkshire Hospital). Skip to the next section.

Toilet and Changing Facilities (Royal Berkshire Hospital)

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• 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.

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.
• Maternity Block link (new tab) - click here.