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Intensive Care Unit

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

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Access Guide

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Overview (Royal Berkshire Hospital)

  • 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
  • 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.

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

  • 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.

Parking (Addington Road)

  • On-street Parking View
    • On-street standard parking is available.
    • Standard on-street parking is available to the left side of the hospital building, on Addington Road.

Getting To (Intensive Care Unit)

  • The Intensive Care Unit is/are located on Level 3 of the South Block.
  • Access to the Intensive Care Unit is via the Level 2 South Block - Addington Road entrance.
  • Enter via the Level 2 South Block - Addington Road entrance and follow the corridor to the welcome desk.
    Take the corridor on the right and continue ahead through the double doors.
    Take the lifts on the left to Level 3.
    Exit the lift, turn left and left again. The entrance to the Intensive Care Unit is located ahead and to the right, next to the reception desk.
  • There is step free access, via lift, to the Intensive Care Unit.
  • The Intensive Care Unit is approximately 10m from the lifts 18 and 19.
  • 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 South Block - Addington Road)

  • This entrance is located on the left hand side of the hospital building, off Addington Road.
  • 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 between 75cm and 150cm wide with handrails on both sides.
  • The ramp bypasses the steps.
  • There are 6 steps with a handrail on the right going down.
  • 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 height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the highest step is 15cm.
  • The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
  • The height of the hand sanitiser is 126cm.
  • There are double automatic doors at this entrance.
  • The doors open towards you.
  • The width of the opening is 176cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The doors have a medium visual contrast.
  • There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 115cm.
  • There is a second set of double automatic doors .
  • The second set of doors open towards you.
  • The width of the opening is 176cm.
  • 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 South Block.

Lift (South Block - Lifts 18 and 19)

  • The lift surveyed is located along the South Block main corridor.
  • The distance from the Level 2 Main Entrance is 190m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has a slight ramp or slope 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 and a high visual contrast.
  • None of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 124cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 159cm (width) x 305cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings and a high visual contrast.
  • None 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 low at the time of the survey.
  • There are other lifts available at this location which are of a similar size.

Reception (Intensive Care Unit)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located to the left, before the Intensive Care Unit ward entrance.
    • The reception point is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the Intensive Care Unit ward entrance.
    • The reception area/desk is clearly 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 good.
    • The height of the reception counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the low section of the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • There is not a bell to attract attention.
    • There is a hearing assistance system.
    • The type of system is a fixed loop.
    • The hearing assistance system is signed.
    • Staff are trained to use the hearing assistance system.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested on 13/08/2024.
    • The hearing assistance system was working at the time of testing.
    • Signs and universally accepted symbols or pictograms, indicating lifts, stairs, WCs, circulation routes and other parts of the building are provided in the reception area.
  • Reception Waiting Area View
    • There is not a waiting area close to the reception point.

Waiting Room / Area (Visitor Waiting Area)

  • There is a waiting room / area.
  • The waiting room / area is approximately 4m from the Intensive Care Unit reception.
  • 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 double width.
  • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 154cm (5ft 1in).
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is a space for a wheelchair user to wait within the seating area.
  • Some chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs with armrests are available.
  • Some tables are permanently fixed.
  • The surface height of the lowest table is 43cm.
  • The surface height of the highest table is 92cm.
  • The tables do not contrast visually with the floor.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • 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 not a television.
  • 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 good.

Family Room (Relatives Room)

  • The family room is located to the rear of the visitor waiting area.
  • There is step-free access to the family room.
  • The family room is clearly signed.
  • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) for the room is/are not push pad activated.
  • The door(s) is/are single width with a locked extension leaf.
  • The door(s) has a closer and maybe difficult for some to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 87cm.
  • The type of flooring in the family room is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is not sufficient space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre within the family room.
  • There are chairs with armrests on both sides.
  • There is not sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the seating area.
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • There is not a refreshment counter.
  • There is a sink.
  • The wash basin tap type is lever.
  • There is a television.
  • Subtitles are available.
  • Vending machines are not available.
  • There is not a water dispenser available.
  • There is not a play area or toys/books for a child to play with.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system for the room(s).
  • Background music is not played in the room.
  • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • The lighting levels in the room are moderate to good.
  • This is a designated room for relatives to stay overnight.
    This area includes a bedroom and a standard toilet.
    There is an additional door into the family room which is single with a locked extension leaf, opens away from you and is 84cm wide.
    The height of the table is 33cm.
    The height of the wash basin is 80cm.
    The height of the soap dispenser is 87cm.

Ward (Intensive Care Unit)

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a/an Intensive Care ward.
    • This is a shared ward.
    • There is/are 2 bay(s) available.
    • There is/are 6 side room(s) available.
    • There is/are 22 bed(s) on this ward in total.
  • Ward Access View
    • There is a/are door(s) leading into the ward.
    • 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 148cm (4ft 10in).
    • There is a bell/buzzer.
    • The height of the bell/buzzer is 156cm (5ft 1in).
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 156cm (5ft 1in).
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 109cm (3ft 7in).
    • There is a door release button when exiting.
    • The height of the door release button is 114cm (3ft 9in).
    • There is level access throughout the ward.
    • Staff can provide assistance with using any manual doors within 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 varied.
  • Relatives' Room View
    • There is a relatives' room for the ward.
    • The width of the door opening into the relatives' room is over 75cm.
    • There is not a clear turning space in the relatives' room.
    • There is a/are chair(s) with armrests available within the relatives' room.
  • Example Side Room View
    • There are no side rooms available with an accessible ensuite.
    • The width of the door opening into the side room is over 75cm.
    • The side room surveyed does not have a ceiling track hoist.
    • There is sufficient space next to the bed for a mobile hoist to operate.
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre around the bed.
    • Bedside storage is not available.
    • The visual contrast between the walls and the floor in the side room is medium.
    • The lighting levels in the side room are adjustable.
  • 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 not washroom facilities for patients on the ward.
    • There are not 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 South Block outside the Trueta Ward entrance.
    • There are standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
  • Visiting Times View
    • There are no set visiting times, please contact the ward in advance.
  • Comments View
    • Visiting is limited to 2 visitors at a time.

Standard Toilet(s) (Visitor Waiting Area - Shared)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The shared toilet is located to the left as you enter the visitor waiting area.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 5m from the visitor waiting area 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 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 76cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The wall fixed soap dispenser is located to the right of the wash basin.
    • Lighting levels are good.
    • There is a shower cubicle within the standard toilet. The height of the step is 22cm. The width of the cubicle door is 57cm. The height of the shower head is adjustable and shower controls are lever mixer. There are no handrails within the shower cubicle.

Standard Toilet(s) (Relatives Room - Shared)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The shared toilet is located immediately ahead as you enter the relatives room.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 13m from the visitor waiting area entrance.
    • There is no 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 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 76cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The wall fixed soap dispenser is located to the right of the wash basin.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • There is also a twist/turn tap at the wash basin. There is a shower cubicle within the standard toilet. The width of the door is 58cm and the height of the step is 22cm. The height of the shower head is adjustable and the type of shower controls are lever mixer.

Toilet and Changing Facilities (Royal Berkshire Hospital)

  • 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.

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