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 (Kempton Bed Unit)
- The Kempton Bed Unit is/are located on Level 3 of the Centre Block.
- Access to the Kempton Bed Unit is via the Level 2 Main Entrance - Craven Road Multi-Storey Car Park.
- Enter via the Level 2 Main Entrance - Craven Road Multi-Storey Car Park entrance and go straight ahead towards the main hospital reception. Turn right down the corridor and down the slight slope. Continue past the café and down to the double doors which open out into an open foyer. Take the second entrance on the left and take the lifts located immediately on the right to Level 3. Exit the lifts and turn right down the corridor. The entrance to the Kempton Bed Unit is located on the left.
- There is ramped/sloped and lift access to the Kempton Bed Unit.
- The Kempton Bed Unit is approximately 35m from the lifts 25 and 26.
- 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 Main Entrance - Craven Road Multi-Storey Car Park)
- This entrance is located on Level 2 of the Craven Road multi-storey car park.
- The approach to the entrance has bollards.
- The entrance area is clearly signed.
- There is step-free level access at the entrance.
- The height of the hand sanitiser is 129cm.
- There are double automatic doors at this entrance.
- The doors open away from you.
- The width of the opening is 153cm.
- The doors have a high 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 161cm.
- The second set of doors have a high visual contrast.
- The minimum width between the bollards is 152cm.
- This entrance gives access to the main reception area on Level 2.
Lift (Centre Block - Lifts 25 and 26)
- The lift surveyed is located along the Centre Block main corridor.
- The distance from the Level 2 Main Entrance is 60m.
- 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 low visual contrast.
- All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- The lift door opening width is 130cm.
- The internal dimensions of the lift are 154cm (width) x 277cm (depth).
- The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings, Braille markings and a low visual contrast.
- Some of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- Internally the lift has: a mirror to aid reversing, a visual floor indicator 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.
Ward (Kempton Day Bed Unit)
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Ward Information
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- This is a/an paediatric ward.
- This is a shared ward.
- There is/are 1 bay(s) available.
- There is/are 0 side room(s) available.
- There is/are 10 bed(s) on this ward in total.
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Ward Access
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- 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 170cm (5ft 7in).
- There is a bell/buzzer.
- The height of the bell/buzzer is 147cm (4ft 10in).
- There is an intercom.
- The height of the intercom is 147cm (4ft 10in).
- There is a hand sanitiser.
- The height of the hand sanitiser is 118cm (3ft 10in).
- There is a door release button when exiting.
- The height of the door release button is 130cm (4ft 3in).
- 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.
- There is some flooring on the ward which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
- The lighting levels are moderate to good.
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Reception/Nurses' Station
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- The height of the Nurses' Station desk is 111cm.
- There is a lowered section.
- The height of the lowered section of the desk is 74cm.
- There is not a hearing assistance system available at the desk.
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Ward Features and Patient Facilities
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- The ward does not play background music.
- There is a chair with armrests on both sides.
- A mobile hoist is not available on the ward.
- There are not washroom facilities for patients on the ward.
- There are toilet facilities for patients on the ward.
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Visitor Facilities
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- There are accessible toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
- There are standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
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Visiting Times
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- There are set visiting times for the ward.
- Visiting times are 07:00 to 19:00.
- The visiting times are the same for each day.
Reception (Kempton Day Bed Unit)
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Reception
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- The reception point is located to the right as you enter the Kempton Day Bed Unit.
- The reception point is approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the Kempton Day Bed Unit 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 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 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 not sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.
- The seats do not have armrests.
- 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 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.
Waiting Room / Area (Waiting Areas 3 and 4)
- There is a waiting room / area.
- The waiting room / area is approximately 17m from the Kempton Day Bed Unit 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.
- Some chairs are permanently fixed.
- Some chairs with armrests are available.
- No tables are permanently fixed.
- The surface height of the lowest table is 49cm.
- 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 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.
Toilet with Adaptations (Left Hand Transfer)
- There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
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Location and Access
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- This accessible toilet is located on the main ward corridor.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 17m from the Kempton Day Bed Unit 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 written text and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
- 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 83cm.
- The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
- 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 233cm x 190cm.
- The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- The height of the light switch/pull cord is 130cm from floor level.
- 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 left.
- The lateral transfer space is 159cm.
- The transfer space is obstructed by a waste disposal bin.
- There is a flush, however it is not 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 medium.
- 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 right.
- 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 medium.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
- 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 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 placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the toilet roll holder is 112cm (3ft 8in).
- The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is medium.
- 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 80cm (2ft 7in).
- 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 130cm.
- 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.
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Baby Changing Facilities
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- Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
- There is a flip down baby change table available.
- The height of the baby change table is 97cm.
Standard Toilet(s) (Visitor Toilet)
- Standard toilet facilities are available.
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Toilet Facilities
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- The shared toilet is located on the main ward corridor.
- There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
- The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 24m from the Kempton Day Bed Unit 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 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 not available.
- The height of the wash basin(s) is 80cm.
- The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
- 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 moderate to good.
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Baby Changing Facilities
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- Baby change facilities are available in the shared toilets.
- There is a flip down baby change table available.
- The height of the baby change table is 97cm.
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.
