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

Getting To The Hospital (Royal Berkshire Hospital)

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

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

Getting Help and Assistance (Royal Berkshire Hospital)

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

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

Hospital Parking (Multi-Storey)

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• Parking View
  • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
  • The car park is located to the right hand side of the main entrance.
  • The car park type is multi storey.
  • The car park does have a height restriction barrier.
  • The maximum height is 220cm (7ft 3in).
  • The car park does have a barrier control system.
  • The car park surface is concrete.
  • There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
  • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • There is/are 10+ designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the hospital car park.
  • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 360cm x 480cm (11ft 10in x 15ft 9in).
  • There is not a 120cm hatched zone around the Blue Badge parking bay(s).
  • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
• Drop-off Point View
  • There is a designated drop-off point.
  • The drop-off point is located on level 0 and level 2.
  • There is not a dropped kerb from the drop-off point.
• Paying View
  • There are parking charges for the hospital car park.
  • Payment signs are provided.
  • Payment signs are clearly presented.
  • Payment signs are located at the entrance to the car park, at the payment machines in the car park and throughout the car park.
  • Payment signs are located next to and on the screen of the payment machines.
  • Payment signs do not make it clear if parking charges apply to Blue Badge holders.
  • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
  • Payment machines are located throughout the car park.
  • Payment machines are located on level 0 in the lift lobby and on the level 2 central walkway in the car park.
  • There is a payment machine at a convenient height for wheelchair users.
  • There is a level turning space (minimum 185cm x 210cm) in front of the payment machine(s).
  • To see the hospital parking charges please click here (opens new tab).
• Access to the Hospital View
  • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user unaided.
  • The hospital entrance is not clearly visible from the car park.
  • The route from the car park to the hospital entrance is clearly signposted.
  • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the Car Park - Level 2 entrance.
• Comments View
  • Patient and visitor parking is available on level 0, 1, 2 and 3.
  • Blue badge holders must register on the APCOA Blue Badge Portal to receive free parking.
  • The portal can be accessed via www.bluebadge.apcoa.co.uk or by scanning the QR code on a parking sign.
  • To validate Blue Badge parking please go to reception on level 2.
  • There are Blue Badge bays and drop off zones on level 0 (A and E drop off only) and level 2 and are located near the entrances to the hospital.
  • The maximum wait time in the drop off bays is 30 minutes.
  • There is a payment machine located in the middle of the car park on every level.

You are on Hospital Parking (Maternity Parking - 30 Minute Drop Off). Skip to the next section.

Hospital Parking (Maternity Parking - 30 Minute Drop Off)

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• Parking View
  • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
  • The car park is located at the front of the Maternity Block accessed from Craven Road.
  • The car park type is open air/surface.
  • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • The car park does not have a barrier control system.
  • The car park surface is tarmac.
  • There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
  • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • There is/are 1 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the hospital car park.
  • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 415cm x 450cm.
  • There is not a 120cm hatched zone around the Blue Badge parking bay(s).
  • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
• Drop-off Point View
  • There is a designated drop-off point.
  • The drop-off point is located in front of the Maternity Block.
  • There is not a dropped kerb from the drop-off point.
• Paying View
  • There are not parking charges for the hospital car park.
  • Free parking for Blue Badge holders is for 30 minutes only.
• Access to the Hospital View
  • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
  • Assistance may be required because there is/are slopes/ramps.
  • The hospital entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
  • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the Maternity Accessible entrance.
• Comments View
  • This is a 30 minute drop off or wait car park only. Visitors must report to reception on arrival.

You are on Level Change (Approach to Maternity Entrances). Skip to the next section.

Level Change (Approach to Maternity Entrances)

• There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
• The ramp/slope is located to the right of Maternity Block leading off Craven Road.
• The ramp/slope is steep.
• The ramp/slope is permanent.
• There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
• There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
• The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
• The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
• There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
• The step(s) is/are located directly in front of the Maternity Accessible entrance.
• There is/are 15+ step(s) to the area/service.
• There is not tactile paving at the top and bottom of the step(s).
• The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
• The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
• There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
• The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.

You are on Outside Access (Maternity Accessible Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Maternity Accessible Entrance)

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• Entrance Details View
  • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the Maternity Block.
  • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
  • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
  • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
  • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
  • There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
  • There is not a bell/buzzer.
  • There is not an intercom.
  • There is a hand sanitiser.
  • The height of the hand sanitiser is 137cm (4ft 6in).
  • There is not a door release button when exiting.
  • The main door(s) open(s) by sliding.
  • The door(s) is/are single width.
  • The width of the door opening is 140cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 1.5cm or below.
  • There is a second set of doors.
  • The door(s) open(s) by sliding.
  • The door(s) is/are single width.
  • The width of the door opening is 150cm.
• Ramp/Slope Details View
  • The ramp/slope is located leading up to the entrance.
  • The ramp/slope gradient is steep.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.

You are on Outside Access (Maternity Entrance - Currently Exit Only). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Maternity Entrance - Currently Exit Only)

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• Entrance Details View
  • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the Maternity Block.
  • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
  • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
  • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
  • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
  • There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
  • There is a bell/buzzer.
  • The height of the bell/buzzer is 116cm (3ft 10in).
  • There is an intercom.
  • The height of the intercom is 116cm (3ft 10in).
  • There is a hand sanitiser.
  • The height of the hand sanitiser is 128cm (4ft 2in).
  • There is not a door release button when exiting.
  • The main door(s) open(s) by sliding.
  • The door(s) is/are single width.
  • The width of the door opening is 138cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 1.5cm or below.
  • There is a second set of doors.
  • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
  • The door(s) is/are double width.
  • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
  • The width of the door opening is 164cm.
• Ramp/Slope Details View
  • The ramp/slope is located at the Maternity entrance threshold as you exit the building.
  • The ramp/slope gradient is steep.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
• Comments View
  • There is a second higher buzzer/intercom for security set at 161cm, this was not working at the time of survey.

You are on Entrance (Centre Block). Skip to the next section.

Entrance (Centre Block)

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• Entrance Details View
  • This information is for the entrance located from the Centre Block into the Maternity Block on Level 2.
  • The entrance area/door is clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
  • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
  • There is not a bell/buzzer.
  • There is not an intercom.
  • There is a hand sanitiser.
  • The height of the hand sanitiser is 117cm (3ft 10in).
  • There is not a door release button when exiting.
  • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) is/are double width.
  • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
  • The width of the door opening is 170cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 1.5cm or below.
• Ramp/Slope Details View
  • The ramp/slope is located leading from the Level 2 Centre Block link corridor to the Maternity Block entrance.
  • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
  • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides going up the ramp.
  • The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are moderate to good.
• Comments View
  • This entrance connects the Maternity Block to the main Centre Block.

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

Reception (Maternity Reception)

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• Reception View
  • The reception point is located to the left as you enter the Maternity Accessible entrance.
  • The reception point is approximately 7m (7yd 1ft) from the Maternity Accessible 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 no 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 medium height (77cm - 109cm) .
  • 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 not staffed.
  • There is not a bell to attract attention.
  • 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 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 sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.
  • There is a mixture of seating with and without 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 space for an assistance dog to rest within the seating area.
  • Lighting levels are moderate to good.
• Comments View
  • This reception is currently manned by security.

You are on Getting Around (Maternity Block). Skip to the next section.

Getting Around (Maternity Block)

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• Access View
  • There is step free access throughout the building via lift(s).
• Circulation View
  • There are not doors in corridors which have to be opened manually.
  • The type of flooring in walkways and corridors is vinyl.
  • There is some flooring in corridors which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
  • There is some flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
  • Handrails are provided in some corridors.
  • Seating is not provided in corridors.
  • There is good colour contrast between the walls and floor in the majority of corridors.
  • The lighting levels are varied.
• Signage and Wayfinding View
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the building.
  • The wayfinding signage includes some pictograms.
  • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
• Safe Place(s) View
  • There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
• Audio View
  • This venue does not play background music in public areas.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system in the public areas of the building.
• Comments View
  • The Maternity Block is connected to the main hospital Centre Block on Level 2.

You are on Amenities (Maternity Block). Skip to the next section.

Amenities (Maternity Block)

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• Shops and Services View
  • The shops/services available include; a convenience store.
  • The League of Friends Shop does have a small outdoor seating area for take-away coffee and teas but this is currently closed.
• ATM Machines View
  • There is not an/are not ATM machine(s) available.
• Pay Phones and Charging Points View
  • Pay phones are available.
  • The pay phone(s) is/are located in the maternity main reception lobby and in the Level 3 stair lobby.
  • The pay phone(s) is/are cash only payment.
  • A low level pay phone (controls between 75cm - 100cm from floor level) is not available.
  • Phone charging points are not available.
• Public WiFi View
  • Free public WiFi is available.
  • There is free WI-FI in the hospital for visitors, this can be accessed by logging on to RBFT_GUEST WIFI.
• TV Pre-Payment Machines View
  • There are TV pre-pay machines for patients.
  • The TV pre-pay machine(s) for patients is/are located in the maternity reception lobby on Level 2 but these are currently not being used.

You are on Other Floors (Maternity). Skip to the next section.

Other Floors (Maternity)

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• Stairs View
  • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
  • There are manual, double doors which may be difficult to open to enter and exit the stairwell on all floors.
  • The floors which are accessible by stairs are 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.
  • There are 15+ steps between floors.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
  • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
  • The steps are clearly marked.
  • The steps do have handrails.
  • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
  • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
  • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • Handrails are easy to grip.
  • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
  • There is a landing.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor of the building are provided on landings.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.

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

Lift (Maternity - Lifts 10, 11, 12)

• There is a lift for public use.
• The lift is located in the Maternity Accessible entrance lobby.
• Signs indicating the location of this lift are not clearly visible from the entrance.
• The lift is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the Maternity Accessible entrance.
• The lift is a standard lift.
• Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
• The floors which are accessible by this lift are 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.
• Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on lift lobby landings.
• There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
• Lift doors do contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
• The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
• The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is good.
• The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is good.
• The clear door width is 130cm (4ft 3in).
• The dimensions of the lift are 144cm x 240cm (4ft 9in x 7ft 10in).
• There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
• There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
• There is a list of floor services available within the lift.
• The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
• The lift does have an audible announcer.
• The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• The lift does not have Braille markings.
• The lift does have tactile markings.
• The lighting level in the lift is moderate to good.

You are on Standard Toilet(s) (Levels 4 and 5). Skip to the next section.

Standard Toilet(s) (Levels 4 and 5)

• Standard toilet facilities are available.

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• Toilet Facilities View
  • The female and male toilets are located on Level 5 off the stairs lobby.
  • There is step-free access into the toilet(s), via lift.
  • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 5m from the lifts 10, 11, 12.
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
  • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is fair.
  • The colour contrast between the internal toilet door(s) and wall(s) is fair.
  • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is fair.
  • Toilet seats do not have a good colour contrast.
  • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
  • The height of the wash basin(s) is 77cm.
  • 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 right of the wash basin.
  • Lighting levels are moderate to good.
• Toilet Facilities 2 View
  • The shared toilet is located on Level 4.
  • There is step-free access into the toilet(s), via lift.
  • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 5m from the lifts 10, 11, 12.
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
  • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is fair.
  • The colour contrast between the internal toilet door(s) and wall(s) is fair.
  • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is good.
  • Toilet seats do not have a good colour contrast.
  • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
  • The height of the wash basin(s) is 83cm.
  • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever.
  • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
  • The wall fixed soap dispenser is located above the centre of the wash basin.
  • Lighting levels are low to moderate.

You are on Standard Toilet(s) (Level 2). Skip to the next section.

Standard Toilet(s) (Level 2)

• Standard toilet facilities are available.

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• Toilet Facilities View
  • The male toilet is located on the Level 2 corridor.
  • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
  • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 33m from the Maternity Accessible entrance.
  • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
  • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
  • The colour contrast between the internal toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
  • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is fair.
  • Toilet seats do not have a good colour contrast.
  • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
  • The height of the wash basin(s) is 83cm.
  • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever.
  • 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 on Level 2.
  • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
  • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 30m from the Maternity Accessible entrance.
  • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
  • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
  • The colour contrast between the internal toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
  • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is fair.
  • Toilet seats do not have a good colour contrast.
  • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
  • The height of the wash basin(s) is 83cm.
  • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever.
  • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
  • The wall fixed soap dispenser is located above the centre of the wash basin.
  • Lighting levels are low to moderate.

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

Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities (Royal Berkshire Hospital)

• Changing Places facilities are located on Level 1 of the Centre Block. Please click here for more information.
• Accessible toilet facilities are located on Level 2 of the Centre Block, Level 3 of the Eye Block, Level 1 of the North block, level 1 of the Battle Block and Levels 1,2 and 3 of the South Block. There are stoma friendly toilets located on level 2 of the South Block, level 1 of the Battle Block, level 1 of the North Block, and on the level 2 concourse of the Centre Block.
• Female and male standard toilet facilities are located on Level 2 of the Centre Block, on Level 2 and 5 of the Maternity Block, on Level 1 of the Berkshire Cancer Centre and on Levels 1,2, and 3 of the South Block.
• Shared standard toilet facilities are located on Level 2 of the Centre Block along the Concourse, on Level 2 of the Eye Block, on Level 4 of the Maternity block and on Level 1 of Battle 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.