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.
Getting Around (Royal Berkshire Hospital)
- 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.
- Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
- There is a high visual contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
- There is background noise in some areas of the venue.
- Wayfinding signage is provided.
- The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout.
- Seating available in the walkways includes: chairs with armrests, chairs without armrests and benches.
- Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
- The main hospital building consists of 6 separate blocks linked by a main corridor which runs from north to south.
All blocks connect on Level 2, apart from the North Block.
Each block goes to separate levels of the building and are colour coded throughout the building.
Volunteer help desks and a buggy service is available to help patients with wayfinding and mobility issues.
Seating Area (Level 1 Main Entrance)
- Ahead and to the left as you enter via the Level 1 Man Entrance - Craven Road.
- The most accessible route has step-free level access.
- There is step-free level access into this area.
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Seating Area
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- There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
- There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
- The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
- The flooring is shiny.
- Seating available in this area includes: chairs with armrests and chairs without armrests.
- The chairs are fixed.
- There is background noise in this area.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
Seating Area (Level 2 Main Entrance)
- Immediately ahead as you enter via the Level 2 Main Entrance.
- The most accessible route has step-free level access.
- There is step-free level access into this area.
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Seating Area
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- There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
- There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
- The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
- The flooring is shiny.
- Seating available in this area includes: chairs with armrests and chairs without armrests.
- Furniture available in this area includes: tables and coffee tables.
- Some chairs are fixed.
- The surface height of some of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
- The clear height under some of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
- There is background noise in this area.
- Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
Lift (Craven Road Multi-Storey Car Park - Main Entrance)
- The lift surveyed is located at the front of the car park, on the left after the entrance doors.
- The distance from all car park entrances is 6m.
- The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
- Level 0 to 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 medium visual contrast.
- All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- The lift door opening width is 105cm.
- The internal dimensions of the lift are 140cm (width) x 174cm (depth).
- The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings, Braille markings and a medium visual contrast.
- The majority of the internal 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.
- Patients and visitors can only access the lift on Levels 0, 1, 2 and 3. Levels 4, 5 and 6 are for staff only. This lift is used to access the car park and the main entrance areas only.
Stairs (Main Entrance)
- The stairs surveyed are located immediately ahead as you enter the Level 1 Main Entrance - Craven Road.
- Level 1 and Level 2 can be accessed by these stairs.
- There are 20+ steps between floors.
- The steps are clearly marked and have handrails on both sides.
- The handrails are easy to grip.
- The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- The handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
- The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
- The height of the highest step is 17cm.
- The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
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.
Lift (Centre Block - Lifts 27 and 28)
- The lift surveyed is located along the Centre Block main corridor.
- The distance from the Level 2 Main Entrance is 110m.
- 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, Braille markings and a high visual contrast.
- Some of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- The lift door opening width is 127cm.
- The internal dimensions of the lift are 154cm (width) x 277cm (depth).
- The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings, Braille markings and a high visual contrast.
- The majority of the internal controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- Internally the lift has: a mirror to aid reversing, a visual floor indicator and an audible announcer.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
- There are other lifts available at this location which are of a similar size.
Stairs (Centre Block)
- The stairs surveyed are located to the right of the Centre Block - Lifts 25 and 26.
- There are double manual doors to access the stairwell.
- Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 can be accessed by these stairs.
- There are 20+ steps between floors.
- The steps are clearly marked and have handrails on both sides.
- The handrails are easy to grip.
- The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- The handrails extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
- 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.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
- There is a similar set of stairs available along the Centre Block main corridor.
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.
Stairs (Maternity Block)
- The stairs surveyed are located to the left as you enter the Level 2 Maternity Block - Alternative Entrance.
- There are double manual doors to access the stairwell.
- Level 1 - Level 6 can be accessed by these stairs.
- There are 20+ steps between floors.
- The steps are clearly marked and have handrails on both sides.
- The handrails are not easy to grip.
- The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- The handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
- The height of the steps is not between 15cm and 18cm.
- The height of the highest step is 19cm.
- The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
Lift (South Block - Lift 5005)
- The lift surveyed is located along the South Block main corridor.
- The distance from the Level 2 Main Entrance is 125m.
- The most accessible route to the lift has a slight ramp or slope and doors permanently held open.
- Level 1 and Level 2 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 122cm.
- The internal dimensions of the lift are 158cm (width) x 277cm (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 hearing assistance alarm system, 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 is no public access to Level 3 of the South Block via this lift.
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.
Stairs (South Block)
- The stairs surveyed are located to the right of South Block - Lifts 18 and 19.
- There are double manual doors to access the stairwell.
- Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 can be accessed by these stairs.
- There are 20+ steps between floors.
- The steps are clearly marked and have handrails on both sides.
- The handrails are not easy to grip.
- The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- The handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
- The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
- The height of the highest step is 17cm.
- The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
- The steps have open risers.
- Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.
- There is a similar set of stairs along the South Block main corridor, near to Lift 5005. The stairs are used to access Level 1 and Level 2. There is no public access to Level 3 via this staircase.
Lift (Eye Block)
- The lift surveyed is located along the Eye Block corridor.
- The distance from the Level 2 Main Entrance is 101m.
- The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access, slight ramps or slopes and doors permanently held open.
- Level 1 - Level 4 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 130cm.
- The internal dimensions of the lift are 164cm (width) x 240cm (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 hearing assistance alarm system, 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.
Stairs (Eye Block)
- The stairs surveyed are located to the left of the Eye Block lifts.
- There are double manual doors to access the stairwell.
- Level 1 - Level 4 can be accessed by these stairs.
- There are 20+ steps between floors.
- The steps are clearly marked and have handrails on both sides.
- The handrails are not easy to grip.
- The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- The handrails extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
- The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
- The height of the highest step is 18cm.
- The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
Lift (Battle Block - Lifts 31 and 32)
- The lift surveyed is located along the Battle Block main corridor.
- The distance from the Level 1 Battle Block entrance is 10m.
- The most accessible route to the lift has slight ramps or slopes 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, Braille 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 125cm.
- The internal dimensions of the lift are 152cm (width) x 280cm (depth).
- The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings, Braille markings and a high visual contrast.
- Some of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- Internally the lift has: a hearing assistance alarm system, 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 vary in size.
Lift (Battle Block - Lifts 33 and 34)
- The lift surveyed is located along the Battle Block main corridor.
- The distance from the Level 1 Battle Block entrance is 13m.
- The most accessible route to the lift has slight ramps or slopes 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, Braille 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 128cm.
- The internal dimensions of the lift are 155cm (width) x 283cm (depth).
- The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings, Braille markings and a high visual contrast.
- The majority of the internal controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- Internally the lift has: a hearing assistance alarm system, 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.
Lift (Battle Block - Lifts 42 and 43)
- The lift surveyed is located along the Battle Block main corridor.
- The distance from the Level 1 Battle Block entrance is 55m.
- The most accessible route to the lift has slight ramps or slopes 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.
- All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- The lift door opening width is 140cm.
- The internal dimensions of the lift are 173cm (width) x 274cm (depth).
- The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings and a high visual contrast.
- The majority of the internal controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- Internally the lift has: a mirror to aid reversing, a hearing assistance alarm system, 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.
Stairs (Battle Block)
- The stairs surveyed are located to the left of Battle Block - Lifts 42 and 43.
- There are double manual doors to access the stairwell.
- Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 can be accessed by these stairs.
- There are 20+ steps between floors.
- The steps are clearly marked and have handrails on both sides.
- The handrails are easy to grip.
- The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- The handrails extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
- 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.
- Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.
- There are 2 more similar sets of stairs along the Battle Block main corridor.
Lift (North Block)
- The lift surveyed is located along the North Block corridor.
- The distance from the Level 1 North Block - Step-Free Access via Berkshire Cancer Centre entrance is 80m.
- The most accessible route to the lift has a slight ramp or slope, a steep ramp or slope, manual doors and doors permanently held open.
- The Basement, First Floor and Second Floor 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, Braille markings and a high visual contrast.
- The majority of the external controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- The lift door opening width is 105cm.
- The internal dimensions of the lift are 138cm (width) x 221cm (depth).
- The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings, Braille 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 visual floor indicator, an audible announcer and a list of floor services/facilities.
- Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.
Stairs (North Block)
- The stairs surveyed are located immediately ahead as you enter via the Level 1 North Block - London Road entrance.
- The Basement, First Floor and Second Floor can be accessed by these stairs.
- There are 20+ steps between floors.
- The steps have faded markings and have handrails on both sides.
- The handrails are not easy to grip.
- The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- The handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
- The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
- The height of the highest step is 15cm.
- The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
- Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.
