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Sonning Ward

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 (Maternity Block - Blue Badge Holders Only)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located immediately in front of the Maternity Block.
    • The car park is open air/surface.
    • The car park surface consists of tarmac.
    • There is 1 designated Blue Badge parking bay available.
    • The Blue Badge bay is clearly marked and signposted.
    • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 316cm (width) x 451cm (depth).
    • There is a marked zone to one side but not at the rear.
    • The width of the marked zone is 117cm.
    • The nearest designated bay is 4m from the Level 2 Maternity Block - Alternative Entrance.
    • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has step-free level access.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point available.
    • There is no drop-off point available outside the Maternity Block, security have advised that patients who drop-off at this entrance will be fined.

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.

Getting To (Sonning Ward)

  • Sonning Ward is/are located on Level 5 of the Maternity Block.
  • Access to Sonning Ward is via the Maternity Accessible Entrance.
  • Enter via the Maternity Accessible Entrance and head straight ahead to the lifts in front of you. Take the lifts to Level 5. Exit the lifts and turn left and the entrance to the Sonning Ward is located in front of you.
  • There is step free access, via lift, to Sonning Ward.
  • Sonning Ward is approximately 7m from the lifts 10,11,12.
  • 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 Maternity Block - Main Entrance)

  • This entrance is located at the front of the building, on Craven Road.
  • The entrance area is not clearly signed.
  • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is step-free access via ramp at the entrance.
  • The ramp has a steep gradient.
  • The ramp is over 150cm wide with no handrails.
  • There is an intercom at a height of 117cm.
  • There is an intercom at a height of 160cm.
  • The height of the hand sanitiser is 125cm.
  • There is a single automatic door at this entrance.
  • The door opens by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 128cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The door has a medium visual contrast.
  • There is a second set of double manual doors .
  • The second set of doors are permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 163cm.
  • The second set of doors have a medium visual contrast.
  • There is step-free level access as you enter.
  • This entrance gives access to Level 2 of the Maternity Block. There is an alternative entrance to the right of this one for disabled users.

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.

Entrance (Sonning Ward - Gynaecology Outpatients)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located on Level 5 of the Maternity Block.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • There is a bell/buzzer.
    • The height of the bell/buzzer is 145cm .
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 145cm .
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 124cm (4ft 1in).
    • There is a door release button when exiting.
    • The height of the door release button is 136cm (4ft 6in).
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 160cm.

Reception (Level 2 Maternity Block - Maternity Reception)

  • The reception is located on Level 2 of the Maternity Block, to the right as you enter via the Maternity Block alternative entrance.
  • The distance from the Level 2 Maternity Block alternative entrance is 6m.
  • The most accessible route to reception has automatic doors.
  • There is step-free level access to reception.
  • The height of the reception desk is 110cm.
  • There is not a lowered section at the desk.
  • There is a clearly signed fixed hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.
  • The flooring is shiny.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: coffee tables.
  • The height of the push pad to enter and exit the reception area is 93cm.

Ward (Sonning Ward)

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a/an gynaecology ward.
    • This is a female ward.
    • There is/are 3 bay(s) available.
    • There is/are 3 side room(s) available.
    • There is/are 15 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) both ways.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 155cm (5ft 1in).
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is not a hand sanitiser.
    • There is not a door release button when exiting.
    • There is level access throughout the ward.
    • There is clear signage on the ward.
    • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
    • There is 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 varied.
  • Reception/Nurses' Station View
    • The height of the Nurses' Station desk is 131cm.
    • There is not a lowered section.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system available at the desk.
  • 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 washroom facilities for patients on the ward.
    • There are 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 2 of the Centre Block.
    • There are no standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • Standard toilet facilities for visitors are located on Level 5 in the Maternity Block.
  • Visiting Times View
    • Visiting times vary, please contact the ward in advance.
  • Comments View
    • The ward entrance is located to the right of the reception desk.
    • Only partners are allowed into the ward for visiting.

Washroom (Shower Room)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a shower and a wash basin.
    • There is/are 2 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
    • The washroom surveyed is located on the ward corridor.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
    • This washroom is female.
    • There is written or text signage on or near the washroom door.
    • The washroom door(s) open(s) inwards.
    • The door(s) is/are locked by a twist lock.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 77cm (2ft 6in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 158cm x 275cm (5ft 2in x 9ft).
    • The washroom does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • There is an emergency pull cord alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor).
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
    • There is not a coat hook in the washroom.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is not a tall mirror, with suitable specifications, for ease of use.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The height of the wash basin is 87cm.
    • There are no wall-mounted grab rails for the wash basin.
    • The tap type is twist/turn. It is not a mixer tap.
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 100cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 123cm.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • The washroom has a non-slip floor.
  • Shower Details View
    • There is a wheel in shower.
    • The shower does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The shower head is height adjustable.
    • The shower control type is twist/turn.
    • A shower chair is available.
    • There are wall-mounted grab rails available for the shower.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The colour contrast between the external washroom door and wall is high.
    • The visual contrast between the internal washroom door and wall is high.
    • The visual contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is medium.
    • The visual contrast between the washroom floor and walls is medium.
    • Lighting levels are low to moderate.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female toilet is located on the ward corridor.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • There is written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The visual contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • The colour contrast between the internal toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • Toilet seats do not have a high visual contrast.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • There is a/are horizontal wall mounted rail(s) on the right as you face the toilet.
    • The visual contrast of the horizontal wall mounted grab rail(s) in the ambulant cubicle(s) is low.
    • The ambulant toilet does not have vertical wall mounted grab rails.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 86cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The wall fixed soap dispenser is located above and to the left of the wash basin.
    • Lighting levels are low to moderate.
  • Toilet Facilities 2 View
    • The female toilet is located on ward corridor.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The visual contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • The visual contrast between the internal toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • The visual contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • Toilet seats do not have a high visual contrast.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • There is a/are horizontal wall mounted rail(s) on the right as you face the toilet.
    • The visual contrast of the horizontal wall mounted grab rail(s) in the ambulant cubicle(s) is low.
    • The ambulant toilet does not have vertical wall mounted grab rails.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 85cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The wall fixed soap dispenser is located to the left of the wash basin.
    • Lighting levels are low to moderate.

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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