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West 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 (North Block - London Road)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located in front of North Block, off London Road.
    • The car park is open air/surface.
    • The car park surface consists of tarmac.
    • There are 10 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
    • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked and signposted.
    • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 247cm (width) x 469cm (depth).
    • There is a marked zone to both sides and rear.
    • The width of the marked zone is 130cm.
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bays vary in size.
    • The nearest designated bay is 6m from Level 1 North Block - Step-Free Access via Berkshire Cancer Centre entrance.
    • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has slight ramps or slopes and uneven surfaces.
    • There is a dropped kerb without tactile paving from the designated Blue Badge parking.
  • 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 at the front of the Level 1 North Block Main Entrance.
    • There is not a payment machine with controls at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • There is 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).
    • Blue Badge Holders can verify their car registration plate at the Outpatients, Radiotherapy or West Ward to receive free parking.
      Alternatively they can register their Blue Badge at the parking desk in the main entrance foyer on Level 2.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point available.

Getting To (West Ward)

  • West Ward is/are located on Level 2 of the Berkshire Cancer Centre.
  • Access to West Ward is via the Level 1 North Block - Step-Free Access via Berkshire Cancer Centre entrance.
  • Enter via the Level 1 North Block - Step-Free Access via Berkshire Cancer Centre entrance, turn left and proceed through the reception waiting area. Take the next left through the double doors and follow the corridor until you reach the lift on your left hand side. Take the lift to Level 2. Exit the lift, the reception desk is to your right and the entrance to the West Ward is located on your left.
  • There is step free access, via lift, to West Ward.
  • West Ward is approximately 4m from the lift.
  • There is a/are manual, double door(s) which may be difficult to open between the Level 1 North Block - Step-Free Access via Berkshire Cancer Centre entrance and the department/service.
  • There are resting areas along the route.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
  • There is flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.

Entrance (Level 1 North Block - Step-Free Access via Berkshire Cancer Centre)

  • This entrance is located to the right of the Level 1 North Block main entrance, off London Road.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is not 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 slight gradient.
  • The ramp is over 150cm wide with handrails on both sides.
  • The height of the hand sanitiser is 119cm.
  • There are double automatic doors at this entrance.
  • The doors open by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 106cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The doors have a low visual contrast.
  • There is a second set of double automatic doors .
  • The second set of doors open by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 152cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The second set of doors have a low visual contrast.
  • There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 93cm.
  • There is step-free level access as you enter.
  • This entrance gives step-free access to Level 1 of the North Block and the Berkshire Cancer Centre. The ramp is located between the first set of doors and the second set of doors.

Lift (Berkshire Cancer Centre)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the left as you enter the Berkshire Cancer Centre main entrance - Green entrance.
  • Signs indicating the location of this lift are not clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 16m (17yd 1ft) from the Berkshire Cancer Centre main entrance - Green 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 1 and 2.
  • 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 not within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
  • The highest external control is 112cm from the floor.
  • The visual contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is high.
  • The visual contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is high.
  • The clear door width is 106cm (3ft 6in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 135cm x 198cm (4ft 5in x 6ft 6in).
  • 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 not have an audible announcer.
  • The internal controls for the lift are not within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The highest internal control is 125cm from the floor.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is good.

Entrance (King Edward Ward and West Ward Reception)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located on Level 2 of the Berkshire Cancer Centre.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is not a hand sanitiser.
    • There is a door release button when exiting.
    • The height of the door release button is 110cm (3ft 7in).
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 97cm.

Reception (King Edward Ward and West Ward)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located to the left as you enter the King Edward Ward and West Ward Reception entrance.
    • The reception point is approximately 1m (3ft 3in) from the King Edward Ward and West Ward Reception 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 good.
    • The height of the reception counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the low section of the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • There is not a 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.
  • 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 are seats with armrests on both sides.
    • No tables are permanently fixed.
    • 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 available.
    • A water dispenser is available.
    • There is not a play area or toys/books for a child to play with.
    • There is space for an assistance dog to rest within the seating area.
    • Lighting levels are good.

Entrance (West Ward)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located on Level 2 of the Berkshire Cancer Centre.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • 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.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 154cm.
    • 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) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 124cm.

Ward (West Ward)

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a/an Outpatient for Haematology ward.
    • This is a shared ward.
    • There is/are 3 bay(s) available.
    • There is/are 1 side room(s) available.
    • There is/are 3 bed(s) on this ward in total.
  • Ward Access View
    • There is level access throughout the ward.
    • There is no 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.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Reception/Nurses' Station View
    • The height of the Nurses' Station desk is 72cm.
    • There is not a lowered section.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system available at the desk.
  • Example Side Room View
    • There are no side rooms available with an accessible ensuite.
    • The width of the door opening into the side room is over 75cm.
    • The side room surveyed does not have a ceiling track hoist.
    • There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre around the bed.
    • Bedside storage is not available.
    • The visual contrast between the walls and the floor in the side room is high.
    • The lighting levels in the side room are good.
  • Ward Features and Patient Facilities View
    • The ward does 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.
  • Visitor Facilities View
    • There are no accessible toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • Accessible toilet facilities for visitors are located on Level 1 of the Berkshire Cancer Centre.
    • There are no standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • Standard toilet facilities for visitors are located on Level 1 of the Berkshire Cancer Centre.
  • Visiting Times View
    • There are no set visiting times, please contact the ward in advance.
  • Comments View
    • The ward has 3 beds and 9 adjustable chairs.

Toilet with Adaptations (Left Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located at the rear of the ward.
    • 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 pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
    • The door opens by sliding.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 70cm (2ft 4in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 218cm x 127cm (7ft 2in x 4ft 2in).
    • The lighting levels are 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 73cm.
    • 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, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • The visual contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is low.
    • There is not a/are not wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • 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 sanitary and general waste (with no lid) disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 120cm from the floor.
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • 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 cistern.
    • 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 not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 80cm (2ft 7in).
    • 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 79cm (2ft 7in).
    • There are no vertical wall-mounted grab rails at the wash basin.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever.
    • 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 77cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is medium.
    • There is not a hand dryer.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The shared toilet is located at the rear of the ward.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • 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 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.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 90cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The wall fixed soap dispenser is located above the wash basin.
    • Lighting levels are good.

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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