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Children's Department

West Berkshire Community Hospital, Benham Hill, Thatcham, Berkshire, RG18 3AS

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Access Guide

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Getting To The Hospital

  • By Road View
    • The hospital is located on the east side of Newbury.
      There are two entrances by road to the Hospital.
      The South Entrance (Main Entrance) is located directly off the A4 London Road and The North Entrance is located of Turnpike Road.
    • There is a pay and display car park on site, including Blue Badge Bays and a drop off point at the main entrance.
  • By Bus View
    • There is a bus stop located near the Main Entrance (South). This bus stop is served by buses 41, 1 Jetback, 1A, B, C and D.
    • There is an onsite bus stop.
    • The onsite bus stop is located directly outside the main entrance.
    • The onsite bus stop is sheltered and seating without armrests is available.
      There is space for a wheelchair user.
    • The route from the onsite bus stop involves crossing a road with tactile paving on either side.
      The distance to the main entrance is approximately 30 metres.
  • By Train View
    • Newbury Racecourse train station is located approximately 1.1 miles (a 23 minute walk) away from the hospital.
  • Useful Links View

Getting Help and Assistance

  • To see the hospital map please click here (opens new tab).
  • There is not a Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) at the hospital.
  • There are not volunteers available for help and assistance at the hospital.
  • Documents are available in an alternative format and can be provided to include: Braille on request, large print on request, Makaton on request and different languages on request.
  • There is not an assistance dog toilet or toileting area on the hospital site.
  • Water bowls for assistance dogs are available.
  • BSL interpreters can be provided on request.
  • Language interpreters can be provided on request.
  • A mobility scooter charging point is available at the hospital.
  • Mobility aids are available to help patients move around and include; wheelchairs.
  • To obtain mobility aids please contact a member of staff.
  • Language interpreters are also available on the telephone on 0800 090 3647.
    Mobility scooter charging sockets are available when requested. There is no designated charging area.

Hospital Parking (West Berkshire Community Hospital)

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car park is located in front of the hospital.
    • 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 10+ designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the hospital car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 230cm x 480cm (7ft 7in x 15ft 9in).
    • There is not a 120cm hatched zone around the Blue Badge parking bay(s).
    • The dimensions of other designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) vary in size.
    • 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 main entrance.
    • There is a dropped kerb from the drop-off point.
    • The dropped kerb does not have tactile paving.
  • 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 payment machines in the car park and throughout the car park.
    • Payment signs do make it clear if parking charges apply to Blue Badge holders.
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
    • Payment machines are located inside the hospital building.
    • 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).
  • 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 dropped kerbs.
    • 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 34m (37yd 7in) from the main entrance.
  • Comments View
    • Blue Badge holders should enter their registration on the touch screen at the main reception as shown in photographs 13 and 14.
    • Non Blue Badge holders should enter their registration on arrival and payment is on leaving the hospital, using the machines opposite the main reception desk as shown in photographs 15 and 16.
    • Payment can also be made via the 'Parkonomy' app Quoting location 8041.
    • Parking charges apply 07:00 - 18:00 Monday - Friday only.

Getting To (Children's Department)

  • The Children's Department is/are located on the ground floor.
  • Access to the Children's Department is via the main entrance.
  • Enter the hospital via the main entrance and turn right.
    Follow the corridor to the end and the entrance to the Children's Department is located on the right.
  • There is step free access to the Children's Department.
  • The Children's Department is approximately 60m from the main entrance.
  • There are resting areas along the route.
  • Wayfinding signage is not 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.

Outside Access (West Berkshire Community Hospital Main Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the hospital.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • There is step free 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 not a hand sanitiser.
    • There is not a door release button when exiting.
    • Standard manual wheelchairs are available for people to borrow at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 149cm.
    • 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) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 149cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 1.5cm or below.

Opening Times (Children's Department)

  • Access is by appointment only.

Department / Service (Children's Department)

  • Department / Service Access View
    • The Children's Department is located on the ground floor.
    • There is a/are door(s) leading into the department/service.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically (away from you).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 124cm .
    • 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 department/service.
    • There is clear signage on the department/service.
    • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
    • There is some flooring in the department/service which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • The department/service does not play background music.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Department / Service Facilities View
    • This department/service has; consultation rooms, a main reception, accessible toilet facilities for everyone, standard toilet facilities, treatment rooms and a waiting room/area.
    • There are 11 consultation/treatment rooms in this department/service.
    • A hearing assistance system is available.
    • The type of system is a fixed loop.
    • Staff are not trained to use the system.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested on 11/01/2022.
    • The hearing assistance system was not working at the time of testing.
    • A mobile hoist is available from another department/service.
    • There are accessible toilet facilities within the department/service.
    • There are standard toilet facilities within this department/service.

Reception

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located ahead as you enter the department.
    • The reception point is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the department 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 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 not sufficient space to write or sign documents on the low section of the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • There is not a bell to attract attention.
    • There is a hearing assistance system.
    • The type of system is a fixed loop.
    • The hearing assistance system is signed.
    • Staff are not trained to use the hearing assistance system.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested on 11/01/2022.
    • The hearing assistance system was not working at the time of testing.
    • 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 is a mixture of seating with and without armrests.
    • No tables are permanently fixed.
    • The waiting room / area does not have background music playing.
    • There is a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the waiting room / area.
    • There is a television.
    • Subtitles are not available.
    • Vending machines are not available.
    • A water dispenser is not available.
    • There is 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.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Group Room)

  • There is / are 1 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Group Room.
  • There is level access to the consultation / treatment room.
  • There is a/are door(s) into the consultation / treatment room.
  • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) is/are single width with a locked extension leaf.
  • The door(s) is/are easy to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 88cm (2ft 11in).
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is not a bed / couch.
  • There is a chair.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • The chair(s) is not/are not height adjustable.
  • There are no chairs with armrests available.
  • Some tables are permanently fixed.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • The room does not have background music playing.
  • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • Lighting levels are good.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Children's Room)

  • There is / are 5 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Room 2.
  • There is level access to the consultation / treatment room.
  • There is a/are door(s) into the consultation / treatment room.
  • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) is/are single width.
  • The door(s) is/are easy to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is a bed / couch.
  • The bed / couch is adjustable.
  • A hoist can be brought in from another department.
  • There is sufficient space next to the bed/couch for a mobile hoist to operate.
  • There is a chair.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • The chair(s) is not/are not height adjustable.
  • There are some chairs with armrests available.
  • All tables are permanently fixed.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • The room does not have background music playing.
  • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • Lighting levels are good.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Orthoptics Room)

  • There is / are 1 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Orthoptics Room.
  • There is level access to the consultation / treatment room.
  • There is a/are door(s) into the consultation / treatment room.
  • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) is/are single width with a locked extension leaf.
  • The door(s) is/are easy to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 88cm (2ft 11in).
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is not a bed / couch.
  • There is a chair.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs are height adjustable.
  • There are some chairs with armrests available.
  • All tables are permanently fixed.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • The room does not have background music playing.
  • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • Lighting levels are good.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Laser Room)

  • There is / are 1 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Laser Room.
  • There is level access to the consultation / treatment room.
  • There is a/are door(s) into the consultation / treatment room.
  • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) is/are single width.
  • The door(s) is/are easy to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 76cm (2ft 6in).
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is not a bed / couch.
  • There is a chair.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • The chair(s) is/are height adjustable.
  • There are no chairs with armrests available.
  • All tables are permanently fixed.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • The room does not have background music playing.
  • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • Lighting levels are good.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Audiology Fitting Room)

  • There is / are 1 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Audiology Fitting Room.
  • There is level access to the consultation / treatment room.
  • There is a/are door(s) into the consultation / treatment room.
  • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) is/are single width.
  • The door(s) is/are easy to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 84cm (2ft 9in).
  • The type of flooring is carpet.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is not a bed / couch.
  • There is a chair.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • The chair(s) is not/are not height adjustable.
  • There are no chairs with armrests available.
  • All tables are permanently fixed.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a portable loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.
  • The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.
  • The room does not have background music playing.
  • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • Lighting levels are good.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Audiology Booths)

  • There is / are 2 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Booth 2.
  • There is level access to the consultation / treatment room.
  • There is a/are door(s) into the consultation / treatment room.
  • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
  • The door(s) is/are single width.
  • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 58cm (1ft 11in).
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is not a bed / couch.
  • There is a chair.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • The chair(s) is not/are not height adjustable.
  • There are no chairs with armrests available.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • The room does not have background music playing.
  • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • Lighting levels are good.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Right Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located along the department corridor.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 21m from the department entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial, written text, Braille and tactile signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 86cm.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is good.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 154cm x 236cm.
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 76cm.
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a sanitary bin.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) to the left of the toilet and wall is fair.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) to the right of the toilet and wall is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is fair.
    • 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, nappy/incontinence items bin and pedal bin disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The toilet has a backrest.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 103cm (3ft 5in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is good.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 89cm (2ft 11in).
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the right hand side of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is fair.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 99cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 115cm (3ft 9in).
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is poor.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a flip down baby change table available.
    • The height of the baby change table is 92cm.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The shared toilet is located along the department corridor.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 15m from the department entrance.
    • There is Braille, tactile, 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 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 91cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The wall fixed soap dispenser is located to the left of the wash basin.
    • Lighting levels are good.

Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities

  • Accessible toilet facilities are located to the right from the main hospital entrance, along the main corridor.

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