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Labour Ward

Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford), Barrack Road, Exeter, Devon, EX2 5DW

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Access Guide

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Getting To The Hospital (Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital - Wonford)

  • By Road View
    • Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford) is located along Barrack Road.
      The hospital can be accessed via the M5 to the East, by taking the 29 exit onto Honiton Road and proceeding onto East Wonford Hill, the B3183 and then taking the slight left onto Magdalen Road.
      After a short distance, turn left onto Barrack Road, or access from Bonhay Road to the West, by taking the exit onto Western Way, continuing onto Magdalen Street and turning right onto Magdalen Road.
      Proceeding towards the end of Magdalen Road and then turn right onto Barrack Road.
      For the sat nav location enter EX2 5DW.
    • Patient and visitor car parking is available within the open air/surface car parks, which are located throughout the hospital grounds.
      There are clearly marked Blue Badge bays located within several of the open air/surface car parks and there are additional Blue Badge bays available beside the main entrance to the hospital.
  • By Bus View
    • There are several bus stops located on Barrack Road which are approximately 340m from the hospital.
      The services provided at these bus stops include the 2, 7, 39, 52, 57, 369 and X38.
    • There is an onsite bus stop.
    • There is an onsite bus stop available beside the main entrance to the hospital, on the right side of the hospital grounds and at the rear of the hospital.
    • The onsite bus stop is sheltered and has raised benched seating available at all bus stops.
    • To reach the main entrance to the hospital, there is level access on the approach.
  • By Train View
    • The nearest train station is Polsloe Bridge.
      The station is located along Hamlin Lane and is approximately 1.7 miles from the hospital (a 27 minute walk).
  • Useful Links View

Getting Help and Assistance (Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital - Wonford)

  • There is a Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) at the hospital.
  • The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is located on level 1 of the main hospital building.
  • The telephone number for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is 01392 411 611.
  • 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 entrance.
  • Documents are available in an alternative format and can be provided to include: Braille on request, large print on request, Makaton on request, different languages on request, voice recognition CD on request and audio on request.
  • There is 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.
  • A mobility scooter charging point is available at the hospital.
  • The mobility scooter charging point is located in the main reception area.
  • Mobility aids are available to help patients move around and include; wheelchairs.
  • To obtain mobility aids please contact a member of staff.
  • There is a Safe Place at this hospital which is located at the main entrance.

Hospital Parking (Car Park C - The Centre for Women's Health Parking)

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car park is located on the left side of the hospital grounds.
    • 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 and signposted.
    • 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 468cm (7ft 7in x 15ft 4in).
    • There is 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 at the front of the car park, in front of the centre for women's health entrance.
    • There is a dropped kerb from the drop-off point.
    • The dropped kerb does 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 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.
    • Free parking for Blue Badge holders is for 2 hours only.
    • Payment machines are located at the front of 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 with assistance.
    • Assistance may be required because there is/are dropped kerbs.
    • The hospital entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
    • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the centre for women's health entrance.
  • Comments View
    • Parking is free for carers who are on the Devon Carers register when the person they care for is staying in or visiting the hospital.

Getting To (Labour Ward)

  • The Labour Ward is/are located on Level 2 of the Centre for Women's Health.
  • Access to the Labour Ward is via the Centre for Women's Health entrance.
  • Enter via the Centre for Women's Health entrance and head to the right.
    Continue through two sets of automatic double doors then turn left.
    Take the lift on the left to Level 2.
    Exit the lift and the entrance to the Labour Ward is ahead and to the right.
  • There is step free access, via lift, to the Labour Ward.
  • The Labour Ward is approximately 5m from the Centre for Women's Health - Lift 1.
  • There are resting areas along the route.
  • 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.

Outside Access (The Centre for Women's Health Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the front left side of the hospital grounds, within car park C.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do 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 an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 139cm (4ft 7in).
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • There is a door release button when exiting.
    • The height of the door release button is 116cm (3ft 10in).
    • 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 150cm.
    • 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.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 251cm.

Lift (Centre for Women's Health - Lift 1)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located along the corridor that is to the left as you exit the Centre for Women's Health lobby.
  • Signs indicating the location of this lift are not clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 45m (49yd 8in) from the Centre for Women's Health 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 L1, L2.
  • There are manual, double doors which may be difficult to open to access the lift lobby on all floors.
  • 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 visual contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is low.
  • The visual contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is high.
  • The clear door width is 130cm (4ft 3in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 144cm x 267cm (4ft 9in x 8ft 9in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is 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 have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is good.

Other Floors (Centre for Women's Health - Staircase 1)

  • Stairs View
    • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not 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 L1, L2.
    • 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 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.

Ward (Labour Ward)

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a female ward.
    • There is/are 10 side room(s) available.
    • There is/are 10 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) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 164cm (5ft 5in).
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 115cm (3ft 9in).
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 123cm (4ft).
    • 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 some flooring on the ward which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • The lighting levels are varied.
  • Reception/Nurses' Station View
    • The height of the ward reception desk is 76cm.
    • There is a lowered section.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system available at the desk.
  • Relatives' Room View
    • There is not a relatives' room for the ward.
  • Example Side Room View
    • There are multiple side rooms available with accessible ensuites.
    • The side room surveyed does have 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 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 moderate to good.
    • The width of the door opening into the ensuite is over 75cm.
    • There is a clear unobstructed turning space within the ensuite.
    • The fixtures/facilities available in the ensuite include; a bath, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • The visual contrast between the walls and the floor in the ensuite is high.
    • The lighting levels in the ensuite are good.
  • Ward Features and Patient Facilities View
    • A hearing assistance system is not available on the ward.
    • The ward does not play background music.
    • There is a chair with armrests on both sides.
    • A mobile hoist is not 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 to the right from the Centre for Women's Health entrance.
    • There are no standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • Standard toilet facilities for visitors are located to the right from the Centre for Women's Health entrance.
  • Visiting Times View
    • Visiting times are not set.
    • The visiting times are the same for each day.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Observation Room - Room 12)

  • There is / are 1 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Observation Room - Room 12.
  • 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 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.
  • All chairs have armrests available.
  • No 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 moderate to good.

Washroom (Rooms 11 and 12 Ensuite)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • There is/are 1 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
    • The washroom surveyed is located off Rooms 11 and 12.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
    • This washroom is female.
    • There is no additional signage on or near the washroom door.
    • The washroom door(s) open(s) outwards.
    • The door(s) is/are locked by a twist lock.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 250cm x 265cm (8ft 2in x 8ft 8in).
    • The washroom does not 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 a/are coat hook(s) 155cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is a tall mirror, with suitable specifications, for ease of use.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the wash basin is 74cm.
    • As you face the wash basin the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • The tap type is lever. It is a mixer tap.
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 81cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 109cm.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • There is a/are general waste (with lid) and clinical waste disposal units.
    • The washroom has a non-slip floor.
  • Toilet Details View
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a rail with a padded back rest.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on both sides.
    • The lateral transfer space on the left is 95cm.
    • The lateral transfer space on the right is 105cm.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is not a toilet roll holder.
    • There is a shelf next to the toilet.
    • The shelf does not have the minimum dimensions of 12.5cm x 40cm.
    • The shelf is at a height of 76cm.
    • The shelf is located where it is reachable.
    • There is a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
  • Shower Details View
    • There is not a wheel in shower.
    • The shower head is height adjustable.
    • The shower control type is twist/turn.
    • There is no seat for the shower.
    • There are wall-mounted grab rails available for the shower.
    • The shower cubicle is accessed via a steep slope.
  • 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 dropdown rail(s) and wall is high.
    • The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall is high.
    • The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet and wall is high.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is high.
    • The visual contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is high.
    • The visual contrast between the washroom floor and walls is high.
    • Lighting levels are good.
  • Comments View
    • The washroom has doors leading to rooms 11 and 12.

Washroom (Room 2 Ensuite - Bath)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a bath, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • There is/are 5 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
    • The washroom surveyed is located off Side Room 2 and Side Room 1.
    • 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) outwards.
    • The door(s) is/are locked by a twist lock.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 233cm x 235cm (7ft 8in x 7ft 9in).
    • 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 a/are coat hook(s) 155cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is a tall mirror, with suitable specifications, for ease of use.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the wash basin is 73cm.
    • As you face the wash basin the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • The tap type is lever. It is a mixer tap.
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 81cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 108cm.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • There is a/are general waste (with lid) and clinical waste disposal units.
    • The washroom has a non-slip floor.
  • Toilet Details View
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a rail with a padded back rest.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on both sides.
    • The lateral transfer space on the left is 108cm.
    • The lateral transfer space on the right is 108cm.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • There is not a shelf next to the toilet.
    • There is not a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
  • Bath Details View
    • There is a bath.
    • The height of the side of the bath from floor level is 58cm (1ft 11in).
    • The bath is not height adjustable.
    • The bath tap type is lever. It is a mixer tap.
    • There is a shower over/for the bath.
    • The shower head is height adjustable.
    • There are wall-mounted grab rails available for the bath.
    • A bath hoist is not available.
  • 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 dropdown rail(s) and wall is high.
    • The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall is high.
    • The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet and wall is high.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is high.
    • The visual contrast between the bath wall-mounted grab rails and wall is high.
    • The visual contrast between the washroom floor and walls is high.
    • Lighting levels are good.
  • Comments View
    • The toilet roll holder is on the dropdown rail.
    • The washroom has doors leading to rooms 1 and 2.

Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities (Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford))

  • Changing Places facilities are located opposite the main reception on level 1.
  • Accessible toilet facilities are located within the main hospital main entrance lobby, within the Princess Elizabeth orthopaedic centre entrance lobby, within the centre for women's health entrance lobby and on level 2 of the main hospital corridor.
  • Female and male standard toilet facilities are located within the main hospital main entrance lobby, on both level 1 and level 2 of the Princess Elizabeth orthopaedic centre, within the centre for women's health entrance lobby and on level 2 of the main hospital corridor.
  • Parent and baby changing facilities are located within the main hospital entrance lobby on Level 1.

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