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Birth Centre

North Middlesex University Hospital, Sterling Way, Edmonton, London, N18 1QX

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Access Guide

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Getting To (Birth Centre)

Hospital Parking (Multi-Storey Car Park)

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car park is located at the rear of the main hospital building, off Sterling Way.
    • The car park type is multi storey.
    • The car park does have a height restriction barrier.
    • The maximum height is 220cm (7ft 3in).
    • 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 248cm x 483cm (8ft 2in x 15ft 10in).
    • 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 not a designated drop-off point.
  • 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, throughout the car park and at the payment machines in the hospital building.
    • 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 Level G stairwell of the car park and inside the hospital building.
    • There is not a payment machine at a convenient height for wheelchair users.
    • 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 slopes/ramps.
    • The hospital entrance is not clearly visible from the car park.
    • The route from the car park to the hospital entrance is not clearly signposted.
    • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 59m (64yd 1ft) from the Maternity Unit Entrance.
  • Comments View
    • Level G of the multi-storey car park is designated for disabled users only, however there are also Blue Badge Bays on Levels 1 to 4 of the car park.
    • Level 1 is for patient and visitor parking only.
    • Levels 2 to 4 are for staff and visitor parking.

Outside Access (Maternity Unit)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the Maternity Unit Building.
    • There is a drop-off point at this entrance.
    • 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.
    • There are bollards outside this entrance.
    • The minimum width between the bollards/wall is 101cm.
    • The bollard(s) does/do not have a high visual contrast to prevent them being hazardous to visually impaired people.
    • 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 an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 133cm (4ft 4in).
    • There is not a hand sanitiser.
    • There is a door release button when exiting.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (away from you).
    • The automatic door(s) is/are push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 99cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 1.5cm or below.
  • Comments View
    • This entrance is for access to Level -1 of the Maternity Unit.
    • You can access the main hospital building and Tower Building via link corridors on Level 0.

Ward (Birth Centre)

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a/an low-risk labour ward.
    • This is a female ward.
    • There is/are 0 bay(s) available.
    • There is/are 8 side room(s) available.
    • There is/are 8 bed(s) on this ward in total.
    • There are 4 birthing rooms with a pool and 4 birthing rooms without a pool.
      Every room has its own ensuite facilities.
  • Ward Access View
    • There is a/are door(s) leading into the ward.
    • 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 180cm (5ft 11in).
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 132cm (4ft 4in).
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 136cm (4ft 6in).
    • There is a door release button when exiting.
    • The height of the door release button is 115cm (3ft 9in).
    • There is level access throughout the ward.
    • Staff can provide assistance with using any manual doors within 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.
    • The lighting levels are varied.
  • Reception/Nurses' Station View
    • The height of the ward reception desk is 119cm.
    • There is a lowered section.
    • The height of the lowered section of the desk is 76cm.
    • There is a hearing assistance system available at the desk.
    • 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 07/02/2024.
    • The hearing assistance system was working at the time of testing.
    • The hearing loop system only works on the right side of the reception desk.
  • Relatives' Room View
    • There is not a relatives' room for the ward.
  • Example Side Room View
    • There are no side rooms available with an accessible ensuite.
    • The side room surveyed does not 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 available.
    • The visual contrast between the walls and the floor in the side room is high.
    • The lighting levels in the side room are adjustable.
    • The width of the door opening into the ensuite is over 75cm.
    • There is not a clear unobstructed turning space within the ensuite.
    • The fixtures/facilities available in the ensuite include; a bath, a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • The visual contrast between the walls and the floor in the ensuite is low.
    • The lighting levels in the ensuite are good.
  • 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 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 on Level -1 of the Maternity Unit.
    • There are standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
  • Visiting Times View
    • There are no set visiting times, please contact the ward in advance.
    • Patients can have a birthing partner stay with them 24/7.

Waiting Room / Area (Birth Centre Waiting Area)

  • There is a waiting room / area.
  • The waiting room / area is approximately 3m from the Birch Centre entrance.
  • There is level access into the waiting room / area.
  • There is not a/are not door(s) into the waiting room / area.
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is a space for a wheelchair user to wait within the seating area.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • All chairs have armrests.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • The surface height of the lowest table is 40cm.
  • The surface height of the highest table is 51cm.
  • The tables do not contrast visually with the floor.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Announcements are in person.
  • 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 not available.
  • A water dispenser is not 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 moderate to good.

Entrance (Birth Rooms 1-4)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the left of the reception desk.
    • 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 a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 130cm (4ft 3in).
    • There is a door release button when exiting.
    • The height of the door release button is 116cm (3ft 10in).
    • 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 172cm.
    • 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 172cm.
  • Comments View
    • This door is locked for security purposes.
    • A member of staff is required to open the door.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Clinical Room)

  • There is / are 1 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Clinical 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) may be difficult 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.
  • 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.

Entrance (Birth Rooms 5-8)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the left as you enter the Birth 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 116cm (3ft 10in).
    • 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 172cm.
  • Comments View
    • This door is locked for security purposes.
    • A member of staff is required to open the door.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Birth Room 6 - Birthing Pool)

  • There is / are 4 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Birth Room 6.
  • 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) may be difficult to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 87cm (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 not adjustable.
  • 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.
  • 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 adjustable.
  • Comments View
    • There is a birthing pool available within the room.
    • The height of the pool is 75cm.
    • There is a medium step available to assist with getting in the pool.
    • There is a wash basin within the room with lever taps.
    • The height of the wash basin is 80cm.
    • There is also a birthing chair within the room.

Washroom (Birth Room 3 - Ensuite)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower, a bath, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • There is/are 8 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
    • The washroom surveyed is located within Birth Room 3.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
    • This washroom is female.
    • There is pictorial 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 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 330cm x 171cm (10ft 10in x 5ft 7in).
    • 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 within reach and fully functional.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s) 160cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is not 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 80cm.
    • 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 121cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 122cm.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • There is a/are female sanitary and pedal bin 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 not a lateral transfer space.
    • There is a flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail but no transfer space.
    • 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.
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 100cm.
    • There is not a shelf next to the toilet.
    • There is not a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
  • Shower Details View
    • There is a wheel in shower.
    • The shower does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The shower head is height adjustable.
    • The shower control type is lever.
    • A shower chair is available.
    • There are wall-mounted grab rails available for the shower.
  • Bath Details View
    • There is a bath.
    • The height of the side of the bath from floor level is 54cm (1ft 9in).
    • The bath is not height adjustable.
    • The bath tap type is lever. It is a mixer tap.
    • There is not a shower over/for the bath.
    • 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 low.
    • The visual contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall 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 medium.
    • Lighting levels are good.

Standard Toilet(s) (Visitors Toilet)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The shared toilet is located immediately to the left as you enter the Birth Centre, within the waiting area.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 4m from the Birth Centre entrance.
    • 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 80cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • 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 good.