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Patient Advice and Liaison Service - PALS

Royal Papworth Hospital, Papworth Road, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge , CB2 0AY

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Access Guide

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Getting To The Hospital (Royal Papworth Hospital)

  • By Road View
    • Access to Royal Papworth Hospital from either the north or south is via the M11.
      Exit at junction 11 and follow the signs for hospitals on to Addenbrookes Road.
      Once over the small bridge turn right at the roundabout onto Dame Mary Archer Way.
      Take the first left onto Papworth Road which leads to both the front of the hospital or the multi-storey car park.
    • There are 6 Blue Badge bays at the front of the hospital and several 20 minute drop off spaces.
      Further parking is in the multi-storey car park.
  • By Bus View
    • The Green & The Gardens stop is directly outside the bus stop entrances for the hospital.
      This stop is approximately 40m from the Bus Stop Accessible Entrance.
      There are multiple bus stops across the campus, they are; A Citi 7, 31,13/A/B/C/X13, 99, 335 B Citi 1, 31 C Citi 7, 13/A/B/C/x13, 31, 132, D Citi 2, 25 Dame Mary Archer Way Citi 7, 25 75, Busway A & Universal LRSFC Citi 7 and 75.
      On Long Road there is Out Patients Busway A & Universal Puddicombe Way Busway A & Universal Francis Crick Avenue Busway A & Universal.
      Not all buses stop outside Royal Papworth, however there is a courtesy bus that runs every ten minutes between the sites.
    • There is an onsite bus stop.
    • The onsite stop is at the rear of the hospital.
    • The bus stop is sheltered with a glass canopy and glass sides.
      There is a wooden fixed bench in the bus stop.
      There are spaces available for wheelchair users either side of the bench.
    • The bus stop is approximately 40m from the Bus Stop Accessible Entrance.
      The route contains slight slopes from the bus stop towards the hospital entrance.
      There is fixed seating between the bus stop and the Bus Stop Accessible Entrance.
  • By Train View
    • The nearest train station is located in the centre of Cambridge and is approximately 2.5 miles from the hospital.
      There are several bus and taxi services which run from the station to the hospital.
  • Useful Links View
  • Comments View
    • The bus stop at the rear of the hospital is displayed in the attached pictures.

Getting Help and Assistance

  • There is a Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) at the hospital.
  • The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is located in the Patient Support Service office which is off the main hospital reception waiting area on the Ground Floor.
  • 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 in the main reception area.
  • 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.
  • The assistance dog toilet or toileting area is located on the green areas around the Hospital.
  • Water bowls for assistance dogs are available on request.
  • BSL interpreters can be provided on request.
  • Language interpreters can be provided on request.
  • A mobility scooter charging point is not available at the hospital.
  • Mobility aids are available to help patients move around and include; wheelchairs.
  • To obtain mobility aids please contact main reception or a member of staff.
  • There is a Changing Places facility at this hospital which is located in the Day Unit on the Ground Floor.

Hospital Parking (Accessible Parking and Drop Off)

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car park is located directly in front of the Main Entrance.
    • 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 and block paving.
    • There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked and signposted.
    • There is/are 6 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the hospital car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 370cm x 610cm (12ft 2in x 20ft).
    • 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 directly in front of the Main Entrance.
    • There is a dropped kerb from the drop-off point.
    • The dropped kerb does have tactile paving.
  • Paying View
    • There are not parking charges for the hospital car park.
  • 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 Main Accessible Entrance.
  • Comments View
    • The Blue Badge bays in the hospital car park have a maximum stay of 4 hours.
    • All standard spaces in the car park are for 30 minutes drop offs only, including the spaces immediately outside the front of the hospital.

Hospital Parking (Multi-Storey Car Park 2)

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car park is located at the rear of the Addenbrooke's Hospital site opposite the Main Entrance to Royal Papworth Hospital.
    • The car park type is multi storey.
    • The car park does have a height restriction barrier.
    • The maximum height is 210cm (6ft 11in).
    • The car park does have a barrier control system.
    • There is a touchscreen at the barrier.
    • The barrier controls/touchscreen can be reached from the car.
    • 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 312cm x 448cm (10ft 3in x 14ft 8in).
    • 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 entrance to the car park and at either end of the car park.
    • Payment signs do make it clear if parking charges apply to Blue Badge holders.
    • Parking is not free for Blue Badge holders.
    • Payment machines are located in the atrium.
    • 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 uneven surfaces.
    • 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 15m (16yd 1ft) from the Car Park Entrance.

Getting To (Patient Advice and Liaison Service - PALS)

  • Patient Advice and Liaison Service - PALS is/are located on the Ground Floor of the Hospital off the Main Reception Waiting Area in Patient Support Services.
  • Access to Patient Advice and Liaison Service - PALS is via the Main Accessible Entrance.
  • Enter via the Main Accessible Entrance and go straight ahead towards the Main Hospital Reception. Before you get to the Reception turn left and the door to Patient Support Services is located on the left. Go through this door and PALS is located on the left.
  • There is step free access to Patient Advice and Liaison Service - PALS.
  • Patient Advice and Liaison Service - PALS is approximately 36m from the Main Accessible Entrance.
  • There is a/are manual, heavy, single door(s) between the Main Accessible Entrance and the department/service.
  • 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.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the Hospital facing the car park.
    • 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 an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 122cm (4ft).
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 135cm (4ft 5in).
    • 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 (by revolving).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 204cm.
  • Comments View
    • The doors can be set as stationary or revolving.
    • There is a button to slow the doors in the revolving setting.
    • The button is 90cm from the floor.
    • There is a stop button for the revolving doors set at 120cm from the floor.
    • The buzzer/intercom is used for the out of hours service.

Outside Access (Main Accessible Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the Hospital, to the left of the Main Entrance facing the car park.
    • The entrance area/door is not 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 bell/buzzer.
    • The height of the bell/buzzer is 122cm (4ft).
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 122cm (4ft).
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 135cm (4ft 5in).
    • There is a door release button when exiting.
    • The height of the door release button is 91cm (2ft 12in).
    • Standard manual wheelchairs are available for people to borrow at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The automatic door(s) is/are push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 121cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 1.5cm or below.
  • Comments View
    • The buzzer/intercom is used for the out of hours service.

Reception (Main Hospital Reception and Charity Desk)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located directly ahead on entering either the Main Entrances or the Bus Stop Entrances.
    • The reception point is approximately 30m (32yd 2ft) from the Main Accessible 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 high (110cm+).
    • 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 bell to attract attention.
    • There is a hearing assistance system.
    • The type of system is a portable loop.
    • The hearing assistance system is signed.
    • Staff are not trained to use the hearing assistance system.
    • The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.
    • Signs and universally accepted symbols or pictograms, indicating lifts, stairs, WCs, circulation routes and other parts of the building are 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 stone.
    • 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 a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the waiting room / area.
    • There is not a television.
    • Vending machines are 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 good.
  • Comments View
    • Portable hearing loops are available from reception.

Entrance (Patient Support Services)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the Ground Floor on the main foyer.
    • 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.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 88cm.

Opening Times

  • Opening times do vary depending on timetabling.

Room / Area (PALS Office)

  • There is / are 1 room(s) / area(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room / area surveyed was; PALS Office.
  • There is level access to the room / area.
  • There is a/are door(s) into the room / area.
  • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) is/are single width.
  • The door(s) is/are heavy.
  • The width of the door opening is 85cm (2ft 9in).
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is not a bed / couch.
  • A hoist is not available.
  • 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.
  • The room / area does not have background music playing.
  • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room / area.
  • Lighting levels are bright.

Room / Area (PALS Room)

  • There is / are 2 room(s) / area(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room / area surveyed was; PALS Room 1.
  • There is level access to the room / area.
  • There is a/are door(s) into the room / area.
  • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) is/are single width.
  • 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 not a bed / couch.
  • A hoist is not available.
  • 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.
  • The room / area does not have background music playing.
  • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room / area.
  • Lighting levels are bright.

Accessible Toilet (Location of nearest Accessible Toilet)

  • Location and Access View
    • Accessible toilet facilities are not available.
  • Comments View
    • The nearest Accessible Toilet is located in the corridor leading from the Main Hospital Reception Waiting Area towards the Restaurant and Chapel/Prayer Room on the ground floor of the Hospital.

Standard Toilet(s) (Location of nearest Standard Toilets)

  • Standard toilet facilities are not available.
  • Comments View
    • The nearest Standard Toilets are located in the corridor leading from the Main Hospital Reception Waiting Area towards the Restaurant and Chapel/Prayer Room on the ground floor of the Hospital.

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