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Serenity Birth Centre

Midland Metropolitan University Hospital, Grove Lane, Smethwick, Birmingham, B66 2QT

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Access Guide

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Getting To (Serenity Birth Centre)

  • This route starts at the QPark Car Park.
  • The most accessible route from here has step-free level access.
  • This route also has bollards.
  • View further information about parking at the hospital (opens new tab).
  • Access to this ward is via the QPark Car Park Yellow Zone Main Entrance.
  • There is not a drop-off point at this entrance.
  • View further information about entrances (opens new tab).
  • This ward is located in Core A level 3.
  • The ward is approximately 16m from the Core A lifts.
  • Enter the hospital via the QPark Car Park Yellow Zone Main Entrance and proceed to the Welcome Centre lifts ahead.
  • Take a lift to level 5.
  • Exit the lift and proceed along the walkway to the left, following the blue wayfinding line.
  • Continue across the level 5 foyer, to the Core A lifts located on the left.
  • Take a lift to level 3.
  • Exit the lift and turn right into the level 3 foyer.
  • Turn right again and follow the corridor to the right.
  • The Serenity Birth Centre is straight ahead.
  • This route to the ward has a lift.
  • There are manual doors along this route.
  • Some flooring is shiny along this route.
  • There are resting areas along this route to the ward.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • Dementia-friendly signage is not provided.
  • The following toilet facilities are available along the route: a changing places facility, accessible toilet (with left hand transfer), toilets for ambulant disabled users and standard toilets.
  • View information about accessible toilet facilities in public areas (opens new tab).
  • View information on getting to and around the hospital (opens new tab).

Parking (QPark Car Park)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located on the left side of the front of the building, along Grove Lane.
    • The car park is sheltered.
    • The car park surface consists of tarmac.
    • The height of the restriction barrier is 210cm.
    • There are 60 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
    • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked and signposted.
    • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 241cm (width) x 470cm (depth).
    • There is a marked zone to both sides and rear.
    • The width of the marked zone is 129cm.
    • The nearest designated bay is 7m from the QPark Car Park Yellow Zone Main Entrance.
    • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has step-free level access.
    • This route has bollards.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park is for visitors and Blue Badge holders only.
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders but not all users.
  • Electric Vehicle Charging Points View
    • There are no electric vehicle charging points designated for Blue Badge holders.
    • There are 6 electric vehicle charging points.
    • The dimensions of the surveyed electric vehicle charging bay are 260cm (width) x 450cm (depth).
    • The nozzle holster is not at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • You do not need an online account to use the charging point.
    • Payment can be made with a credit/debit card (contactless).
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point available.

Entrance (QPark Car Park Yellow Zone Main Entrance)

  • This entrance is located within the Yellow Zone of the QPark Car Park, in the centre of the building.
  • The approach to the entrance has bollards.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is step-free level access at the entrance.
  • There is an intercom at a height of 120cm.
  • There are double automatic doors.
  • The doors open by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 150cm.
  • The doors have a low colour contrast.
  • There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 125cm.
  • This entrance brings you into level 0 of the hospital.

Lift (Welcome Centre Lifts)

  • The lift surveyed is located ahead as you enter the hospital via the main entrance's, in the centre of the hospital building.
  • The distance from the QPark Car Park Yellow Zone Main Entrance is 20m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
  • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
  • Standard Lift View
    • Level 0, level 2, level 3, level 4 and level 5 can be accessed by this lift.
    • The lift door has a high colour contrast.
    • The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
    • The weight limit for the lift is 1275kg.
    • The control buttons have a varying colour contrast.
    • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • The lift door opening width is 110cm.
    • The internal dimensions of the lift are 196cm (width) x 137cm (depth).
    • The internal lift control buttons have tactile and Braille markings.
    • The control buttons have a medium colour contrast.
    • The majority of the internal controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • Internally the lift has: a visual floor indicator and an intercom hearing assistance system.
    • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.
    • There are other lifts available at this location which are of a similar size.

Lift (Core A Lifts)

  • The lift surveyed is located on level 5 and in the front right corner of the hospital building.
  • The distance from the Welcome Centre lifts is 40m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
  • There is a manual door along the most accessible route.
  • Standard Lift View
    • Level 0, level 2, level 3, level 4, level 5, level 6, level 7, level 8 and level 9 can be accessed by this lift.
    • The lift door has a high colour contrast.
    • The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
    • The weight limit for the lift is 1275kg.
    • The control buttons have a low colour contrast.
    • The majority of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • The lift door opening width is 110cm.
    • The internal dimensions of the lift are 196cm (width) x 137cm (depth).
    • The internal lift control buttons have tactile and Braille markings.
    • The control buttons have a medium colour contrast.
    • The majority of the internal controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • Internally the lift has: a list of floor services/facilities, a visual floor indicator, an audible announcer and an intercom hearing assistance system.
    • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.
    • There are other lifts available at this location which are of a similar size.
    • These lifts can only be accessed on level 5 by using the Welcome Centre lifts.

Ward (Serenity Birth Centre)

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a birth centre.
    • This is a female only ward.
    • The ward includes side rooms.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is written text signage on or near the door.
    • There is step-free level access into this ward.
    • There is an intercom at a height of 105cm.
    • There are double automatic doors.
    • The doors open towards you.
    • The width of the opening is 176cm.
    • The doors have a high colour contrast.
  • Getting Around View
    • There is step-free level access throughout.
    • There are no doors along circulation routes.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the walls and floor along circulation routes.
    • The flooring is shiny.
    • There is no (or very little) background noise.
    • Wayfinding signage is not provided.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
    • Lighting levels are adjustable.
  • Facilities and Services View
    • Seating available on the ward includes: chairs with armrests and sofas.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
    • There is not a relatives' room for the ward.
  • Visiting Hours View

Toilet and Changing Facilities (Serenity Birth Centre)

Seating Area (Serenity Birth Centre)

  • Location and Access View
    • on the right when entering the Serenity Birth Centre.
    • The most accessible route has step-free level access.
    • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
    • There is step-free level access to this area.
    • There is an opening without doors.
    • The width of the opening is 157cm.
  • Seating Area View
    • There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
    • There is some room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
    • The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
    • The flooring is shiny.
    • Seating available in this area includes: chairs with armrests and sofas.
    • Furniture available in this area includes: coffee tables.
    • There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.

Bedroom and Ensuite with Adaptations (Room 1)

  • Bedroom Access View
    • The bedroom surveyed is located on the left of the main corridor.
    • The most accessible route to the bedroom has step-free level access.
    • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
    • There is step-free level access into the bedroom.
    • There is numbered signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens inwards and has a high colour contrast.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The width of the opening is 88cm.
  • Bedroom Features View
    • The bedroom has a double bed.
    • The top of the mattress is 41cm from the floor.
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre next to the bed.
    • The flooring is shiny.
    • Seating available in the bedroom includes: a chair with armrests and an armchair.
    • Furniture available in the bedroom includes: a coffee table.
    • The following is also available in this bedroom: bedside plug sockets.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm, however it is not within 10cm from the floor.
    • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade and unshaded light sources.
    • Lighting levels are adjustable.
    • There is a birthing bath in this room.
    • The height of the bath is 76cm and has twist turn mixer taps.
  • Ensuite Access View
    • There is step-free level access into the ensuite.
    • The ensuite door opens outwards and has a high colour contrast.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The width of the opening is 99cm.
    • Internally the door has a high colour contrast.
    • There is not a grab rail on the internal door.
  • Ensuite Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the ensuite are 260cm (width) x 164cm (depth).
    • There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
    • There is not a lateral transfer space next to the toilet.
    • There is a wall sensor flush for the toilet.
    • The flush is on the left as you face the toilet.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the right as you face the toilet.
    • The horizontal grab rail has a high colour contrast.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the left as you face the toilet.
    • The vertical grab rail has a high colour contrast.
    • There is a dropdown grab rail on the left as you face the toilet.
    • The dropdown grab rail has a high colour contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a high colour contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a high colour contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 94cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a sensor tap.
    • The wash basin and tap can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 79cm from the floor.
    • There are vertical grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rails have a high colour contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a high colour contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 99cm from the floor.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The cubicle has a clinical waste bin.
    • There is one coat hook.
    • The coat hook is 159cm from the floor.
    • The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
    • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade and unshaded light sources.
    • The ensuite has a wheel in shower.
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the shower.
    • There is an adjustable shower head.
    • The shower controls are sensor.
    • There is a shower seat.
    • The shower seat is 44cm from the floor.
    • There are grab rails for the shower.
    • The grab rails for the shower have a high colour contrast.
    • There are no dropdown rails for the shower.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm for the shower within 10cm from the floor.