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Special Care Unit

St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Blackshaw Road, Tooting, London, SW17 0QT

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Access Guide

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Getting To (Special Care Unit)

Parking (Lanesborough Wing - Blue Badge Bays)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located off Perimeter Road.
    • The car park is open air/surface.
    • The car park surface consists of tarmac.
    • There are 12 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
    • The Blue Badge bays are signposted and have markings which are faded.
    • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 240cm (width) x 424cm (depth).
    • There is a marked zone to both sides but not at the rear.
    • The width of the marked zone is 130cm.
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bays vary in size.
    • The nearest designated bay is 3m from the Lanesborough Wing entrance.
    • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has a slight ramp or slope.
    • There is a dropped kerb without tactile paving from the designated Blue Badge parking.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park is for Blue Badge holders only.
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
    • Clearly presented parking signs are available.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is a designated drop-off point available.
    • The designated drop-off point is located to the right of the Lanesborough Wing entrance.
    • There is a dropped kerb without tactile paving from the drop-off point.
    • Pick up and drop off only applies between 6am to 8pm with 20 minutes maximum stay.
      No parking between 8pm and 6am.

Entrance (Lanesborough Wing)

  • This entrance is located on the right hand side of the hospital, off Perimeter Road.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is step-free access via a very easy slope at the entrance.
  • There is a buzzer at a height of 134cm.
  • There are double automatic doors at this entrance.
  • The doors open by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 117cm.
  • The doors have a high visual contrast.
  • There is a second set of double automatic doors .
  • The second set of doors are permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 130cm.
  • The second set of doors have a high visual contrast.
  • These doors are locked between 10pm and 5.30am.
  • There is step-free level access as you enter.

Lift (Lanesborough Wing)

  • The lift surveyed is located ahead after entering the Lanesborough Wing entrance and to the left.
  • The distance from the Lanesborough Wing entrance is 64m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access and doors permanently held open.
  • The ground, first, second, third, fourth and fifth floors are accessed by this lift.
  • The lift door has a high visual contrast.
  • The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
  • The external lift control buttons have tactile markings, Braille markings and a low visual contrast.
  • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 126cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 168cm (width) x 260cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings, Braille markings and a low visual contrast.
  • All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • Internally the lift has: a mirror to aid reversing, a visual floor indicator and an audible announcer.
  • Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.
  • There are other lifts available at this location which vary in size.

Opening Times (Special Care Unit)

  • This service is open 24 hours.

Entrance (Special Care Unit Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the first floor of Lanesborough Wing.
    • 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 an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 144cm .
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 144cm (4ft 9in).
    • There is a door release button when exiting.
    • The height of the door release button is 113cm (3ft 8in).
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are single width with a locked extension leaf.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 78cm.

Reception (Special Care Unit)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located to the right as you enter the unit.
    • The reception point is approximately 1m (3ft 3in) from the Special Care Unit 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 not a hearing assistance system.
    • 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 not sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.
    • There are two seater sofas.
    • No tables are permanently fixed.
    • The waiting room / area does not have background music playing.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the waiting room / area.
    • There is a television.
    • Subtitles are 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 medium.
  • Comments View
    • There is also a kitchen next to the waiting area (shown in photographs 6-8).
    • The door to the kitchen is a single, heavy, opens away from you (push) and is 83cm in width.

Inside Access (Special Care Unit)

  • There is level access once inside.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • This venue does not play background music.
  • Motorised scooters are allowed in public parts of the venue.
  • Wayfinding signage is not available.
  • No Braille signage is available.
  • No tactile signage is available.
  • No pictorial signage is available.
  • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
  • The type of flooring in walkways and corridors is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
  • The lighting levels are medium.

Room / Area (Special Care Unit)

  • There is / are 1 room(s) / area(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room / area surveyed was; Special Care Unit.
  • 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 double width but one door is locked.
  • The door(s) is/are heavy.
  • The width of the door opening is 78cm (2ft 7in).
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is not a bed / couch.
  • A hoist can be brought in from another department.
  • There is a chair.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • The chair(s) is/are 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 low.

Room / Area (Parents Rooms)

  • There is / are 3 room(s) / area(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room / area surveyed was; Parents Rooms.
  • 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 with a locked extension leaf.
  • Comments View
    • All the rooms were in use at the time of the survey (October 2018).

Washroom (Standard Shower)

  • 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 unit.
    • The washroom surveyed is located on the right of the corridor.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the unit.
    • This washroom is shared.
    • There is Braille, tactile, pictorial and written or text signage on or near the washroom door.
    • The washroom door(s) open(s) inwards.
    • The door(s) is/are locked by a twist lock.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 188cm x 100cm (6ft 2in x 3ft 3in).
    • 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 a flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s) 166cm 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 can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the wash basin is 85cm.
    • There are no wall-mounted grab rails for the wash basin.
    • 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 106cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 130cm.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • The washroom has a non-slip floor.
  • Toilet Details View
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 45cm (1ft 6in).
    • The toilet has a lid obstructing the back rest/cistern/wall.
    • There is not a lateral transfer space.
    • There is no dropdown rail for the toilet.
    • There are no wall-mounted grab rails for the toilet.
    • 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 99cm.
    • There is not 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 a flip-down/tip-up seat for the shower.
    • The height of the flip-down/tip-up or fixed seat is 55cm (1ft 10in).
    • There are not wall-mounted grab rails available for the shower.
    • The shower cubicle is accessed via a medium step.
  • Bath Details View
    • There is not a bath.
  • 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 washroom floor and walls is high.
    • Lighting levels are medium.

Toilet with Adaptations (Special Care Unit)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is written text, pictorial, Braille and tactile signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is located on the right of the corridor, next to reception.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 80cm (2ft 7in).
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 190cm x 180cm (6ft 3in x 5ft 11in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 120cm (3ft 11in).
    • The lateral transfer space was obstructed at the time of the survey.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional.
    • The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are clinical waste and waste paper pedal bin disposal units.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the cubicle.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • There are coat hooks in the toilet at 107cm and 145cm from the floor.
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on the right.
    • There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The shelf is not higher than 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • 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 117cm (3ft 10in).
    • 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 105cm (3ft 5in).
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 111cm.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin 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 78cm (2ft 7in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • There is a high visual contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • There is a poor colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet and wall is poor.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is fair.
    • The lighting levels are medium.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby changing facilities are available within this accessible toilet.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 100cm (3ft 3in).

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