Access Guide
Getting To (Vernon Ward)
- Vernon Ward is located on the fourth floor of St James Wing.
- Vernon Ward is approximately 10m from the lift.
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- Access to Vernon Ward is via the St James Wing entrance.
- Enter via the St James Wing entrance and follow the corridor to the lifts. Take the lift to the fourth floor. On exiting the lift, turn left. Head down the corridor going through double doors along the way. The Vernon Ward will be located on the left.
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- There is step free access, via lift, to Vernon Ward.
- The most accessible route includes manual doors which may be difficult to open.
- Some flooring is shiny .
- There are resting areas along the route.
- Wayfinding signage is provided.
- Dementia friendly signage is provided.
- 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 (St James Wing - Blue Badge Bays)
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Car Park
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- The car park is located on Perimeter Road.
- The car park is open air/surface.
- The car park surface consists of tarmac.
- There are 5 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
- The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked and signposted.
- The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 230cm (width) x 495cm (depth).
- There are no hatched/marked zones.
- The nearest designated bay is 22m from the St James Wing entrance.
- The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has a slight ramp or slope.
- There is a dropped kerb with tactile paving from the designated Blue Badge parking.
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Charges and Restrictions
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- This car park is for Blue Badge holders only.
- Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
- Clearly presented parking signs are available.
- View information on parking policies/charges (opens new tab).
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Drop-off Point
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- There is not a designated drop-off point available.
Entrance (St James Wing)
- This entrance is located at the front 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 133cm.
- There are double automatic doors at this entrance.
- The doors open by sliding.
- The width of the opening is 113cm.
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
- The doors have a high visual contrast.
- There is a second set of double automatic doors .
- The second set of doors open by sliding.
- The width of the opening is 110cm.
- 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 (St James Wing)
- The lift surveyed is located ahead as you enter the St James Wing entrance, to the end of the corridor and to the right.
- The distance from the St James Wing entrance is 70m.
- 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 129cm.
- The internal dimensions of the lift are 150cm (width) x 277cm (depth).
- The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings, Braille markings and a low visual contrast.
- The majority of the internal 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 even at the time of the survey.
- There are other lifts available at this location which are of a similar size.
Entrance (Gray Ward Entrance)
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Entrance Details
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- This information is for the entrance located on the fourth floor of the St James 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 not an intercom.
- There is not a hand sanitiser.
- 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) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The door(s) is/are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 170cm.
Reception (Vernon Ward)
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Reception
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- The reception point is located along the wards main corridor.
- The reception point is approximately 19m (20yd 2ft) from the Vernon Ward entrance.
- Clear signage for the reception area/desk is 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 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 fixed loop.
- The hearing assistance system is signed.
- Staff are trained to use the hearing 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.
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Reception Waiting Area
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- There is not a waiting area close to the reception point.
Ward (Vernon Ward)
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Ward Information
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- This is a/an General Surgery, Neurology and Male Plastics ward.
- This is a shared ward.
- There is/are 5 bay(s) available.
- There is/are 2 side room(s) available.
- There is/are 31 bed(s) on this ward in total.
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Ward Access
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- 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) is/are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 156cm (5ft 1in).
- There is a bell/buzzer.
- The height of the bell/buzzer is 140cm (4ft 7in).
- There is not an intercom.
- There is a hand sanitiser.
- The height of the hand sanitiser is 116cm (3ft 10in).
- There is a door release button when exiting.
- The height of the door release button is 114cm (3ft 9in).
- 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.
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Reception/Nurses' Station
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- The height of the ward reception desk is 114cm.
- There is a lowered section.
- The height of the lowered section of the desk is 73cm.
- There is a hearing assistance system available at the desk.
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Relatives' Room
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- There is a relatives' room for the ward.
- The width of the door opening into the relatives' room is over 75cm.
- There is a clear turning space in the relatives' room.
- There is a/are chair(s) with armrests available within the relatives' room.
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Ward Features and Patient Facilities
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- A hearing assistance system is available on the ward.
- The ward does not play background music.
- There is a chair with armrests on both sides.
- A mobile hoist is available on the ward.
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Visitor Facilities
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- There are no accessible toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
- Accessible toilet facilities for visitors are located on the ground floor of St James Wing.
- There are no standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
- Standard toilet facilities for visitors are located on the ground floor of St James Wing.
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Visiting Times
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- There are set visiting times for the ward.
- Visiting times are 15:00 to 20:00.
- The visiting times are the same for each day.
- Protected meal times are between 12:00 to 13:00 and 17:00 to 18:00.
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Comments
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- The side rooms were occupied at the time of the survey (October 2018).
Day Room / Lounge Area (Day Space)
- There is a day room/lounge area.
- There is level access into the day room/lounge area.
- The day room/lounge area is always open.
- There is a/are door(s) into the day room/lounge area.
- 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 84cm (2ft 9in).
- The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
- There is a space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- There is a mixture of seating with and without armrests.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- No tables are permanently fixed.
- The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 30cm (11in).
- The room does not have background music playing.
- There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
- There is not a television.
- 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.
Washroom (Shower and Toilet - Male)
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Washroom Details
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- The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
- There is/are 1 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
- The washroom surveyed is located along the wards main corridor.
- There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
- This washroom is male.
- There is pictorial and 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(s) is/are light to open.
- The width of the door opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
- The dimensions of the washroom are 305cm x 285cm (10ft x 9ft 4in).
- 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 within reach and fully functional.
- There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
- There is a/are coat hook(s) 174cm 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 70cm.
- 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 can 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 94cm.
- There is not a hand dryer.
- Disposal facilities are available.
- The washroom has a non-slip floor.
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Toilet Details
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- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 46cm (1ft 6in).
- 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 the right.
- The lateral transfer space is 215cm.
- There is a flush on the transfer side.
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- 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 98cm.
- There is not a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
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Shower Details
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- There is 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 42cm (1ft 5in).
- There are wall-mounted grab rails available for the shower.
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- 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 medium.
- The visual contrast between the washroom floor and walls is medium.
- Lighting levels are bright.
Washroom (Shower - Male 1)
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Washroom Details
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- The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower.
- There is/are 1 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
- The washroom surveyed is located along the wards main corridor.
- There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
- This washroom is male.
- There is 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 light to open.
- The width of the door opening is 71cm (2ft 4in).
- The dimensions of the washroom are 85cm x 190cm (2ft 9in x 6ft 3in).
- There is an emergency pull cord alarm.
- The emergency pull cord alarm is within reach and fully functional.
- There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
- There is a/are coat hook(s) 158cm from the floor.
- There is a mirror.
- There is a tall mirror, with suitable specifications, for ease of use.
- There is not a wash basin.
- There is not a soap dispenser.
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- There is not a hand dryer.
- Disposal facilities are not available.
- The washroom has a non-slip floor.
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Shower Details
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- There is 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.
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- 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 shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is high.
- The visual contrast between the washroom floor and walls is medium.
- Lighting levels are low.
Washroom (Shower - Male 2)
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Washroom Details
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- The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower.
- There is/are 1 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
- The washroom surveyed is located along the wards main corridor.
- There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
- This washroom is male.
- There is 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 light to open.
- The width of the door opening is 78cm (2ft 7in).
- The dimensions of the washroom are 145cm x 280cm (4ft 9in x 9ft 2in).
- There is an emergency pull cord alarm.
- The emergency pull cord alarm is within reach and fully functional.
- There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
- There is a/are coat hook(s) 174cm from the floor.
- There is a mirror.
- There is a tall mirror, with suitable specifications, for ease of use.
- There is not a wash basin.
- There is not a soap dispenser.
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- There is not a hand dryer.
- Disposal facilities are available.
- The washroom has a non-slip floor.
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Shower Details
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- There is a wheel in shower.
- The shower head is height adjustable.
- The shower control type is lever.
- There is a flip-down/tip-up seat for the shower.
- The height of the flip-down/tip-up or fixed seat is 52cm (1ft 8in).
- There are wall-mounted grab rails available for the shower.
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- 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 shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is high.
- The visual contrast between the washroom floor and walls is high.
- Lighting levels are bright.
Toilet with Adaptations (Vernon Ward)
- Accessible toilet facilities are available.
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Location and Access
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- The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
- There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is located at the end of the wards main corridor.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
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Features and Dimensions
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- This is a unisex toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is locked by a twist lock.
- The door is light.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 87cm (2ft 10in).
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 200cm x 190cm (6ft 7in x 6ft 3in).
- 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 85cm (2ft 9in).
- 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).
- The height of the coat hook is 175cm from the floor.
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Position of Fixtures
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- Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
- As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
- There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
- The shelf is 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 43cm (1ft 5in).
- There is not a hand dryer.
- There is a towel dispenser.
- The towel dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the towel dispenser is 140cm (4ft 7in).
- There is a toilet roll holder.
- The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- There is a soap dispenser.
- The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the soap dispenser is 70cm.
- There is a wash basin.
- The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- There is a medium visual contrast between the internal door and wall.
- The contrast between the external door and wall is fair.
- There is a poor colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
- The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is fair.
- The lighting levels are medium.
Standard Toilet(s) (Vernon Ward)
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Availability and Location of Standard Toilets
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- Standard toilet facilities are available.
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Access to Standard Male Toilet(s)
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- The male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located along the wards main corridor.
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the male toilet(s).
- An ambulant toilet with wall mounted grab rails is available.
- Lighting levels are bright.
