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NICU - Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gayton Road, King's Lynn, PE30 4ET

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Access Guide

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Getting To The Hospital (The Queen Elizabeth Hospital)

  • By Road View
    • The Queen Elizabeth Hospital is located on Gayton Road, to the east of King’s Lynn town centre.
      Gayton Road is accessed from the A148 (Lynn Road) to the east and A149 to the west.
      The hospital is clearly signposted from both the A1076 from Gayton/King's Lynn and the A149.
    • Both standard and Blue Badge parking is located to the right of the hospital as you enter the site.
      Standard parking is payable whereas Blue Badge parking is free for both visitors and patients for the entirety of their stay.
  • By Bus View
    • The following buses serve the hospital bus stop: 33, 34, 41, 48, 49 and 49A.
    • There is an onsite bus stop.
    • The bus stop is located to the right of the main hospital entrance, opposite the Inspire Centre car park.
    • The on site bus stop is sheltered and there is room for a wheelchair to manoeuvre.
    • The route includes slopes/ramps and three pedestrian crossings with tactile paving.
      Cross the road to the left of bus stop and follow the pavement round to the right.
      Continue along the pavement and cross the road as shown in photographs 11, 12 and 13.
      Continue along the pathway towards the main entrance and cross the road as shown in photographs 15 and 16.
      The distance from the bus stop to the main entrance is approximately 106 metres.
  • By Train View
    • The nearest train station is King’s Lynn, which is located 2.2 miles away.
  • Useful Links View
  • Comments View
    • There is also a patient transportation buggy service located in the main car park. Patients are picked up from here and taken to their department. This is volunteer lead and currently runs weekdays from 9am until 12pm.

Getting Help and Assistance (The Queen Elizabeth Hospital)

  • To see the hospital map please click here (opens new tab).
  • There is a Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) at the hospital.
  • The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is located on the ground floor, in area 1 of the hospital main building.
  • The telephone number for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is 01553 613 351.
  • 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 at the main entrance reception.
  • Documents are available in an alternative format and can be provided to include: large print on request and audio on request.
  • There is not an assistance dog toilet or toileting area on the hospital site.
  • 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 a member of staff.
  • Staff receive disability equality training.
    Staff receive deaf awareness training.
    Specialist nurses can provide home visits.

Hospital Parking (Accessible Car Park - Main Entrance)

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car parking facilities are for Blue Badge holders only.
    • The car park is located to the right 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.
    • There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • There is not a 120cm hatched zone around the Blue Badge parking bay(s).
    • The dimensions of other designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) vary in size.
    • 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.
    • 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 at the front of the car park.
    • There is a payment machine at a convenient height for wheelchair users.
    • There is not 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 dropped kerbs.
    • The hospital entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
    • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 80m (87yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • Comments View
    • The route from this car park to the main entrance involves crossing the road twice, including dropped curbs and uneven surfaces.
    • There are temporary building works until March 2023, so the total number of Blue Badge bays in this area has been reduced to 8.

Hospital Parking (Main Hospital Car Park)

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car park is located at the front of the hospital.
    • 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.
    • 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 230cm x 480cm (7ft 7in x 15ft 9in).
    • 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 throughout the car park.
    • 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 throughout the car park.
    • There is a payment machine at a convenient height for wheelchair users.
    • There is not 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 slopes/ramps.
    • 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 150m (164yd 2in) from the main entrance.
  • Comments View
    • Blue Badge holders need to collect a ticket from the payment machine and display alongside their Blue Badge.
    • The routes from the main car park may be difficult for some as there is a steep slope from the car park to the road, and then from the crossing to the main hospital entrance.
    • Within this car park there is a buggy transportation service where patients are picked up and taken to their department.
    • It is volunteer lead and currently runs weekdays from 9am until 12pm.
    • There is no seating available at the shelter.
    • There is a downward slight slope on the approach to the shelter.
    • There is no space for wheelchairs to manoeuvre inside the shelter.

Hospital Parking (Main Hospital Entrance and Emergency Department Drop Off)

  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is a designated drop-off point.
    • The drop-off point is located to the right of the main hospital entrance.
    • There is not a dropped kerb from the drop-off point.
  • Comments View
    • This is a 20 minute drop off only zone.
    • Access to the Hospital involves crossing the road.

Getting To (NICU - Neonatal Intensive Care Unit)

  • NICU - Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is/are located on the first floor, in Area 6.
  • Access to NICU - Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is via the main hospital entrance.
  • Enter via the main hospital entrance and proceed along the main corridor to the end.
    At the T junction turn left and take a lift up to the first floor.
    Exit the lift to the left and enter Area 6 (Yellow).
    Continue along the corridor and turn right at the end.
    Proceed along the corridor and the department is located on the right hand side of the corridor.
  • There is step free access, via lift, to NICU - Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
  • NICU - Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is approximately 70m from the lift lobby.
  • There are resting areas along the route.
  • 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.

Outside Access (Main Hospital Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the hospital.
    • 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 not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 113cm (3ft 8in).
    • 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.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 164cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 1.5cm or below.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 164cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 1.5cm or below.
  • Comments View
    • There is a mobile hand sanitiser and mask dispenser located at this entrance, as well as the fixed hand sanitiser.

Lift (Lift 2 - Main Public Lift)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located on the main hospital corridor.
  • Signs indicating the location of this lift are clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 60m (65yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G and 1.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on lift lobby landings.
  • There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
  • Lift doors do contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
  • The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is medium.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is high.
  • The clear door width is 140cm.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 160cm x 280cm.
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • There is not a list of floor services available within the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is moderate to good.

Other Floors (Area 1 Stairs)

  • Stairs View
    • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There are manual, double doors which may be difficult to open to enter and exit the stairwell on the first floor.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G and 1.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are not easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • There is a landing.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor of the building are provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels are low to moderate.

Entrance (NICU - Neonatal Intensive Care Unit)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located in Area 6.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 115cm (3ft 9in).
    • There is not a hand sanitiser.
    • There is not a door release button when exiting.
    • 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 178cm.

Ward (NICU - Neonatal Intensive Care Unit)

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a/an neonatal ward.
    • This is a female ward.
    • There is/are 2 bay(s) available.
    • There is/are 2 side room(s) available.
    • There is/are 14 bed(s) on this ward in total.
    • Cot Room 1 is for intensive care and can hold up to 4 cots.
      Cot Room 2 is for isolation and can hold 1 cot.
      Cot Room 3 is for general admittance and can hold 9 cots.
      There are two Parent and Baby rooms.
  • Ward Access View
    • There is level access throughout 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 moderate to good.
  • Reception/Nurses' Station View
    • The height of the Nurses' Station desk is 110cm.
    • There is a lowered section.
    • The height of the lowered section of the desk is 77cm.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system available at the desk.
  • Relatives' Room View
    • There is a relatives' room for the ward.
    • The width of the door opening into the relatives' room is over 75cm.
    • There is not a clear turning space in the relatives' room.
    • There is not a/are not chair(s) with armrests available within the relatives' room.
  • 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 not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre around the bed.
    • Bedside storage is available.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and the floor in the side room is high.
    • The lighting levels in the side room are adjustable.
    • Parent and Baby Room 2 has an en-suite.
  • Ward Features and Patient Facilities View
    • A hearing assistance system is not available on the ward.
    • 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 accessible toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • There are standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
  • Visiting Times View
    • Visiting times vary, please contact the ward in advance.
    • Protected meal times are between 08:30 to 09:30, 12:00 to 13:00 and 16:30 to 17:30.

Room / Area (Cot Room)

  • There is / are 2 room(s) / area(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room / area surveyed was; Cot Room 2.
  • 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) may be difficult to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 84cm (2ft 9in).
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is not 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.
  • All chairs have armrests available.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • The room / area does not have background music playing.
  • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room / area.
  • Lighting levels are moderate to good.

Toilet with Adaptations (Left Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located to the left as you enter the unit.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 3m from the NICU - Neonatal Intensive Care Unit entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 84cm (2ft 9in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 208cm x 233cm (6ft 10in x 7ft 8in).
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 143cm.
    • The transfer space is obstructed by storage items.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a sensor flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is high.
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency alarm is fully functional.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are sanitary and pedal bin disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • There are coat hooks in the toilet at 107cm and 155cm from the floor.
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The toilet has a backrest.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
    • 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).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 88cm (2ft 11in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is high.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 72cm (2ft 4in).
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 97cm.
    • 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 125cm (4ft 1in).
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is low.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
  • Accessible Shower View
    • The shower does have an unobstructed minimum 150cm x 150cm turning space.
    • There is a shower unit with a detachable shower head.
    • The shower head is height adjustable.
    • The adjustable shower head cannot be placed between 105cm and 185cm when mounted.
    • There is a flip-down/tip-up seat for the shower.
    • The seat/chair is not height adjustable.
    • The height of the flip-down/tip-up or fixed seat is 47cm (1ft 7in).
    • Horizontal and/or dropdown rails are available on both sides of the shower seat.
    • The colour contrast between the shower rails and wall is high.
    • There is not a vertical grab rail for the shower.
    • There is an emergency alarm for the shower.
  • Comments View
    • Photograph 10 shows a baby bath.

Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities

  • Accessible toilet facilities are located in Area 1, Area 4, Area 7 and in the West Wing reception area.
  • Female standard toilet facilities are located in Area 1 and Area 4.
  • Male standard toilet facilities are located in Area 1 and Area 4.
  • Shared standard toilet facilities are located in Area 7 and on the main ground floor corridor connecting the main hospital building to the West Wing.
  • Parent and baby changing facilities are located in the accessible toilet in Area 1.

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