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The Waterlily Birth Centre

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 (The Waterlily Birth Centre)

  • The Waterlily Birth Centre is/are located on the First Floor, in Area 6.
  • Access to the Waterlily Birth Centre 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 Waterlily Birth Centre is located on the right hand side.
  • There is step free access, via lift, to the Waterlily Birth Centre.
  • The Waterlily Birth Centre is approximately 32m from the lift lobby.
  • There are not 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 fair.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is good.
  • 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 (The Waterlily Birth Centre)

  • 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, via lift.
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 131cm (4ft 4in).
    • There is a door release button when exiting.
    • The height of the door release button is 116cm (3ft 10in).
    • 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 180cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are easy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 179cm.
  • Comments View
    • There are two intercoms at the entrance.
    • One is at 90cm high and the other is at 146cm high.

Opening Times (The Waterlily Birth Centre)

  • Access is by appointment only.

Department / Service (The Waterlily Birth Centre)

  • Department / Service Access View
    • The Waterlily Birthing Centre is located on the first floor in Area 6.
    • There is level access throughout the department/service.
    • There is clear signage on the department/service.
    • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
    • The department/service does not play background music.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Department / Service Facilities View
    • This department/service has; consultation rooms, accessible toilet facilities for everyone and standard toilet facilities.
    • There are 3 consultation/treatment rooms in this department/service.
    • A hearing assistance system is not available in the department/service.
    • A mobile hoist is available from another department/service.
    • There are accessible toilet facilities within the department/service.
    • There are standard toilet facilities within this department/service.
  • Comments View
    • The accessible and standard toilet facilities in this department are located in the washrooms, within the delivery rooms.
    • The nearest accessible and standard toilets are located on the ground floor in Area 1, by the Orthopaedic and Fracture Clinic.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Birthing Pool Room)

  • There is / are 2 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Clover.
  • There is level access to the consultation / treatment room.
  • There is a/are door(s) into the consultation / treatment room.
  • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) is/are single width with a locked extension leaf.
  • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is not a bed / couch.
  • 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.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • The room does not have background music playing.
  • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • Lighting levels are adjustable.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Delivery Room)

  • There is / are 1 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Willow.
  • There is level access to the consultation / treatment room.
  • There is a/are door(s) into the consultation / treatment room.
  • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) is/are single width with a locked extension leaf.
  • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is a bed / couch.
  • The bed / couch is not adjustable.
  • A hoist can be brought in from another department.
  • There is sufficient space next to the bed/couch for a mobile hoist to operate.
  • There is a chair.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • The chair(s) is not/are not height adjustable.
  • All chairs have armrests available.
  • Some tables are permanently fixed.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • The room does not have background music playing.
  • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • Lighting levels are moderate to good.

Washroom (Birthing Pool Room)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • There is/are 2 washroom(s) of this type in the department.
    • There is/are also 1 washroom(s) which has/have a wheel in shower, a bath, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • The washroom surveyed is located in the Clover Birthing Pool Room.
    • The washroom surveyed is approximately 3m from the Clover Birthing Pool Room entrance.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the department.
    • This washroom is shared.
    • There is no additional 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 is easy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 78cm (2ft 7in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 202cm x 200cm (6ft 8in x 6ft 7in).
    • 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 within reach and fully functional.
    • There is a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
    • There is not a coat hook in the washroom.
    • 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 87cm.
    • There are no wall-mounted grab rails for the wash basin.
    • The tap type is sensor. It is not 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 132cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 136cm.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • There is a/are pedal bin disposal units.
    • The washroom has a non-slip floor.
  • Toilet Details View
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 44cm (1ft 5in).
    • The toilet has a wall which can act as a 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 130cm.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • 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 95cm.
    • There is not a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
  • Shower Details View
    • There is a wheel in shower.
    • The shower does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The shower head is height adjustable.
    • The shower control type is twist/turn.
    • A shower chair is available.
    • There are not wall-mounted grab rails available for the shower.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The colour contrast between the external washroom door and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the internal washroom door and wall is good.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The colour contrast between the washroom floor and walls is fair.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.

Washroom (Delivery Room)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower, a bath, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • There is/are 1 washroom(s) of this type in the department.
    • There is/are also 2 washroom(s) which has/have a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • The washroom surveyed is located in the Willow Delivery Room.
    • The washroom surveyed is approximately 3m from the Willow Delivery Room entrance.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the department.
    • This washroom is shared.
    • There is Braille, 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 may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 89cm (2ft 11in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 280cm x 332cm (9ft 2in x 10ft 11in).
    • 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 a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
    • There is not a coat hook in the washroom.
    • 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 cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the wash basin is 73cm.
    • As you face the wash basin the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • The tap type is sensor. It is not 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 132cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 136cm.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • There is a/are pedal bin disposal units.
    • The washroom has a non-slip floor.
  • Toilet Details View
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • 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 130cm.
    • 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 96cm.
    • There is not a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
  • Shower Details View
    • There is a wheel in shower.
    • The shower does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The shower head is height adjustable.
    • The shower control type is twist/turn.
    • A shower chair is available.
    • There are wall-mounted grab rails available for the shower.
  • Bath Details View
    • There is a bath.
    • The height of the side of the bath from floor level is 55cm (1ft 10in).
    • The bath is not height adjustable.
    • The bath tap type is lever. It is a mixer tap.
    • There is not a shower over/for the bath.
    • There are wall-mounted grab rails available for the bath.
    • A bath hoist is not available.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The colour contrast between the external washroom door and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the internal washroom door and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet and wall is good.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
    • The colour contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the bath wall-mounted grab rails and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the washroom floor and walls is fair.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.

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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