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Critical Care Unit

The Royal Marsden, Fulham Road, London, SW3 6JJ

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Access Guide

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Getting To The Hospital

  • By Road View
    • The hospital and the Marsden Wing entrance are located on the A308 Fulham Road. The accessible entrance, via the Wallace Wing, and the Rapid Diagnostic and Assessment Centre are off Dovehouse Street, which is the turning to the right of the main building.
    • There is no parking for patients or visitors on the hospital site. There are some Blue Badge bays in Dovehouse Street and Dudmaston Mews, which are limited to 4 hours on weekdays. The surrounding streets are in a resident parking zone and parking for non-residents is very limited.
  • By Bus View
    • Bus routes 14, 211, 345 and 414 travel along Fulham Road and have stops near to the hospital. Other routes stop nearby. All London buses are accessible to wheelchair users by motorised boarding ramp and have a designated area for wheelchair users.
  • By Train View
    • The nearest railway station is London Victoria. There are staff to assist with manual boarding ramps between the train and the platform at this station. There is level access between the platform and the street. Bus services connect with this station and there is also a taxi rank.
  • By Underground View
    • The Nearest Underground Station is South Kensington (District, Circle and Piccadilly lines). There is no step free access from the platform to the street at this station. The station is approximately a 7 minute walk from the hospital. The nearest underground stations with step-free access are Victoria (Victoria Line only) and Earls Court (District Line).
  • Useful Links View

Getting Help and Assistance

  • 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 of the Chelsea Wing.
  • The telephone number for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is 0800 783 7176.
  • 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 do receive disability awareness / equality training.
  • Hospital staff do receive disability awareness / equality training.
  • Volunteers can be found at the Wallace Wing and Marsden Wing entrances.
  • The alternative formats documents can be provided in include; Braille on request, large print on request, different languages 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.
  • 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 the Portering Service, through any of the service receptions.
  • The Royal Marsden Help Centre includes details of the PALS service and The Royal Marsden Macmillan Hotline Service. There are also links to patient guides and booklets which can be downloaded. The Royal Marsden Macmillan Hotline Service provides specialist advice and support to all Royal Marsden patients, their carers and hospital and community based doctors and nurses caring for Royal Marsden patients. The support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 020 8915 6899. Email contact details are also available for those who are not able to use the telephone service. Please see the website for further details.
  • Additional hospital services link (new tab) - click here.

Public Parking

  • On Street Blue Badge Parking View
    • There is a/are clearly signed and/or marked on street Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
    • The on street Blue Badge parking bay(s) is/are located on Dovehouse Street and Dudmaston Mews, off Dovehouse Street.
    • The dimensions of the on street Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 185cm x 500cm (6ft 1in x 16ft 5in).
    • The dimensions of the on street Blue Badge parking bays vary in size.
    • There are not parking charges for the on street Blue Badge parking bay(s).
    • Payment signs are provided.
    • Payment signs are clearly presented.
    • Payment term signs do make it clear if parking charges apply to Blue Badge holders.
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
    • Free parking for Blue Badge holders is for 4 hours Monday to Friday. At weekends there is no maximum length of time. only.
  • On Street Standard Parking View
    • Standard on street parking is available.
  • Public Car Park View
    • There is not a car park for public use within approximately 200m (219yd).
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point.
  • Comments View
    • There are 3 Blue Badge bays on Dovehouse Street and
    • 5 bays in Dudmaston Mews.
    • There are a small number of standard pay and display bays at weekends only in Dudmaston Mews and South Parade.
    • Other parking in the area is restricted to resident permit holders only, Monday to Friday from 8.30 - 18.30.
    • Please check signs for details.

Getting To (Critical Care Unit)

  • The Critical Care Unit is/are located on the first floor of the Chelsea Wing.
  • Access to the Critical Care Unit is via the Wallace Wing Entrance.
  • Enter via the Wallace Wing entrance, proceed past the reception and follow the steep ramp to the main corridor. Continue on to Granard House, after a set of double doors, turn right and follow the corridor and ramp into the Marsden Wing. Take the first right into the Chelsea Wing and after a steep ramp turn left into the lift lobby area. Take the lift to the first floor and on exiting the lift, turn left. Proceed through the doors and the Critical Care Unit is on the left.
  • There is ramped/sloped access to the Critical Care Unit.
  • The Critical Care Unit is approximately 13m from the lift.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • There is flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
  • There is some flooring in corridors which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.

Outside Access (Wallace Wing Entrance - Accessible Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located on Dovehouse Street.
    • 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.
    • Standard manual wheelchairs are available for people to borrow at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The automatic door(s) is/are push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 130cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 162cm.
  • Comments View
    • Access out of the standard hours is granted by using the intercom.
    • There are also revolving outer doors, 105cm wide which open into the same lobby before the second set of doors.
    • The wheelchairs are usually located in the lobby after the first set of doors.

Other Floors (Chelsea Wing)

  • Stairs View
    • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There are manual, double doors which may be difficult to open to enter and exit the stairwell on all floors.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are B, G, 1, 2.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The going of the step(s) is/are 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 extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • There is a landing.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor of the building are not provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Comments View
    • MB - Added new photos.

Lift (Chelsea Wing)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the left after the slight ramp leading from the Marsden Wing to the Chelsea Wing.
  • Signs indicating the location of this lift are not clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 100m (109yd 1ft) from the Wallace Wing 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 B, G, 1, 2, 3.
  • 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 high.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is high.
  • The clear door width is 130cm.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 135cm x 265cm.
  • 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 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 good.
  • Comments View
    • The lifts access the upper floors of both the Marsden Wing and the Chelsea Wing.
    • MB - Added inside lift photo.

Opening Times

  • This ward is open 24 hours.

Ward

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a/an critical care ward.
    • This is a shared ward.
    • There is/are 2 bay(s) available.
    • There is/are 6 side room(s) available.
    • There is/are 12 bed(s) on this ward in total.
  • Ward Access View
    • There is a/are door(s) leading into the ward.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 162cm (5ft 4in).
    • 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.
    • There is some flooring on the ward which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
    • The lighting levels are medium.
  • Reception/Nurses' Station View
    • The height of the ward reception desk is 107cm.
    • There is a lowered section.
    • The height of the lowered section of the desk is 76cm.
    • 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 a/are chair(s) with armrests available within the relatives' room.
  • 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 available on the ward.
  • Visitor Facilities View
    • There are no accessible toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • Accessible toilet facilities for visitors are located on the ground floor of the Chelsea Wing.
    • There are no standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • Standard toilet facilities for visitors are located on the ground floor of the Chelsea Wing.

Waiting Room / Area

  • There is a waiting room / area.
  • The waiting room / area is approximately 1m from the Critical Care Unit entrance.
  • There is level access into the waiting room / area.
  • There is a/are door(s) into the waiting room / area.
  • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
  • The door(s) is/are single width.
  • The door(s) is/are heavy.
  • The width of the door opening is 75cm (2ft 6in).
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is a space for a wheelchair user to wait within the seating area.
  • Some chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs with armrests are available.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • Announcements are in person.
  • 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 bright.
  • Comments View
    • Additional seating may be available in adjacent areas. However, this seating is limited at peak times.

Washroom

  • 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 unit.
    • The washroom surveyed is located on the left hand side of the main corridor.
    • The washroom surveyed is approximately 27m from the Critical Care entrance.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the unit.
    • This washroom is shared.
    • There is 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 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 353cm x 355cm (11ft 7in x 11ft 8in).
    • 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 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 74cm.
    • 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 cannot 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 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 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 left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 90cm.
    • There is a flush, however it is not 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 81cm.
    • There is not a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
  • Shower Details View
    • The height of the shower head is 200cm (6ft 7in).
    • There is a wheel in shower.
    • The shower head height is fixed.
    • 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 60cm (1ft 12in).
    • The bath is not height adjustable.
    • The bath tap type is twist/turn. It is a mixer tap.
    • There is not a shower over/for the bath.
    • There are not 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 medium.
    • The colour contrast between the internal washroom door and wall is medium.
    • The colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is low.
    • The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall is low.
    • The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet and wall is low.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
    • The colour contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is low.
    • The colour contrast between the washroom floor and walls is low.
    • Lighting levels are bright.

Peak Times

  • Please note - Public areas may become crowded during peak times.

Toilet with Adaptations

  • Accessible toilet facilities are not available.
  • Comments View
    • The nearest accessible toilet is located on the ground floor of the Chelsea Wing.

Standard Toilet(s)

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