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RDAC (Rapid Diagnostic and Assessment Centre/Stanley Cohen Unit)

The Royal Marsden, Downs Road, Sutton, Surrey, SM2 5PT

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Access Guide

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Getting To The Hospital

  • By Road View
    • The Main Hospital Entrance is located off Downs Road and is approximately 1.5 miles south of Sutton town centre via the B2230 Brighton Road.
      If travelling via the M25 from the south, leave the M25 at Junction 8 and join the A217 to Sutton.
      Continue for approximately 8 miles until you reach a roundabout with a signpost for the B2230 Brighton Road to Sutton.
      Take the first turning on the right into Downs Road.
      The turning is just after a small humpback bridge and immediately before the pedestrian crossing.
      Continue over the crossroads.
      The Royal Marsden is the second turning on the left.
      For access to the Oak Cancer Centre and The Charles Wolfson Rapid Diagnostic Centre please use the Cotswold Road entrance, post code SM2 5NF.
      .
    • There are 2 car parks at the hospital for patients and visitors.
      The main car park is accessed via Downs Road.
      This car park is barrier ANPR operated and is available for appointments in the East Wing, West Wing or South Wing, for example Radiotherapy.
      The rear car park is accessed via Cotswold Road.
      This car park is ANPR operated without a barrier and is available for appointments in the Oak Cancer Centre, for example the Charles Wolfson Rapid Diagnostic Centre.
      There is designated accessible parking at both car parks.
      Blue Badge holders and participants of the Sunflower Scheme have free parking in both car parks and will need to register their Blue Badge or show a Sunflower badge or lanyard at the nearest main reception desk.
  • By Bus View
    • London and local bus routes run close to the hospital or terminate nearby.
      Bus numbers may vary due to changes in routes.
      Currently, bus numbers 80, 280, 420 and S1 run along Brighton Road, Downs Road and Cotswold Road.
      They connect with Morden underground station (Northern Line), Sutton, Tooting, Redhill, and Banstead train stations. Please ask for the Downs Road stop.
      Bus numbers S3 and S4 stop in the hospital grounds, outside the Main Hospital Entrance.
      They run every 30 minutes (peak hours only).
      There is no Sunday service and both pass through Sutton town centre and stop at the train station.
      The S3 bus terminates at Worcester Park Station and the S4 at Roundshaw.
      There is a live bus information screen at a high level, located above the site map, just inside the Main Hospital Entrance.
    • There is an onsite bus stop.
    • There is an onsite bus stop located in front of the hospital's main entrance.
    • The onsite bus stop is sheltered, with bench seating available.
      There is space for a wheelchair next to the bench.
    • The onsite bus stop is approximately 10 metres from the Main Hospital Entrance.
      To access the entrance you will need to cross a dropped kerb and then there is level access.
  • By Train View
    • The nearest train stations are Sutton and Belmont.

      Sutton Station: Served by trains running from London Victoria, London Bridge, London Blackfriars, London Kings Cross (First Capital Connect), Clapham Junction and Horsham, Sussex.
      For connecting services from the south coast, change at Horsham.
      For connecting services from West London, change at Wimbledon.
      The hospital is about 1.5 miles from Sutton station and is an uphill walk.
      The journey takes about 10 minutes by bus or taxi.

      Belmont Station: Served by trains on the London Victoria to Epsom Downs line.
      Belmont station is a quarter of a mile from the hospital.
      Trains run every hour and more frequently during peak travel times.
      There is no Sunday service.
      The walk from Belmont station is uphill.
  • By Underground View
    • The nearest underground station is Morden (Northern Line).
      There is lift access at this station.
      The station is approximately 6 miles from the hospital.
  • Useful Links View

Getting Help and Assistance

  • 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 West Wing corridor, to the left off the hospital main entrance foyer.
  • 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 can be found within the hospital main entrance foyer and at the Oak Cancer Centre Entrance.
  • Documents are available in an alternative format and can be provided to include: Braille on request, large print, different languages and audio.
  • 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 the porter 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 Hotline 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. You can call 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.

Hospital Parking (Main Car Park)

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car park is located to the right of the main hospital entrance.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park does have a barrier control system.
    • The barrier controls/touchscreen can be reached from the car.
    • 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 and signposted.
    • There is/are 4 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 470cm (7ft 7in x 15ft 5in).
    • 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 not clearly presented.
    • Payment signs are located at the entrance to the car park and at the payment machines in the car park.
    • Payment signs do not make it clear if parking charges apply to Blue Badge holders.
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
    • Payment machines are located outside the Main Hospital Entrance and the Radiotherapy Treatment entrance.
    • There is a payment machine at a convenient height for wheelchair users.
    • There is 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 clearly visible from the car park.
    • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 50m (54yd 2ft) from the Main Hospital Entrance.
  • Comments View
    • There are 4 Blue Badge Bays at Level 3 of the car park.
    • There is a steep slope on the road and footpath between these bays and the Main Hospital Entrance.
    • This steep slope can be bypassed using the Radiotherapy entrance from the car park and taking Lift 9 to the basement level.
    • There is then level access on the basement corridor to access other services in the main building using Lift 7 to access the East Wing or Lift 1 or 2 to access the West Wing.

    • There are 4 short-stay Blue Badge Bays to the right of the car park entrance barrier.
    • The short-stay bays are free for 30 minutes.
    • There is a level route between these bays and the Main Hospital Entrance.
    • Blue Badge holders and participants of the Sunflower Scheme have free parking and will need to register their Blue Badge or show a Sunflower badge or lanyard at the nearest main reception desks.

Getting To (RDAC (Rapid Diagnostic and Assessment Centre/Stanley Cohen Unit))

  • RDAC (Rapid Diagnostic and Assessment Centre/Stanley Cohen Unit) is/are located on the first floor of the West Wing.
  • Access to RDAC (Rapid Diagnostic and Assessment Centre/Stanley Cohen Unit) is via the main hospital entrance.
  • Enter the hospital via the main hospital entrance and continue to the left side of the foyer lobby. Follow through the corridor entrance and go through the corridor entrance that is immediately on the left. Continue straight, passing the lift on your right and enter The Cherry Tree. Go straight through The Cherry Tree and continue along the corridor. Then enter the West Wing lift 3 that is on the right and take the lift to the first floor. Exit the lift and go to the end of the corridor that is on the right. The entrance to RDAC (Rapid Diagnostic and Assessment Centre/Stanley Cohen Unit) will be directly in front of you.
  • There is step free access, via lift, to RDAC (Rapid Diagnostic and Assessment Centre/Stanley Cohen Unit).
  • RDAC (Rapid Diagnostic and Assessment Centre/Stanley Cohen Unit) is approximately 15m from the West Wing lift 3.
  • There are not resting areas along the route.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • Dementia friendly signage is not 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 (Main Hospital Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the Main Hospital Building off Downs Road.
    • 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 a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 149cm (4ft 11in).
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 106cm (3ft 6in).
    • There is a door release button when exiting.
    • The height of the door release button is 106cm (3ft 6in).
    • 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 180cm.
    • 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 200cm.
  • Comments View
    • Wheelchairs that are available to borrow are usually located after the first set of entrance doors.

Other Floors (West Wing - Lifts 3 and 4)

  • Stairs View
    • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not clearly visible from the entrance.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are B, G, 1, 2, 3.
    • 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 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 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 provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Lift (West Wing - Lifts 3 and 4)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located at the end of the West Wing, beyond the Cherry Tree Restaurant.
  • Signs indicating the location of this lift are not clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 80m (87yd 1ft) from the Hospital 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 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 medium.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is high.
  • The clear door width is 110cm (3ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 145cm x 210cm (4ft 9in x 6ft 11in).
  • 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
    • Lift 3 is detailed.
    • Lift 4 is available around the corner, to the left of Lift 3.
    • Level access to these lifts from the Hospital Main Entrance is through the Cherry Tree Restaurant.
    • This avoids the upwards steep ramp at the start of the West Wing Corridor and the downwards steep ramp at the end of the corridor, which is the route signposted from the main entrance foyer.

Opening Times (RDAC (Rapid Diagnostic and Assessment Centre/Stanley Cohen Unit))

  • Monday 08:00 - 17:00.
  • Tuesday 08:00 - 17:00.
  • Wednesday 08:00 - 17:00.
  • Thursday 08:00 - 17:00.
  • Friday 08:00 - 17:00.
  • Saturday Closed.
  • Sunday Closed.

Entrance (RDAC Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the right on exiting West Wing lift 3.
    • 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 a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 137cm (4ft 6in).
    • There is a door release button when exiting.
    • The height of the door release button is 105cm (3ft 5in).
    • 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 145cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 138cm.
  • Comments View
    • The push pad is 120cm high.

Department / Service (RDAC (Rapid Diagnostic and Assessment Centre/Stanley Cohen Unit))

  • Department / Service Access View
    • RDAC (Rapid Diagnostic and Assessment Centre/Stanley Cohen Unit) is located on the first floor of the West Wing.
    • There is level access throughout the department/service.
    • There is clear signage on the department/service.
    • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
    • There is flooring in the department/service which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • There is some flooring in the department/service which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
    • The department/service does not play background music.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Department / Service Facilities View
    • This department/service has; a main reception, a waiting room/area, consultation rooms, accessible toilet facilities solely for disabled users and standard toilet facilities.
    • There are 12 consultation/treatment rooms in this department/service.
    • A hearing assistance system is available.
    • The type of system is a portable loop.
    • Staff are not trained to use the system.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested on 17/10/2022.
    • The hearing assistance system was not working at the time of testing.
    • 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.

Reception

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located to the left on entering the RDAC department.
    • The reception point is approximately 13m (14yd 8in) from the RDAC 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 windows, glazed screens or mirrors behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The reception counter is 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 portable loop.
    • The hearing assistance system is signed.
    • Staff are not trained to use the hearing assistance system.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested on 17/10/2022.
    • The hearing assistance system was not working at the time of testing.
  • 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 sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.
    • There are seats with armrests on both sides.
    • No tables are permanently fixed.
    • The waiting room / area does not have background music playing.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the waiting room / area.
    • There is a television.
    • Subtitles are available.
    • Vending machines are available.
    • A water dispenser is available.
    • 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.
  • Comments View
    • Additional seating may be available in adjacent areas; however, this seating is limited at peak times.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Consulting Room)

  • There is / are 12 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Consulting Room 2.
  • 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.
  • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 87cm (2ft 10in).
  • 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 adjustable.
  • A hoist can be brought in from another department.
  • There is not 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.
  • There are no chairs with 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 good.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Ultrasound Room)

  • There is / are 12 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Ultrasound Room 2.
  • 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.
  • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 76cm (2ft 6in).
  • 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 adjustable.
  • A hoist can be brought in from another department.
  • There is not 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.
  • There are no chairs with 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 low to moderate.

Peak Times

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

Toilet with Adaptations (Left Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located along the left side of the corridor as you enter.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 10m from the RDAC 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 tactile, pictorial, written text and dementia friendly signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is high.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 158cm x 234cm (5ft 2in x 7ft 8in).
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The height of the light switch/pull cord is 132cm from floor level.
    • The lighting levels are 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 90cm.
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a sanitary bin and a waste disposal bin.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a lever 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 was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are sanitary, pedal bin and clinical waste disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • There are coat hooks in the toilet at 174cm and 184cm from the floor.
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is not a mirror.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The toilet has a backrest.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 44cm (1ft 5in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is high.
    • 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 110cm (3ft 7in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is high.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) cannot 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 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the left hand side 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 cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 114cm.
    • 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 110cm (3ft 7in).
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is low.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a flip down baby change table available.
    • The height of the baby change table is 95cm.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female and male toilets are located to the left as you enter RDAC.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 5m from the RDAC Entrance.
    • There is tactile, pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • The colour contrast between the internal toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • The toilet seats have a high colour contrast.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 80cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The wall fixed soap dispenser is located above the wash basin.
    • Lighting levels are good.

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