Access Guide
Overview (Southampton General Hospital)
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About
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- This is an acute hospital trust with multiple services and specialties covering the Hampshire and Wessex region.
- Facilities available in the venue include: Costa Coffee, M&S Food and Café, WHSmith, Stock Shop, Subway, League of Friends tea bar, a pharmacy, Feast Restaurant, and Paddy and Scott's Coffee Shop.
- View information on opening times
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Parking and Public Transport
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- The venue has its own car park, with Blue Badge parking available.
- There is a drop-off point, on-street standard parking and a taxi rank.
- The nearest train station is Southampton Central.
- The nearest bus station is Southampton Central Station.
- For the latest travel options and information you can plan your travel using Google Maps (opens new tab).
- View information on getting here (opens new tab) .
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Getting In and Around
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- There is step-free access via slope at the most accessible entrance.
- There are multiple entrances to access the main hospital building.
The main entrance enters the building on level C.
The North Wing entrance enters the building on level C and has a slight slope.
The Wessex Neurological Centre entrance enters the building on level B and has a slight ramp.
The South Academic Block entrance enters the building on level A and has a slight ramp.
The West Wing entrance enters the building on level B and has a slight or steep ramp. - There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas, this may include the use of a lift.
- The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: There is a steep ramp with handrails on both sides for access to the main hospital building from level A of the Wessex Neurology Centre.
There is a slight ramp with no handrails to access to level B of the Centre Block via Feast Restaurant from level B of the Wessex Neurology Centre. - Access throughout may include doors permanently held open.
- Levels A, B, C, D, E, F and G can be accessed via a standard lift and stairs.
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Getting Help and Assistance
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- There is seating available.
- There is a fixed hearing assistance system.
- You can borrow or hire the following equipment: a manual wheelchair and mobility scooter charging facilities.
- British Sign Language interpreters can be provided on request.
- Documents are available in the following formats: Braille (on request), large print (on request), Makaton (on request), different languages (on request), voice recognition CD (on request) and audio (on request).
- There is a water bowl available for assistance dogs.
- There is not a designated assistance dog spending area.
- Additional facilities/services include: an ATM machine, a pay phone, Wi-Fi and TV pre-pay machines for patients.
- Staff receive the following training: learning disability awareness.
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Related Access Guides
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- View information onhttps://www.accessable.co.uk/university-hospital-southampton-nhs-foundation-trust/southampton-general-hospital/access-guides/hospital-toilets-at-southampton-general-hospital (opens new tab) .
- View information on Entrances at Southampton General Hospital (opens new tab) .
- View information on Parking at Southampton General Hospital (opens new tab) .
Hospital Parking (West Wing Entrance)
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Parking
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- The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
- The car park is located opposite the West Wing 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/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 330cm x 440cm (10ft 10in x 14ft 5in).
- There is not 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.
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Drop-off Point
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- There is a designated drop-off point.
- The drop-off point is located to the left as you face the West Wing entrance.
- There is a dropped kerb from the drop-off point.
- The dropped kerb does not have tactile paving.
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Paying
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- There are parking charges for the hospital car park.
- Payment signs are not provided.
- Payment signs are located at the payment machines in the car park.
- Payment signs do make it clear if parking charges apply to Blue Badge holders.
- Parking is not free for Blue Badge holders.
- Payment machines are located at the side of the car park.
- There is not a payment machine at a convenient height for wheelchair users.
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Access to the Hospital
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- 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 24m (26yd 9in) from the West Wing entrance.
Getting To (Therapies)
- Therapies is/are located on Level B of the West Wing.
- Access to Therapies is via the West Wing entrance.
- Enter via the West Wing entrance, go forward, turn right and Therapies will be located directly ahead.
- There is step free access to Therapies.
- Therapies is approximately 14m from the West Wing entrance.
- 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.
Entrance (Level B - West Wing Entrance)
- This entrance is located on the right hand side as you face the main hospital building.
- The approach to the entrance has uneven surfaces.
- The entrance area is clearly signed.
- There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
- There is step-free access via ramp at the entrance.
- The ramp has a slight gradient.
- The ramp is over 150cm wide with a handrail on the left going up.
- There is also a steep ramp to the left of the entrance with a handrail on the right going up.
- There is an intercom at a height of 131cm.
- There are double automatic doors at this entrance.
- The doors are permanently held open.
- The width of the opening is 141cm.
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
- The doors have a high visual contrast.
- There is a second set of double automatic doors .
- The second set of doors open by sliding.
- The width of the opening is 217cm.
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
- The second set of doors have a high visual contrast.
- There is step-free level access as you enter.
- This entrance gives access to level B of the West Wing.
Opening Times (Adults Therapies)
- Monday 07:30 - 17:30.
- Tuesday 07:30 - 17:30.
- Wednesday 07:30 - 17:30.
- Thursday 07:30 - 17:30.
- Friday 07:30 - 17:00.
- Saturday Closed.
- Sunday Closed.
Reception (Therapies Reception)
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Reception
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- The reception point is located on Level B of the West Wing.
- The reception point is approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the West Wing entrance.
- Clear signage for the reception area/desk is not 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 no windows, glazed screens or mirrors behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
- The reception counter is not placed in front of a background which is patterned.
- The lighting levels at the reception point are good.
- The height of the reception counter is low (76cm or lower) .
- There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
- The counter is staffed.
- There is not a bell to attract attention.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- There is a touch screen.
- Signs and universally accepted symbols or pictograms, indicating lifts, stairs, WCs, circulation routes and other parts of the building are not provided in the reception area.
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Reception Waiting Area
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- There is not a waiting area close to the reception point.
Department / Service (Therapies)
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Department / Service Access
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- The Therapies Department is located on Level B of the West Wing.
- There is a/are door(s) leading into the department/service.
- The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
- The width of the door opening is 166cm .
- There is not a hand sanitiser.
- There is not a door release button when exiting.
- 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.
- The department/service does not play background music.
- The lighting levels are medium.
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Department / Service Facilities
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- This department/service has; consultation rooms, sub waiting areas, standard toilet facilities, treatment rooms and a main reception.
- There are 5 consultation/treatment rooms in this department/service.
- A hearing assistance system is not available in the department/service.
- A mobile hoist is available on the department/service.
- There are not accessible toilet facilities within the department/service.
- Accessible toilet facilities are located along Level B of the main hospital corridor.
- There are standard toilet facilities within this department/service.
Waiting Room / Area (Adult Waiting Area)
- There is a waiting room / area.
- There is level access into the waiting room / area.
- There is not a/are not door(s) into the waiting room / area.
- The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
- There is a space for a wheelchair user to wait within the seating area.
- No 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 a flashing fire alarm beacon within the waiting room / area.
- There is not a television.
- Vending machines are not 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 medium.
Consultation / Treatment Room (Treatment Room)
- The name / number of the room surveyed was; Treatment Room.
- 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 double width but one door is locked.
- The door(s) is/are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 85cm (2ft 9in).
- 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 is available.
- The hoist is electric.
- A sling is available.
- The sling is attached by hook.
- 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 adjustable.
- There are some 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 a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
- Lighting levels are bright.
Consultation / Treatment Room (Small Gymnasium)
- The name / number of the room surveyed was; Small Gymnasium.
- 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) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is/are double width but one door is locked.
- The door(s) is/are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 85cm (2ft 9in).
- 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 is available.
- The hoist is electric.
- A sling is available.
- The sling is attached by hook.
- 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 adjustable.
- There are some 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 a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
- Lighting levels are bright.
Consultation / Treatment Room (Large Gymnasium)
- The name / number of the room surveyed was; Large Gymnasium.
- 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) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is/are double width but one door is locked.
- The door(s) is/are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 84cm (2ft 9in).
- 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 is available.
- The hoist is electric.
- A sling is available.
- The sling is attached by hook.
- 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 adjustable.
- There are some chairs with armrests available.
- Some tables are permanently fixed.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- The room does have background music playing.
- There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
- Lighting levels are medium.
Room / Area (Therapies Quiet Room)
- The name / number of the room / area surveyed was; Quiet Room.
- The room / area is approximately 24m from the Therapies entrance.
- 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) is/are light.
- The width of the door opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
- The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- There is not a bed / couch.
- A hoist is available.
- The hoist is electric.
- A sling is available.
- The sling is attached by hook.
- 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.
- No tables are permanently fixed.
- The room / area does not have background music playing.
- There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room / area.
- Lighting levels are bright.
Standard Toilet(s) (Therapies Standard Toilets)
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Toilet Facilities
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- The shared toilet is located along the main Therapies corridor.
- There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
- The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 10m from the Therapies entrance.
- There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
- The visual contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is low.
- An ambulant toilet cubicle is available.
- There is a/are horizontal wall mounted rail(s) on the right as you face the toilet.
- The ambulant toilet does not have vertical wall mounted grab rails.
- The height of the wash basin(s) is 78cm.
- The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
- Lighting levels are low to moderate.
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Baby Changing Facilities
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- Baby change facilities are available in the toilet that was surveyed.
- There is a flip down baby change table available.
- The height of the baby change table is 95cm.
Standard Changing Cubicle / Room (Male Changing Room)
- The changing cubicle/room is located along the main therapies corridor.
- The changing cubicle/room is 5m from the waiting room/area.
- There is step-free access to the changing cubicle/room.
- The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
- The door(s) is/are single width.
- The door(s) has a closer and maybe difficult for some to open.
- The width of the door opening is 72cm.
- The type of flooring in the room is vinyl/laminate.
- There is not sufficient space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre within the cubicle/room.
- There is a mixture of chairs with and without armrests.
- There are 7 separate cubicles within this changing room that vary in size.
All the cubicles have a privacy curtain. - There is a/are coat hook(s) available.
- There is a/are coat hook(s) 164cm from the floor.
- There is a functional emergency alarm, but the pull cord is out of reach (10cm+ from the floor).
- The lighting levels are varied.
- There is a standard toilet and shower available in the changing room.
There is a separate entrance into the changing room that is identical to the one surveyed.
Standard Toilet(s) (Male Changing Room)
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Toilet Facilities
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- The male toilet is located in the male changing room.
- There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
- The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 5m from the male changing room entrance.
- There is no signage on or near the toilet door.
- The visual contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
- An ambulant toilet cubicle is available.
- There is a/are horizontal wall mounted rail(s) on the right as you face the toilet.
- The ambulant toilet does not have vertical wall mounted grab rails.
- The height of the wash basin(s) is 83cm.
- The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
- Lighting levels are low to moderate.
Washroom (Male Changing Room)
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Washroom Details
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- The washroom surveyed has a shower and a wash basin.
- There is/are 1 washroom(s) of this type in the department.
- The washroom surveyed is located within the male changing room.
- The washroom surveyed is approximately 8m from the male changing room entrance.
- There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the department.
- This washroom is male.
- There is no additional signage on or near the washroom door.
- The width of the door opening is 88cm (2ft 11in).
- The dimensions of the washroom are 205cm x 149cm (6ft 9in x 4ft 11in).
- 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 tied up and out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor).
- There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
- There is a/are coat hook(s) 165cm from the floor.
- There is not a mirror.
- There is a wash basin.
- The height of the wash basin is 83cm.
- There are no wall-mounted grab rails for the wash basin.
- The tap type is twist/turn. It is not a mixer tap.
- There is a soap dispenser.
- The height of the soap dispenser is 104cm.
- There is a towel dispenser.
- The height of the towel dispenser is 130cm.
- There is not a hand dryer.
- Disposal facilities are not available.
- The washroom has a non-slip floor.
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Shower Details
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- The height of the shower head is 200cm (6ft 7in).
- There is not a wheel in shower.
- The shower does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- 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.
- The shower cubicle is accessed via a medium step.
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Bath Details
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- There is not a bath.
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- The visual contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is medium.
- The visual contrast between the washroom floor and walls is medium.
- Lighting levels are low.
Standard Changing Cubicle / Room (Female Changing Room)
- The changing cubicle/room is located along the main therapies corridor.
- The changing cubicle/room is 1m from the waiting room/area.
- There is step-free access to the changing cubicle/room.
- The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
- The door(s) is/are single width.
- The door(s) has a closer and maybe difficult for some to open.
- The width of the door opening is 74cm.
- The type of flooring in the room is vinyl/laminate.
- There is not sufficient space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre within the cubicle/room.
- There is a mixture of chairs with and without armrests.
- There are 6 separate cubicles within this changing room that vary in size.
All of the cubicles have a privacy curtain. - There is a/are coat hook(s) available.
- There is a/are coat hook(s) 164cm from the floor.
- There is a functional emergency alarm, but the pull cord is out of reach (10cm+ from the floor).
- The lighting levels are good.
- There are standard toilets and showers available within this changing room.
There is a separate entrance into the changing room that is identical to the one surveyed.
Standard Toilet(s) (Female Changing Room)
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Toilet Facilities
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- The female toilet is located within the female changing room.
- There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
- The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 1m from the female changing room entrance.
- There is no signage on or near the toilet door.
- The visual contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is medium.
- An ambulant toilet cubicle is available.
- There is a/are horizontal wall mounted rail(s) on the left as you face the toilet.
- The ambulant toilet does not have vertical wall mounted grab rails.
- The height of the wash basin(s) is 84cm.
- The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
- Lighting levels are low to moderate.
Washroom (Female Changing Room)
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Washroom Details
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- The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower.
- There is/are 1 washroom(s) of this type in the department.
- The washroom surveyed is located within the female changing room.
- The washroom surveyed is approximately 6m from the female changing room entrance.
- There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the department.
- This washroom is female.
- There is no additional signage on or near the washroom door.
- The width of the door opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
- The dimensions of the washroom are 200cm x 149cm (6ft 7in x 4ft 11in).
- 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 out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor).
- There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
- There is not a coat hook in the washroom.
- There is not a mirror.
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Shower Details
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- There is a wheel in shower.
- The shower does not 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.
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Bath Details
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- There is not a bath.
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- The visual contrast between the washroom floor and walls is high.
- Lighting levels are low.
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Comments
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- There are two showers available within the washroom that are separated by a curtain.
Related Access Guides
- To view other Detailed Access Guides that are related to this one please use the links below.
- Centre Block - Southampton General Hospital link (new tab) - click here.
- West Wing - Southampton General Hospital link (new tab) - click here.
- Hydrotherapy link (new tab) - click here.
