You are on Overview (Southampton General Hospital). Skip to the next section.

Overview (Southampton General Hospital)

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• About View
  • 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
• Parking and Public Transport View
  • 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) .
• Getting In and Around View
  • 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.
• Getting Help and Assistance View
  • 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.
• Related Access Guides View
  • 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) .

You are on Parking (Orange Car Park). Skip to the next section.

Parking (Orange Car Park)

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• Car Park View
  • The car park is located in front of the main hospital building, off Tremona Road.
  • The car park is multi-storey.
  • The car park surface consists of tarmac.
  • The height of the restriction barrier is 200cm.
  • There are 15+ designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
  • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked and signposted.
  • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 260cm (width) x 494cm (depth).
  • There is a marked zone to both sides and rear.
  • The width of the marked zone is 138cm.
  • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bays vary in size.
  • The nearest designated bay is 78m from the level C - Centre Block - main hospital entrance.
  • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has slight ramps or slopes and uneven surfaces.
  • There is a dropped kerb with tactile paving from the designated Blue Badge parking.
• Charges and Restrictions View
  • This car park is for visitors and Blue Badge holders only.
  • Parking is not free for all users.
  • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
  • Clearly presented parking signs are available.
  • Payment machines are located at the front of the car park.
  • There is not a payment machine with controls at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • View information on parking policies/charges (opens new tab).
• Drop-off Point View
  • There is not a designated drop-off point available.

You are on Parking (Blue Car Park). Skip to the next section.

Parking (Blue Car Park)

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• Car Park View
  • The car park is located at the rear of the main hospital building, off Tremona Road.
  • The car park is open air/surface.
  • The car park surface consists of tarmac.
  • There are 15+ designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
  • The Blue Badge bays have faded markings.
  • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 295cm (width) x 482cm (depth).
  • There is a marked zone to one side and the rear.
  • The width of the marked zone is 120cm.
  • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bays vary in size.
  • The nearest designated bay is 115m from the level A - South Academic Block entrance.
  • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has a slight ramp or slope, uneven surfaces and bollards.
  • There is additional overflow parking located outside Compton House along the hospital perimeter road.
    Patients parking at this car park can enter the main hospital building via the Wessex Neurological Centre entrance or the South Academic Block entrance.
• Charges and Restrictions View
  • This car park is for visitors and Blue Badge holders only.
  • Parking is not free for all users.
  • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
  • Clearly presented parking signs are available.
  • Payment machines are located at the front of the car park.
  • There is not a payment machine with controls at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • View information on parking policies/charges (opens new tab).
  • The payment machine is located on a steep slope from the car park.
• Drop-off Point View
  • There is not a designated drop-off point available.

You are on Entrance (Level C - North Wing Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Entrance (Level C - North Wing Entrance)

• This entrance is located on the left 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 slope at the entrance.
• The slope has a slight gradient.
• There is an intercom at a height of 103cm.
• The height of the hand sanitiser is 98cm.
• There are double automatic doors at this entrance.
• The doors open towards you.
• The width of the opening is 148cm.
• There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
• The doors have a medium visual contrast.
• There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 118cm.
• There is step-free level access as you enter.
• This entrance gives access to level C of the North Wing.

You are on Getting To (Cardiac MRI Unit). Skip to the next section.

Getting To (Cardiac MRI Unit)

• Cardiac MRI Unit is/are located on Level E of the North Wing.
• Access to Cardiac MRI Unit is via the North Wing main entrance.
• Enter via the North Wing main entrance and follow the corridor past the set of double doors until you reach the lift on the left hand side. Take the lift to Level E. As you exit the lift, turn left and go through the double doors. The entrance to Cardiac MRI Unit is on your right hand side.
• There is step free access, via lift, to Cardiac MRI Unit.
• Cardiac MRI Unit is approximately 8m from the lift.
• There is a/are manual, heavy, double door(s) between the North Wing main entrance and the department/service.
• Wayfinding signage is not 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.

You are on Stairs (North Wing). Skip to the next section.

Stairs (North Wing)

• The stairs surveyed are located ahead and to the left as you enter via the level C - North Wing entrance.
• There is a single manual door to access the stairwell.
• Levels C, D, E and F can be accessed by these stairs.
• There are 20+ steps between floors.
• The steps are clearly marked and have handrails on both sides.
• The handrails are easy to grip.
• The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
• The handrails extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
• The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
• The height of the highest step is 17cm.
• The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.

You are on Lift (North Wing - Lift 25). Skip to the next section.

Lift (North Wing - Lift 25)

• The lift surveyed is located ahead and to the left as you enter via the level C - North Wing entrance.
• The distance from the level C - North Wing entrance is 16m.
• The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access and doors permanently held open.
• Levels C, D, E and F are accessed by this lift.
• The lift door has a high visual contrast.
• The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
• The external lift control buttons have tactile markings, Braille markings and a low visual contrast.
• All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• The lift door opening width is 130cm.
• The internal dimensions of the lift are 178cm (width) x 268cm (depth).
• The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings.
• Internally the lift has: a mirror to aid reversing, a hearing assistance alarm system, a visual floor indicator and an audible announcer.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
• At the time of survey (May 2025), the lift was out of use.

You are on Opening Times (Cardiac MRI Unit). Skip to the next section.

Opening Times (Cardiac MRI Unit)

• Access is by appointment only.

You are on Entrance (Cardiac MRI Unit). Skip to the next section.

Entrance (Cardiac MRI Unit)

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• Entrance Details View
  • This information is for the entrance located on Level E of the North Wing.
  • The entrance area/door is clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
  • There is step free access at this entrance.
  • There is a hand sanitiser.
  • The height of the hand sanitiser is 114cm (3ft 9in).
  • There is not a door release button when exiting.
  • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
  • The door(s) is/are double width.
  • The door(s) is/are heavy.
  • The width of the door opening is 167cm.

You are on Inside Access. Skip to the next section.

Inside Access

• There is level access once inside.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• This venue does not play background music.
• Motorised scooters are allowed in public parts of the venue.
• Wayfinding signage is available.
• No Braille signage is available.
• No tactile signage is available.
• No pictorial signage is available.
• Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
• The type of flooring in walkways and corridors is carpet and vinyl/laminate.
• There is some flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
• The lighting levels are medium.

You are on Waiting Room / Area (Cardiac MRI Waiting Area). Skip to the next section.

Waiting Room / Area (Cardiac MRI Waiting Area)

• There is a waiting room / area.
• The waiting room / area is approximately 6m from the entrance.
• 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 carpet.
• 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 not 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.

You are on Waiting Room / Area (Children's Waiting Area). Skip to the next section.

Waiting Room / Area (Children's Waiting Area)

• There is a waiting room / area.
• The waiting room / area is approximately 4m from the 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) away from you (push).
• The door(s) is/are single width.
• The door(s) is/are heavy.
• The width of the door opening is 87cm (2ft 10in).
• 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.
• Chairs with armrests are not 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 not a television.
• 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 medium.

You are on Room / Area (Prep Area). Skip to the next section.

Room / Area (Prep Area)

• There is / are 1 room(s) / area(s) available.
• The name / number of the room / area surveyed was; Prep Area.
• The room / area is approximately 12m from the entrance.
• There is level access to the room / area.
• There is not a/are not door(s) into the room / area.
• The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• There is not a bed / couch.
• A hoist can be brought in from another department.
• 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/are height adjustable.
• All chairs have armrests available.
• All tables are permanently fixed.
• The room / area does not have background music playing.
• There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room / area.
• Lighting levels are medium.

You are on Consultation / Treatment Room (MRI Room). Skip to the next section.

Consultation / Treatment Room (MRI Room)

• There is / are 1 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
• The name / number of the room surveyed was; MRI 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) towards you (pull).
• The door(s) is/are single width.
• The door(s) is/are heavy.
• The width of the door opening is 108cm (3ft 7in).
• 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 sufficient space next to the bed/couch for a mobile hoist to operate.
• There is not a chair.
• No tables are permanently fixed.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• The room does not have background music playing.
• There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
• Lighting levels are medium.

You are on Accessible Changing Room. Skip to the next section.

Accessible Changing Room

• There are accessible changing rooms available.
• The accessible changing room is located off the main corridor.
• The facility is 5m (5yd 1ft) from the entrance.
• The width of the door is 89cm (2ft 11in).
• The door is locked by a twist lock.
• The dimensions of the accessible changing room are 188cm x 175cm (6ft 2in x 5ft 9in).
• There is an emergency alarm in the cubicle.
• The emergency alarm is fully functional.
• There is a locker within the accessible changing room.
• The locker is within reach for a wheelchair user.
• There is not a changing bench.
• There is not a wheel in shower.

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• Comments View
  • The height of the lowest locker is 70cm.
  • There is a chair without armrests.
  • The height of the shelf is 103cm.
  • There is a grab rail on the left hand side.

You are on Toilet with Adaptations. Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations

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• Location and Access View
  • This accessible toilet is located to the right from the entrance.
  • This accessible toilet is approximately 1m (3ft 3in) from the 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 Braille, tactile, pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
  • The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
  • The door opens inwards.
  • The door is heavy.
  • The door is locked by a twist lock.
  • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 86cm.
  • 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 187cm x 277cm.
  • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
  • 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 145cm.
  • The transfer space is obstructed by a waste disposal bin.
  • There is a flush 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 visual contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is medium.
  • 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 low.
  • The contrast between the walls and floor is medium.
  • 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 general waste (with lid) and clinical waste disposal units.
  • There is a/are coat hook(s).
  • The height of the coat hook is 140cm from the floor.
• Additional Fixtures View
  • There is a mirror.
  • The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
  • The toilet has a backrest.
  • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
  • The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
  • There is a toilet roll holder.
  • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The toilet roll holder is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The height of the toilet roll holder is 105cm (3ft 5in).
  • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is high.
  • There is a wash basin.
  • The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
  • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is low.
  • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
  • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
  • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The height of the soap dispenser is 90cm.
  • There is not a towel dispenser.
  • There is a hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The height of the hand dryer is 110cm (3ft 7in).
  • The visual contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is low.
• 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 93cm.

You are on Related Access Guides. Skip to the next section.

Related Access Guides

• To view other Detailed Access Guides that are related to this one please use the links below.
• North Wing - Southampton General Hospital link (new tab) - click here.
• Hospital Parking at Southampton General link (new tab) - click here.