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) .
Parking (Wessex Neurological Centre - Blue Badge Holders and Drop Off Only)
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Car Park
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- The car park is located immediately in front of the level B - Wessex Neurological Centre entrance.
- The car park is open air/surface.
- The car park surface consists of tarmac.
- There are 3 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
- The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked and signposted.
- The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 299cm (width) x 482cm (depth).
- There are no hatched/marked zones.
- The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bays vary in size.
- The nearest designated bay is 13m from the level B - Wessex Neurological Centre entrance.
- The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has a slight ramp or slope and bollards.
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Charges and Restrictions
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- This car park is for Blue Badge holders only.
- Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
- Clearly presented parking signs are not available.
- View information on parking policies/charges (opens new tab).
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Drop-off Point
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- There is a designated drop-off point available.
- The designated drop-off point is located immediately in front of the Wessex Neurological Centre entrance.
Parking (Blue Car Park)
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Car Park
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- 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.
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Charges and Restrictions
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- 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.
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Drop-off Point
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- There is not a designated drop-off point available.
Getting To (Neuro Regional Transfer Unit)
- The Neuro Regional Transfer Unit is/are located on Level C of the Neurology Centre.
- Access to the Neuro Regional Transfer Unit is via the Neurology Centre entrance.
- Enter via the Neurology Centre entrance, head forward and use one of the lifts on the left to go to Level C. Turn right upon exiting the lift and go through the double doors ahead. After the double doors, turn right and head forward. The Neuro Regional Transfer Unit will be located directly ahead.
- There is step free access, via lift, to the Neuro Regional Transfer Unit.
- The Neuro Regional Transfer Unit is approximately 10m from the lift.
- There is a/are manual, heavy, double door(s) between the Neurology Centre entrance and the department/service.
- 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.
Entrance (Level B - Wessex Neurological Centre Entrance)
- This entrance is located at the rear of the main hospital building.
- The approach to the entrance has uneven surfaces and bollards.
- The entrance area is not 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 are double automatic doors at this entrance.
- The doors open by sliding.
- The width of the opening is 144cm.
- 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 manual doors .
- The second set of doors open towards you.
- The width of the opening is 167cm.
- 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 Wessex Neurological Centre.
Stairs (Wessex Neurological Centre)
- The stairs surveyed are located ahead from the level B - Wessex Neurological Centre entrance.
- Levels B, C, D and E 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 not easy to grip.
- The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- The handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
- The height of the steps is not between 15cm and 18cm.
- The height of the highest step is 19cm.
- The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
- Access to level A is via lift only or via the level A Neurology Outpatients external entrance.
Lift (Wessex Neurological Centre - Lifts 20, 21 and 22)
- The lift surveyed is located ahead and to the left as you enter via the level B - Wessex Neurological Centre entrance.
- The distance from the level B - Wessex Neurological Centre entrance is 6m.
- The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
- Levels A, B, C, D and E 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 and a high 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 169cm (width) x 306cm (depth).
- The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings and a high visual contrast.
- Some of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- Internally the lift has: a hearing assistance alarm system, a visual floor indicator, an audible announcer and a list of floor services/facilities.
- Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade and unshaded light sources.
- There are other lifts available at this location which vary in size.
- Lift 20 is located around the corner from lifts 21 and 22.
Entrance (Neuro Regional Transfer Unit & Day of Surgery)
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Entrance Details
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- This information is for the entrance located on Level C of the Neurology Centre.
- 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 124cm (4ft 1in).
- 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 170cm.
Reception (Neuro Regional Transfer Unit)
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Reception
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- The reception point is located along the main ward corridor.
- The reception point is approximately 13m (14yd 8in) from the Neuro Regional Transfer Unit & Day of Surgery entrance.
- Clear signage for the reception area/desk is 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.
- 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.
Ward (Neuro Regional Transfer Unit)
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Ward Information
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- This is a/an Neuro ward.
- This is a shared ward.
- There is/are 2 bay(s) available.
- There is/are 2 side room(s) available.
- There is/are 10 bed(s) on this ward in total.
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Ward Access
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- 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.
- The lighting levels are medium.
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Relatives' Room
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- There is a relatives' room for the ward.
- The width of the door opening into the relatives' room is over 75cm.
- There is a clear turning space in the relatives' room.
- There is a/are chair(s) with armrests available within the relatives' room.
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Ward Features and Patient Facilities
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- 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.
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Visitor Facilities
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- There are no accessible toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
- Accessible toilet facilities for visitors are located in the Centre Block.
- There are no standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
- Standard toilet facilities for visitors are located in the Centre Block.
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Visiting Times
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- Visiting times are 24/7.
- Protected meal times are between 08:00 to 09:00 and 12:00 to 13:00 and 17:00 to 18:00.
Day Room / Lounge Area (Neuro Regional Transfer Unit & Day of Surgery)
- There is a day room/lounge area.
- The day room/lounge area is approximately 15m from the Neuro Regional Transfer Unit & Day of Surgery entrance.
- There is level access into the day room/lounge area.
- The day room/lounge area is always open.
- There is a/are door(s) into the day room/lounge area.
- The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
- The door(s) is/are single width with a locked extension leaf.
- The door(s) is/are light.
- The width of the door opening is 78cm (2ft 7in).
- The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
- There is a space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- There are seats with armrests on both sides.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- Some tables are permanently fixed.
- The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 33cm (1ft 1in).
- The distance between the floor and the highest table is 43cm (1ft 5in).
- The room does not have background music playing.
- There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
- There is a television.
- Subtitles are 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.
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Comments
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- This day room is shared between the Neuro Regional Transfer Unit and Day of Surgery.
- The door surveyed is located along the main Neuro Regional Transfer Unit corridor but there is another single door located within Day of Surgery that also has an opening width of 79cm.
Washroom (Patient Shower)
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Washroom Details
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- The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower and a wash basin.
- There is/are 1 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
- The washroom surveyed is located along the main ward corridor.
- There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
- This washroom is interchangeable between male and female.
- There is pictorial and written or text signage on or near the washroom door.
- The washroom door(s) open(s) outwards.
- The door(s) is/are locked by a twist lock.
- The door(s) is/are light to open.
- The width of the door opening is 77cm (2ft 6in).
- The dimensions of the washroom are 148cm x 180cm (4ft 10in x 5ft 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 a/are coat hook(s) 152cm from the floor.
- There is a mirror.
- There is not a tall mirror, with suitable specifications, for ease of use.
- There is a wash basin.
- The height of the wash basin is 80cm.
- 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 height of the soap dispenser is 90cm.
- There is a towel dispenser.
- The height of the towel dispenser is 140cm.
- There is not a hand dryer.
- Disposal facilities are available.
- The washroom has a non-slip floor.
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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 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 colour contrast between the external washroom door and wall is high.
- The visual contrast between the internal washroom door and wall is low.
- The visual contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is high.
- The visual contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is high.
- The visual contrast between the washroom floor and walls is high.
- Lighting levels are medium.
Standard Toilet(s)
- Standard toilet facilities are available.
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Toilet Facilities
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- The shared toilet is located along the main ward corridor.
- There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
- 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 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.
- There is a/are dropdown rail(s) on the left as you face the ambulant toilet(s).
- The height of the wash basin(s) is 85cm.
- The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.
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.
- Neurology Centre link (new tab) - click here.
- Hospital Parking at Southampton General link (new tab) - click here.
