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Piam Brown Ward

Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton, Hampshire, SO16 6YD

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Access Guide

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Overview (Southampton General Hospital)

Parking (Orange Car Park)

  • 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.

Parking (Blue Car Park)

  • 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.

Getting To (Piam Brown Ward)

  • Piam Brown Ward is/are located on Level G of the Centre Block.
  • Access to Piam Brown Ward is via the main hospital entrance.
  • Enter via the main hospital entrance and go straight ahead past the main reception and then past the retail area until you come to the M&S Café. Turn left and follow the corridor past two sets of double doors until you reach the lift lobby of the East Wing. Take one of the lifts to Level G. On exiting the lift turn left and head through the double doors and the Piam Brown Ward is located along the corridor.
  • There is step free access, via lift, to Piam Brown Ward.
  • Piam Brown Ward is approximately 25m from the East Wing lifts.
  • There is a/are manual, heavy, double door(s) between the East Wing lifts and the department/service.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
  • There is some 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 C - Centre Block - Main Hospital Entrance)

  • This entrance is located at the front of 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 are double automatic doors at this entrance.
  • The doors open towards you.
  • The width of the opening is 179cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The doors have a medium visual contrast.
  • There is a second set of double automatic doors .
  • The second set of doors open towards you.
  • The width of the opening is 179cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The second set of doors have a medium visual contrast.
  • The height of the hand sanitiser after the second set of doors is 105cm.
  • There is step-free level access as you enter.
  • This entrance gives access to level C of the Centre Block.

Stairs (East Wing)

  • The stairs surveyed are located along the East Wing corridor, next to the East Wing lift lobby.
  • There are double manual doors to access the stairwell.
  • Levels B, C, D, E, F and G 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 16cm.
  • The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade and unshaded light sources.

Lift (East Wing - Lifts 5, 6 and 7)

  • The lift surveyed is located along the left main corridor as you enter via the level C - Centre Block - main hospital entrance, in the East Wing.
  • The distance from the level C - Centre Block - main hospital entrance is 94m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access and doors permanently held open.
  • Levels B, C, D, E, F and G 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 134cm (width) x 160cm (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 visual floor indicator and an audible announcer.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
  • There are other lifts available at this location which are of a similar size.

Ward (Piam Brown Ward)

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a/an Children's Oncology ward.
    • This is a shared ward.
    • There is/are 2 bay(s) available.
    • There is/are 8 side room(s) available.
    • There is/are 12 bed(s) on this ward in total.
  • Ward Access View
    • There is a/are door(s) leading into the ward.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 170cm (5ft 7in).
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 142cm (4ft 8in).
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 121cm (3ft 12in).
    • There is a door release button when exiting.
    • The height of the door release button is 155cm (5ft 1in).
    • There is level access along the main ward corridor.
    • 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.
  • Reception/Nurses' Station View
    • The height of the Nurses' Station desk is 110cm.
    • There is not a lowered section.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system available at the desk.
  • Relatives' Room View
    • There is not a relatives' room for the ward.
  • Ward Features and Patient Facilities View
    • A hearing assistance system is not available on the ward.
    • There is a chair with armrests on both sides.
    • A mobile hoist is not available on the ward.
  • Visitor Facilities View
    • There are accessible toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • Accessible toilet facilities for visitors are located along the ward corridor.
    • There are standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • Standard toilet facilities for visitors are located along the ward corridor.
  • Visiting Times View
    • There are no set visiting times, please contact the ward in advance.

Reception

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located along the ward corridor.
    • 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 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 medium height (77cm - 109cm) .
    • There is not sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is not a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • 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 two seater sofas.
    • 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 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 (CG145)

  • There is / are 1 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; CG145.
  • 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) is/are light.
  • 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 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 no chairs with armrests available.
  • 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.

Day Room / Lounge Area (Playroom)

  • There is a day room/lounge area.
  • There is not 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 double width.
  • The door(s) is/are heavy.
  • The width of the door opening is 172cm (5ft 8in).
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is a space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There are sofas and also a mixture of single seats with and without armrests.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 60cm (1ft 12in).
  • 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 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.

Level Change (Access to Playroom)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance to the playroom.
  • The ramp/slope is steep.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
  • The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are medium.

Toilet with Adaptations

  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located along the ward corridor.
    • 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 pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is light.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 88cm.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 140cm x 136cm.
    • The accessible toilet does not 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 71cm.
    • 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 visual 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 the right.
    • There is not 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) to the right of the toilet and wall is high.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • There is not an emergency alarm.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are nappy/incontinence items bin and clinical waste disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The toilet has a wall which acts as a backrest.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is high.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • 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).
    • 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 twist turn 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 90cm.
    • 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 122cm (4ft).
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is medium.
    • 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 90cm.

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