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Acute Surgical Unit

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

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Access Guide

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Overview (Southampton General Hospital)

Hospital Parking (West Wing Entrance)

  • Parking View
    • 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.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • 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.
  • Paying View
    • 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.
  • 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 24m (26yd 9in) from the West Wing entrance.

Getting To (Acute Surgical Unit)

  • The Acute Surgical Unit is/are located on Level F of the West Wing.
  • Access to the Acute Surgical Unit is via the West Wing entrance.
  • Enter via the West Wing entrance, go forward and follow the corridor all the way to the lift lobby. Use one of the lifts located on the right and go to Level F. Upon exiting the lift, turn left and go forward into the Outpatients Department Level F. Follow the corridor all the way down and the Acute Surgical Unit will be ahead of you.
  • There is step free access, via lift, to the Acute Surgical Unit.
  • The Acute Surgical Unit is approximately 49m from the lifts.
  • There is a/are manual, double door(s) which may be difficult to open between the West Wing 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.
  • 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.

Stairs (West Wing)

  • The stairs surveyed are located off the Centre Block/West 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 do not 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 even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.

Lift (Centre Block/West Wing - Lifts 17, 18 and 19)

  • The lift surveyed is located ahead and along the right main corridor as you enter via the level C - Centre Block - main hospital entrance.
  • The distance from the level C - Centre Block - main hospital entrance is 65m.
  • 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, Braille 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 136cm (width) x 161cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings, Braille markings and a low visual contrast.
  • The majority of the internal controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • Internally the lift has: a hearing assistance alarm system, 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.

Entrance (Outpatients Department Level F)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located on Level F of the West 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 115cm (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 160cm.

Entrance (Acute Surgical Unit, F6 Ward and F7 Ward)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located on Level F of the West 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 120cm (3ft 11in).
    • 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) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 160cm.

Reception (Acute Surgical Unit)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located along the main ward corridor.
    • The reception point is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the Acute Surgical Unit, F6 Ward and F7 Ward 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 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 high (110cm+).
    • There is 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 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.

Ward (Acute Surgical Unit)

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a/an Acute Surgical ward.
    • This is a shared ward.
    • There is/are 2 bay(s) available.
    • There is/are 4 side room(s) available.
    • There is/are 12 bed(s) on this ward in total.
  • Ward Access View
    • 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 moderate to good.
  • 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.
    • The ward does not play background music.
    • There is a chair with armrests on both sides.
    • A mobile hoist is available on the ward.
  • Visitor Facilities View
    • There are no accessible toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • Accessible toilet facilities for visitors are located along the Outpatients Department corridor on Level F.
    • There are no standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • Standard toilet facilities for visitors are located along the Outpatients Department corridor on Level F.

Waiting Room / Area (Acute Surgical Unit)

  • There is a waiting room / area.
  • The waiting room / area is approximately 10m from the Acute Surgical Unit, F6 Ward and F7 Ward 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 with a locked extension leaf.
  • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
  • The width of the door opening is 88cm (2ft 11in).
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is not a space for a wheelchair user to wait within the seating area.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Chairs with armrests are not available.
  • There is not ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • The manoeuvring space is obstructed by seating.
  • Announcements are in person.
  • The waiting room / area does not have background music playing.
  • There is a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the waiting room / area.
  • There is a television.
  • Subtitles are available.
  • 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 moderate to good.

Washroom (Assisted Toilet and Shower)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower, a toilet 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 shared.
    • There is tactile, pictorial and written or text signage on or near the washroom door.
    • The washroom door(s) open(s) inwards.
    • The door(s) is/are locked by a twist lock.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 294cm x 315cm (9ft 8in x 10ft 4in).
    • 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 a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
    • There is not a coat hook in the washroom.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is not a tall mirror, with suitable specifications, for ease of use.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the wash basin is 72cm.
    • 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 soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 100cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 118cm.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • There is a/are pedal bin and clinical waste disposal units.
    • The washroom has a non-slip floor.
  • Toilet Details View
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 46cm (1ft 6in).
    • There is a rail with a padded back rest.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 220cm.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There are no wall-mounted grab rails for the toilet.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 112cm.
    • There is not a shelf next to the toilet.
    • There is not a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
  • Shower Details View
    • There is a wheel in shower.
    • The shower does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The shower head is height adjustable.
    • The shower control type is twist/turn.
    • There is a flip-down/tip-up seat for the shower.
    • The height of the flip-down/tip-up or fixed seat is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • There are wall-mounted grab rails available for the shower.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The colour contrast between the external washroom door and wall is high.
    • The visual contrast between the internal washroom door and wall is high.
    • The visual contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is high.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast 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 moderate to good.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The shared toilet is located along the main ward corridor.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • There is tactile and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The visual 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 visual contrast.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is available.
    • The ambulant toilet does not have horizontal wall mounted grab rails.
    • There is a/are vertical wall mounted rail(s) on the left as you face the toilet.
    • The visual contrast of the vertical wall mounted grab rails in the ambulant cubicle(s) is high.
    • There are additional ambulant cubicles with differing rail configurations.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 72cm.
    • 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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