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 (Orange Car Park)
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Car Park
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- 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.
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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).
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Drop-off Point
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- There is not a designated drop-off point available.
Getting To (Children's X-Ray)
- Children's X-Ray is/are located on Level C of the Centre Block.
- Access to Children's X-Ray is via the main hospital entrance.
- Enter via the main hospital entrance, go forward through the centre block, going past the main hospital reception. Follow this corridor all the way down and turn left at the end. Continue forward through the double doors and Children's X-Ray will be located on the left.
- There is step free access to Children's X-Ray.
- Children's X-Ray is approximately 62m from the main hospital entrance.
- There is a/are manual, heavy, double door(s) between the main hospital 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 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.
Opening Times
- Monday 08:30 - 17:00.
- Tuesday 08:30 - 17:00.
- Wednesday 08:30 - 17:00.
- Thursday 08:30 - 17:00.
- Friday 08:30 - 17:00.
- Saturday Closed.
- Sunday Closed.
Reception
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Reception
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- The reception point is located to the left as you enter.
- The reception point is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the Children's X-Ray entrance.
- 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 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 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.
- The seats do not have armrests.
- No tables are permanently fixed.
- 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 good.
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Comments
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- The doors leading into the waiting area have an opening of 130cm.
- These doors are permanently held open.
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Comments
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- The doors leading into the waiting area have an opening of 130cm.
- These doors are permanently held open.
Department / Service (Children's X-Ray)
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Department / Service Access
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- Children's X-Ray entrance is located on Level C of the Centre Block.
- There is a/are door(s) leading into the department/service.
- 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 176cm .
- There is a hand sanitiser.
- The height of the hand sanitiser is 110cm (3ft 7in).
- 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.
- There is flooring in the department/service which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
- The department/service does not play background music.
- The lighting levels are bright.
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Department / Service Facilities
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- This department/service has; ambulant toilet facilities for everyone, a waiting room/area, treatment rooms, standard toilet facilities and a main reception.
- There are 4 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 accessible toilet facilities within the department/service.
- There are not standard toilet facilities within this department/service.
- Standard toilet facilities are located on Level C of the Centre Block.
Imaging Room (Room 2)
- This section describes the X-Ray Room(s), located along the main department corridor.
- There is / are 3 X-Ray Room(s) available.
- The name / number of the room surveyed was; Room 2.
- This room is not accessed via a changing room.
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Imaging Room
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- There is step free access into the imaging room.
- The changing room is approximately 8m from the main waiting area.
- The door opens inwards.
- The door(s) is/are single width with an open extension leaf.
- The door(s) may be difficult for some to open.
- A member of staff is available to assist with opening the door if required.
- The width of the door is 128cm (4ft 2in).
- There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre within the imaging room.
- The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
- There is a bed / couch.
- The bed / couch is adjustable.
- A mobile hoist is available.
- There is sufficient space next to the bed/couch for a mobile hoist to operate.
- The room does not have background music playing.
- There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the imaging room.
- The lighting levels in the imaging room are low to moderate.
Imaging Room (Ultrasound)
- This section describes the Ultrasound Room(s), located along the main department corridor.
- There is / are 1 Ultrasound Room(s) available.
- The name / number of the room surveyed was; Ultrasound.
- This room is not accessed via a changing room.
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Imaging Room
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- There is step free access into the imaging room.
- The changing room is approximately 14m from the main waiting area.
- The door opens inwards.
- The door(s) is/are single width with a locked extension leaf.
- The door(s) may be difficult for some to open.
- A member of staff is available to assist with opening the door if required.
- The width of the door is 132cm (4ft 4in).
- There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre within the imaging room.
- The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
- There is a bed / couch.
- The bed / couch is adjustable.
- A mobile hoist is available.
- There is not sufficient space next to the bed/couch for a mobile hoist to operate.
- The room does not have background music playing.
- There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the imaging room.
- The lighting levels in the imaging room are low to moderate.
Imaging Room (Room 1)
- This section describes the X-Ray Room(s), located along the main department corridor.
- There is / are 3 X-Ray Room(s) available.
- The name / number of the room surveyed was; Room 1.
- This room is not accessed via a changing room.
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Imaging Room
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- There is step free access into the imaging room.
- The changing room is approximately 18m from the main waiting area.
- The door opens inwards.
- The door(s) is/are single width with a locked extension leaf.
- The door(s) may be difficult for some to open.
- A member of staff is available to assist with opening the door if required.
- The width of the door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
- There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre within the imaging room.
- The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
- There is a bed / couch.
- The bed / couch is adjustable.
- A mobile hoist is available.
- There is sufficient space next to the bed/couch for a mobile hoist to operate.
- The room does not have background music playing.
- There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the imaging room.
- The lighting levels in the imaging room are low to moderate.
Standard Changing Cubicle / Room
- The changing cubicle/room is located to the right after you enter.
- The changing cubicle/room is 4m from the waiting room/area.
- There is step-free access to the changing cubicle/room.
- There is/are no door(s) for access.
- The width of the door opening is 45cm.
- 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 bench seating in the cubicle/room.
- There is a/are coat hook(s) available.
- There is a/are coat hook(s) 174cm from the floor.
- There is not an emergency alarm in the changing cubicle/room.
- The lighting levels are good.
Toilet with Adaptations
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Location and Access
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- This accessible toilet is located to the right after you enter.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the Children's X-Ray 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 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 light.
- 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.
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Toilet Features
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- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 200cm.
- 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 80cm.
- The transfer space is obstructed by a waste disposal bin.
- 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 low.
- 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 high.
- 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 pedal bin and clinical waste disposal units.
- There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
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Additional Fixtures
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- 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 backrest and a cistern.
- There is a lid attached to the toilet seat.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 46cm (1ft 6in).
- 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 108cm (3ft 7in).
- 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 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 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 88cm.
- 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 114cm (3ft 9in).
- The visual contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is medium.
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Baby Changing Facilities
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- 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 94cm.
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.
- Hospital Parking at Southampton General link (new tab) - click here.
