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.
Hospital Parking (Neurological Outpatients Department)
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Parking
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- The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
- The car parking facilities are for Blue Badge holders only.
- The car park is located to the south side of the hospital, opposite the Neurology Centre.
- The car park type is open air/surface.
- The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
- The car park does have a barrier control system.
- There is a touchscreen at the barrier.
- The barrier controls/touchscreen can be reached from the car.
- 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 1 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the hospital car park.
- The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 250cm x 475cm.
- There is 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.
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Drop-off Point
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- There is not a designated drop-off point.
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Paying
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- There are parking charges for the hospital car park.
- Payment signs are not provided.
- Parking is not free for Blue Badge holders.
- Payment machines are located in the Blue Car Park.
- There is a payment machine at a convenient height for wheelchair users.
- There is a level turning space (minimum 185cm x 210cm) in front of the payment machine(s).
- To see the hospital parking charges please click here (opens new tab).
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Access to the Hospital
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- 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 20m (21yd 2ft) from the Neurology Centre Outpatients Level A entrance.
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.
Getting To (Neurological Outpatients Department)
- The Neurological Outpatients Department is/are located on Level A of the Neurology Centre.
- Access to the Neurological Outpatients Department is via the Neurology Centre Outpatients Level A entrance.
- The Neurological Outpatients Department is located on the left as you enter the Neurology Centre.
- There is step free access to the Neurological Outpatients Department.
- The Neurological Outpatients Department is approximately 4m from the Neurology Centre Outpatients Level A entrance.
- Wayfinding signage is provided.
- Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
Opening Times (Neurological Outpatients Department)
- Monday 08:00 - 18:00.
- Tuesday 08:00 - 18:00.
- Wednesday 08:00 - 18:00.
- Thursday 08:00 - 18:00.
- Friday 08:00 - 18:00.
- Saturday Closed.
- Sunday Closed.
Reception (Neurological Outpatients Department)
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Reception
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- The reception point is located to the right after you enter the Neurological Outpatients Department.
- The reception point is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the Neurological Outpatients Department 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 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 a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
- There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the low section of the counter.
- The counter is staffed.
- There is not a bell to attract attention.
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- The type of system is a fixed loop.
- The hearing assistance system is signed.
- Staff are trained to use the hearing assistance system.
- The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
- The hearing assistance system was tested on 18/07/2019.
- The hearing assistance system was working at the time of testing.
- There is a touch screen.
- 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.
- There are seats with armrests on both sides.
- The waiting room / area does not have background music playing.
- There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the waiting room / area.
- There is a television.
- Subtitles are available.
- Vending machines are available.
- A water dispenser is 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.
Department / Service (Neurological Outpatients Department)
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Department / Service Access
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- The Neurological Outpatients Department is located on Level A of the Neurological Centre.
- 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 172cm .
- There is a hand sanitiser.
- The height of the hand sanitiser is 104cm (3ft 5in).
- 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.
- The department/service does not play background music.
- The lighting levels are varied.
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Department / Service Facilities
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- This department/service has; a main reception, a waiting room/area, consultation rooms, treatment rooms, accessible toilet facilities for everyone, standard toilet facilities and ambulant toilet facilities for everyone.
- There are 15 consultation/treatment rooms in this department/service.
- A hearing assistance system is available.
- The type of system is a fixed loop.
- Staff are trained to use the system.
- The hearing assistance was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
- The hearing assistance system was tested on 18/07/2019.
- The hearing loop was working at the time of testing.
- A mobile hoist is not available on the department/service.
- There are not accessible toilet facilities within the department/service.
- Accessible toilet facilities are located in the Centre Block.
- There are standard toilet facilities within this department/service.
Consultation / Treatment Room (Consultation Rooms)
- There is / are 11 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
- The name / number of the room surveyed was; Room 1.
- 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 easy to open.
- The width of the door opening is 77cm (2ft 6in).
- 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 not 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 height adjustable.
- All chairs have armrests available.
- All tables are permanently fixed.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- The room does not have background music playing.
- There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
- Lighting levels are good.
Consultation / Treatment Room (Examination Room)
- There is / are 5 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
- The name / number of the room surveyed was; Examination 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) away from you (push).
- The door(s) is/are single width.
- The door(s) may be difficult to open.
- The width of the door opening is 89cm (2ft 11in).
- 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 not 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 height adjustable.
- There are some chairs with armrests available.
- All tables are permanently fixed.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- The room does not have background music playing.
- There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.
Standard Toilet(s) (Male and Female)
- Standard toilet facilities are available.
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Toilet Facilities
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- The female and male toilets are located to the right of the waiting area.
- There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
- The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 7m from the Neurological Outpatients Department entrance.
- There is pictorial 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.
- Toilet seats do not have a high visual contrast.
- An ambulant toilet cubicle is available.
- There is a/are horizontal wall mounted rail(s) on the right as you face the toilet.
- The visual contrast of the horizontal wall mounted grab rail(s) in the ambulant cubicle(s) is low.
- 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 low.
- There is a/are dropdown rail(s) on the left as you face the ambulant toilet(s).
- The visual contrast of the dropdown rail(s) in the ambulant cubicle(s) is low.
- The information above relates to the male toilet. There is a different configuration of rails in the female toilet.
- The height of the wash basin(s) is 74cm.
- The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
- There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
- The wall fixed soap dispenser is located to the right of the wash basin.
- 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.
- Neurology Centre link (new tab) - click here.
- Hospital Parking at Southampton General link (new tab) - click here.
