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 (Nuclear Medicine)
- Nuclear Medicine is/are located on Level D of the East Wing.
- Access to Nuclear Medicine 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 D. On exiting the lift turn left and continue straight down the corridor and the department is on the right.
- There is step free access, via lift, to Nuclear Medicine.
- Nuclear Medicine is approximately 54m 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 flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
- There is 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.
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.
Opening Times (Nuclear Medicine)
- 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.
Department / Service (Nuclear Medicine)
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Department / Service Access
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- Nuclear Medicine is located on Level D 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 174cm .
- 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.
- The department/service does not play background music.
- The lighting levels are medium.
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Department / Service Facilities
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- This department/service has; ambulant toilet facilities for everyone, a waiting room/area, a main reception, standard toilet facilities, accessible toilet facilities for everyone and consultation rooms.
- 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 not available on the department/service.
- There are accessible toilet facilities within the department/service.
- There are standard toilet facilities within this department/service.
Reception
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Reception
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- The reception point is located to the right as you enter the nuclear medicine department.
- The reception point is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the Nuclear Medicine 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 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 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 not staffed.
- There is a bell to attract attention.
- The bell is at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- 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 obstructed.
- 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.
- 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 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.
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Comments
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- There is a gate to enter waiting area which has a width of 181cm.
- The gate opens both ways.
Waiting Room / Area (Yellow Waiting Room)
- There is a waiting room / area.
- The waiting room / area is approximately 16m from the Nuclear Medicine department 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 double width.
- The door(s) is/are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 174cm (5ft 9in).
- The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
- There is a space for a wheelchair user to wait within the seating area.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- All chairs have armrests.
- No tables are permanently fixed.
- Announcements are in person.
- 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 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 (Injection Room)
- There is / are 2 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
- The name / number of the room surveyed was; Injection 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 with a locked extension leaf.
- The door(s) is/are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 85cm (2ft 9in).
- 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.
Imaging Room (CD20)
- This section describes the CT Scanning Room Room(s), located along the department corridor.
- There is / are 1 CT Scanning Room Room(s) available.
- The name / number of the room surveyed was; CD20.
- 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 door opens inwards.
- The door(s) is/are single width with a locked extension leaf.
- The door(s) is/are easy to open.
- A member of staff is available to assist with opening the door if required.
- The width of the door is 94cm (3ft 1in).
- 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 can be brought in from another department.
- 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 good.
Toilet with Adaptations (Patient)
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Location and Access
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- This accessible toilet is located in the Yellow Waiting Room.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 17m (18yd 1ft) from the Nuclear Medicine department 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 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 87cm.
- 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 141cm x 258cm.
- 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 right.
- The lateral transfer space is 74cm.
- There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side (on top of the cistern).
- There is not a spatula type lever flush.
- There is a push button 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 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 high.
- 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 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.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 46cm (1ft 6in).
- The toilet seat colour contrast is high.
- There is a toilet roll holder.
- The toilet roll holder can 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) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
- There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides 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 lever 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 not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is high.
- There is not a hand dryer.
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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 88cm.
Toilet with Adaptations (Visitor)
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Location and Access
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- This accessible toilet is located along the department corridor.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 11m (12yd 1in) from the Nuclear Medicine department 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 written text and pictorial 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 lever twist.
- The width of the accessible toilet opening is 87cm.
- 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 197cm.
- 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 right.
- 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 (on top of the cistern).
- There is not a spatula type lever flush.
- There is a push button 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 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 high.
- 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 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 not a mirror.
- The toilet has a backrest.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 46cm (1ft 6in).
- The toilet seat colour contrast is high.
- There is a toilet roll holder.
- The toilet roll holder can 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) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
- There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides 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 lever 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 not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is high.
- There is not a hand dryer.
Standard Toilet(s)
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Toilet Facilities
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- The shared toilet is located along the department corridor.
- There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
- The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 12m from the Nuclear Medicine department entrance.
- There is 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 not available.
- The height of the wash basin(s) is 84cm.
- The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
- Lighting levels are good.
Related Access Guides
- To view other Detailed Access Guides that are related to this one please use the links below.
- East Wing - Southampton General Hospital link (new tab) - click here.
- Hospital Parking at Southampton General link (new tab) - click here.
