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Ward F4 – Wessex Spinal Unit

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 (Ward F4 – Wessex Spinal Unit)

  • Ward F4 – Wessex Spinal Unit is/are located on Level F of the East Wing.
  • Access to Ward F4 – Wessex Spinal Unit 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 the lift to Level F. As you exit the lift turn right and follow the corridor past two sets of double doors and the entrance to Ward F4 – Wessex Spinal Unit is on your right.
  • There is step free access, via lift, to Ward F4 – Wessex Spinal Unit.
  • Ward F4 – Wessex Spinal Unit is approximately 25m from the lifts.
  • There is a/are manual, heavy, double door(s) between the Main Hospital entrance and the department/service.
  • Wayfinding signage is not 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 (Ward F4 – Wessex Spinal Unit)

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a/an Spinal ward.
    • This is a shared ward.
    • There is/are 4 bay(s) available.
    • There is/are 4 side room(s) available.
    • There is/are 22 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 168cm (5ft 6in).
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 118cm (3ft 10in).
    • There is not a door release button when exiting.
    • There is level access throughout the ward.
    • There is clear signage on the ward.
    • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
    • There is some 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 90cm.
    • 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.
  • Example Side Room View
    • There are multiple side rooms available with accessible ensuites.
    • The side room surveyed does have an accessible ensuite.
    • The width of the door opening into the side room is over 75cm.
    • The side room surveyed does not have a ceiling track hoist.
    • There is sufficient space next to the bed for a mobile hoist to operate.
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre around the bed.
    • Bedside storage is available.
    • The visual contrast between the walls and the floor in the side room is high.
    • The lighting levels in the side room are medium.
    • The width of the door opening into the ensuite is over 75cm.
    • There is not a clear unobstructed turning space within the ensuite.
    • The fixtures/facilities available in the ensuite include; a toilet and a wash basin.
    • The visual contrast between the walls and the floor in the ensuite is high.
    • The lighting levels in the ensuite are medium.
  • 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 main corridor on Level F.
    • There are no standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • Standard toilet facilities for visitors are located on the Level E stairwell for females and Level F stairwell for males.
  • Visiting Times View
    • There are no set visiting times, please contact the ward in advance.

Washroom (Wheel in Shower)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower and a wash basin.
    • There is/are 1 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
    • There is/are also 1 washroom(s) which has/have a toilet and a wash basin.
    • The washroom surveyed is located on the left hand side of the ward corridor.
    • The washroom surveyed is approximately 12m from the ward entrance.
    • 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) outwards.
    • The door(s) is/are locked by a twist lock.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 168cm x 166cm (5ft 6in x 5ft 5in).
    • The washroom does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • There is not an emergency pull cord alarm.
    • There is not a 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 height of the wash basin is 80cm.
    • There are no wall-mounted grab rails for the wash basin.
    • The tap type is lever. It is a mixer tap.
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 115cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 140cm.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • The washroom has a non-slip floor.
  • 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.
    • A shower chair is available.
    • 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 shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is low.
    • The visual contrast between the washroom floor and walls is high.
    • Lighting levels are medium.

Washroom

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a toilet and a wash basin.
    • There is/are 1 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
    • There is/are also 1 washroom(s) which has/have a wheel in shower and a wash basin.
    • The washroom surveyed is located on the left hand side of the ward corridor.
    • The washroom surveyed is approximately 5m from the ward entrance.
    • 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) does not/do not have a lock.
    • The door(s) is/are light to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 80cm (2ft 7in).
    • 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 tied up and out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor).
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s) 147cm from the floor.
    • 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 cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the wash basin is 78cm.
    • There are no wall-mounted grab rails for the wash basin.
    • The tap type is lever. It is not a mixer tap.
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot 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 130cm.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • The washroom has a non-slip floor.
  • Toilet Details View
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 43cm (1ft 5in).
    • The cistern is close coupled and can act as a back rest.
    • There is not a lateral transfer space.
    • There is no dropdown rail for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • 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 85cm.
    • There is not a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The colour contrast between the external washroom door and wall is medium.
    • The visual contrast between the internal washroom door and wall is medium.
    • The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall is high.
    • The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet and wall is high.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
    • The visual contrast between the washroom floor and walls is high.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.

Toilet with Adaptations

  • There is not an/are not accessible toilet(s) available.
  • The nearest accessible toilet(s) is/are located along the main corridor on Level F.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female and male toilets are located on the left hand side of the ward corridor.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 12m from the ward entrance.
    • There is tactile, pictorial and 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 available.
    • There are horizontal wall mounted rails available on both sides of the toilet.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 79cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
    • Lighting levels are good.

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