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Clinical Genetic Unit

St Michael's Hospital, Southwell Street, Bristol, BS2 8EG

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Access Guide

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Getting To The Hospital (St Michael's Hospital)

  • By Road View
    • St Michael's Hospital is located on Southwell Street, close to the centre of the city.
      The postcode to use for the Sat-Nav is BS2 8EG.
      From the west of the city, St Michael's Hospital can be accessed via several routes from the A370, A369 and the A4.
      From the east of the city the main route to the hospital is from the M32, A4032 and the A4044.
    • On-site parking is very limited and all patients and visitors are encouraged to use public transport or nearby public car parks whenever possible.
      There are various pay & display car parks around the hospital and parking for Blue Badge Holders is free of charge in any of the parking spaces (apart from the 15 minute drop-off spaces) as long as the Blue Badge is correctly displayed.
      There are drop-off spaces located outside the main entrance of St Michael's Hospital.
  • By Bus View
    • Several local bus routes serve the hospital site. They are the 3X, 13, 72, 72a, U1, U1e and the X7.
      The nearest bus stop to the hospital is located on St Michael's Hill.
      There is a free shuttle bus service is provided for patients, staff and visitors which stops outside the Bristol Royal Infirmary Building.
      The circular route includes Bristol Temple Meads train station and around the various hospital sites.
    • There is not an onsite bus stop.
  • By Train View
    • Clifton Down is approximately 0.6 mile (13 minute walk) from the hospital.
  • Useful Links View

Getting Help and Assistance (St Michael's Hospital)

  • To see the hospital map please click here (opens new tab).
  • There is not a Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) at the hospital.
  • There are not volunteers available for help and assistance at the hospital.
  • There is not an assistance dog toilet or toileting area on the hospital site.
  • Water bowls for assistance dogs are not available.
  • BSL interpreters can be provided on request.
  • Language interpreters can be provided on request.
  • A mobility scooter charging point is not available at the hospital.
  • Mobility aids are available to help patients move around and include; wheelchairs.
  • To obtain mobility aids please contact a member of staff.
  • Additional hospital services link (new tab) - click here.

Hospital Parking (Blue Badge Bays Only)

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car parking facilities are for Blue Badge holders only.
    • The car park is located in front of the hospital main 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 245cm x 480cm (8ft x 15ft 9in).
    • 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.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is a designated drop-off point.
    • The drop-off point is located to the left of the hospital main entrance.
    • There is a dropped kerb from the drop-off point.
    • The dropped kerb does have tactile paving.
  • Paying View
    • There are not parking charges for the hospital car park.
  • 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 18m (19yd 2ft) from the hospital main entrance.

Hospital Parking (Pay and Display - Underground)

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car park is located below the hospital.
    • The car park type is underground.
    • The car park does have a height restriction barrier.
    • The maximum height is 170cm (5ft 7in).
    • The car park does not have a barrier control system.
    • The car park surface is concrete.
    • There is not a/are not Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point.
  • Paying View
    • There are parking charges for the hospital car park.
    • Payment signs are provided.
    • Payment signs are clearly presented.
    • Payment signs are located at the payment machines in the car park.
    • Payment machines are located at the front of the car park.
    • There is not 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).
  • 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 not clearly visible from the car park.
    • The route from the car park to the hospital entrance is not clearly signposted.

Hospital Parking (Pay and Display - Front)

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car park is located in front of the hospital main 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 not a/are not Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point.
  • Paying View
    • There are parking charges for the hospital car park.
    • Payment signs are provided.
    • Payment signs are clearly presented.
    • Payment signs are located at the payment machines in the car park.
    • Payment machines are located at the front of the car park.
    • There is not a payment machine at a convenient height for wheelchair users.
    • There is not 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).
  • 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 dropped kerbs.
    • The hospital entrance is clearly visible from the car park.

Hospital Parking (Pay and Display - Rear)

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car park is located at the rear of the hospital.
    • 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 not a/are not Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point.
  • Paying View
    • There are parking charges for the hospital car park.
    • Payment signs are provided.
    • Payment signs are clearly presented.
    • Payment signs are located at the payment machines in the car park.
    • Payment machines are located at the side of the car park.
    • There is not 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).
  • 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 not clearly visible from the car park.
    • The route from the car park to the hospital entrance is not clearly signposted.

Getting To (Clinical Genetic Unit)

  • The Clinical Genetic Unit is/are located on level E. It is located in the Day Assessment Unit but access is via the Ultrasound Department.
  • Access to the Clinical Genetic Unit is via the hospital main entrance.
  • Enter via the hospital main entrance and follow the corridor past the main reception desk on your right hand side. Bear left and go through the double doors into the lift lobby area. Take the lift up to level E. As you exit the lift, turn right and follow the corridor past the set of double doors. The entrance to the shared Antenatal Clinic, Fetal Medicine Unit, Ultrasound & Clinical Genetic Unit entrance is at the end of the corridor. Go through the doors and the Clinical Genetic Unit is accessed via the Ultrasound department on your left hand side.
  • There is step free access, via lift, to the Clinical Genetic Unit.
  • The Clinical Genetic Unit is approximately 18m from the lifts.
  • There is a/are manual, double door(s) which may be difficult to open between the lifts and the department/service.
  • There are not resting areas along the route.
  • Wayfinding signage is 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.

Outside Access (Hospital Main Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the hospital building.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
    • There is a bell/buzzer.
    • The height of the bell/buzzer is 138cm .
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • There is a door release button when exiting.
    • The height of the door release button is 76cm (2ft 6in).
    • Standard manual wheelchairs are available for people to borrow at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 167cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The automatic door(s) is/are push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 150cm.
  • Ramp/Slope Details View
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the hospital main entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • Comments View
    • The height of the assistance button is 58cm.
    • There is tactile paving either side of the slope.

Other Floors (Main Stairs)

  • Stairs View
    • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There are manual, double doors which may be difficult to open to enter and exit the stairwell on all floors.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are A, B, C, D and E.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • Handrails are not at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do not cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • There is a landing.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor of the building are not provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Lift (Lifts 29 and 31)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located ahead from the hospital main entrance.
  • Signs indicating the location of this lift are clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 22m (24yd 2in) from the hospital main entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are A, B, C, D and E.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on lift lobby landings.
  • There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
  • Lift doors do contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
  • The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is good.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is good.
  • The clear door width is 109cm (3ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 192cm x 155cm (6ft 4in x 5ft 1in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • There is a list of floor services available within the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is good.

Entrance (Antenatal Clinic, Fetal Medicine Unit, Ultrasound & Clinical Genetic Unit)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located on level E.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 121cm (3ft 12in).
    • 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 168cm.

Waiting Room / Area (Antenatal Clinic, Fetal Medicine Unit, Ultrasound & Clinical Genetic Unit)

  • There is a waiting room / area.
  • The waiting room / area is approximately 6m from the Antenatal Clinic, Fetal Medicine Unit & Ultrasound entrance.
  • There is level access into the waiting room / area.
  • There is not a/are not door(s) into the waiting room / area.
  • 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.
  • Chairs with armrests are not available.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Announcements are in person.
  • 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 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 good.

Department / Service (Clinical Genetic Unit)

  • Department / Service Access View
    • The Clinical Genetic Unit is located on level E.
    • There is a/are door(s) leading into the department/service.
    • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 170cm .
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 106cm (3ft 6in).
    • 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 some 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 good.
  • Department / Service Facilities View
    • This department/service has; standard toilet facilities, a waiting room/area and treatment rooms.
    • There are 2 consultation/treatment rooms in this department/service.
    • A hearing assistance system is not available in the department/service.
    • A mobile hoist is available from another department/service.
    • There are not accessible toilet facilities within the department/service.
    • Accessible toilet facilities are located in the Ultrasound department.
    • There are standard toilet facilities within this department/service.

Opening Times (Clinical Genetic Unit)

  • Access is by appointment only.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Clinics Rooms)

  • There is / are 2 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Room 2.
  • 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 easy to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 87cm (2ft 10in).
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is not a bed / couch.
  • There is a chair.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • The chair(s) is not/are not height adjustable.
  • There are no 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 good.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The shared toilet is located next to the clinic rooms.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 18m from the Clinical Genetic Unit department entrance.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • The colour contrast between the internal toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The toilet seats have a good colour 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 colour contrast of the horizontal wall mounted grab rail(s) in the ambulant cubicle(s) is good.
    • The ambulant toilet does not have vertical wall mounted grab rails.
    • There is a/are dropdown rail(s) on the left as you face the ambulant toilet(s).
    • The colour contrast of the dropdown rail(s) in the ambulant cubicle(s) is good.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 84cm.
    • 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.

Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities (St. Michael's Hospital)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are located on level C at the rear of the main foyer.
  • Female and male standard toilet facilities are located on level C, along the main corridor to the right from the main entrance.
  • Shared standard toilet facilities are located on level C, along the main corridor to the left from the main entrance, and at the rear of the main foyer.

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