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Ashcombe Ward & EPAC

Weston General Hospital , Grange Road, Uphill, Weston-Super-Mare, BS23 4TQ

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Access Guide

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Getting To The Hospital (Weston General Hospital)

  • By Road View
    • Weston General Hospital is located off Grange Road in Uphill, to the south of the town centre.
      It is easily accessed via the A370 from the north or the south of Weston-Super-Mare.
      The Postcode for the Sat-Nav is BS23 4TQ.
    • There are several car parks at Weston General Hospital, all car parks are open air.
      The main Accessible car park is outside of the main hospital entrance and is accessed by a service road to the right of the main visitor car park entrance.
  • By Bus View
    • The number 5 Badgerline, Route 4 and 20 Coaster bus services all stop at this hospital.
    • There is an onsite bus stop.
    • The bus stop is located to the left of the main hospital entrance, opposite the Blue Badge bays.
    • The onsite bus stop has a sheltered roof and is enclosed on three sides.
      There is a bench seat in the bus shelter which is set at 82cm from floor level.
      There is room for a wheelchair within the bus shelter.
    • The route from the bus shelter is via an uneven foot path.
      There are lamp posts on the pavement.
      There is a barrier rail between the pavement and the road.
      There is a crossing which takes you to the main entrance.
      There are tactile dropped kerbs at the crossing.
      The bus shelter is approximately 50 metres from the hospital entrance.
  • By Train View
    • The nearest train station is Weston-Super-Mare, which is approximately 2.2 miles (3.5 km) from the hospital.
      The services run at this station are by GWR.
      The bus service 20 Coaster runs from the station to the hospital.
      There are also taxi services available from the station to the hospital.
  • Useful Links View

Getting Help and Assistance (Weston General Hospital)

  • There is a Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) at the hospital.
  • The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is located to the left of the information desk at the main hospital entrance on the ground floor.
  • The telephone number for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is 01934 647 216.
  • The email address for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is [email protected].
  • There are volunteers available for help and assistance at the hospital.
  • Volunteers can be found at the main entrance.
  • There is not an assistance dog toilet or toileting area on the hospital site.
  • Water bowls for assistance dogs are available on request.
  • 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.

Hospital Parking (Accessible Parking)

  • 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 outside the 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 and block paving.
    • There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) markings are faded.
    • There is/are 10+ designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the hospital car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 235cm x 470cm.
    • There is a 120cm hatched zone around the Blue Badge parking bay(s).
    • The dimensions of other designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) vary in size.
    • 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 either side of the main entrance.
    • There is a dropped kerb from the drop-off point.
    • The dropped kerb does not 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 dropped kerbs.
    • The hospital entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
    • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the main entrance.

Hospital Parking (Visitor and Patient Parking)

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car park is located at the front 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 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 and block paving.
    • There is not a/are not Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is a designated drop-off point.
    • The drop-off point is located either side of the main hospital entrance.
    • There is a dropped kerb from the drop-off point.
    • The dropped kerb does have tactile paving.
  • 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 entrance to the car park and at the payment machines in the hospital building.
    • Payment machines are located outside the main hospital entrance.
    • 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 dropped kerbs.
    • The hospital entrance is clearly visible from the car park.

Getting To (Ashcombe Ward & EPAC)

  • Ashcombe Ward & EPAC is/are located on the 2nd Floor.
  • Access to Ashcombe Ward & EPAC is via the main entrance.
  • Enter via the main entrance and go straight ahead down the corridor to the lift lobby.
    Take either lift 2 or 3 to the 2nd Floor.
    If using lift 2, go straight ahead upon exiting.
    If using lift 3, turn left upon exiting.
    Go down to the corridor and you will see signs for Ashcombe Ward & EPAC.
    The department is located on the left.
  • There is step free access, via lift, to Ashcombe Ward & EPAC.
  • Ashcombe Ward & EPAC is approximately 20m from the Lifts 2 and 3.
  • There are 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 (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the hospital.
    • 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 not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 105cm (3ft 5in).
    • There is not a door release button when exiting.
    • Standard manual wheelchairs are available for people to borrow at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) by revolving.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 190cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 1.5cm or below.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 140cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 1.5cm or below.
  • Ramp/Slope Details View
    • The ramp/slope is located leading to the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
  • Comments View
    • This entrance is open between 08:00 and 22:00.
    • When the doors are set at open the entrance doors in the centre are 142cm wide.
    • There is a button to slow the revolving doors set at 100cm, located to the right of the entrance on entering.

Outside Access (Accessible Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the hospital to the right of the main entrance.
    • 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/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is a bell/buzzer.
    • The height of the bell/buzzer is 142cm .
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 142cm .
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 125cm (4ft 1in).
    • There is not a door release button when exiting.
    • 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 136cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 1.5cm or below.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 140cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 1.5cm or below.
  • Ramp/Slope Details View
    • The ramp/slope is located directly at the threshold of the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides going up the ramp.
    • The width of the ramp is 140cm.
  • Comments View
    • There is an out of hours telephone at this entrance set at 130cm from ground level.
    • There is an intercom to exit the building for out of hours, which is set at 140cm from floor level.
    • This entrance is open between 08:00 and 22:00.

Other Floors (Centre Stairwell)

  • 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 G,1 and 2.
    • 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 not clearly marked.
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • There is a landing.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor of the building are provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.

Lift (Lift 2)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located on the main central corridor of the hospital.
  • Signs indicating the location of this lift are clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 38m (41yd 1ft) from the 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 G, 1 and 2.
  • 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 130cm.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 160cm x 250cm.
  • 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 not 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 a hearing assistance system.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is moderate to good.

Lift (Lift 3)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located on the main central hospital corridor.
  • Signs indicating the location of this lift are clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 38m (41yd 1ft) from the 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 G, 1 and 2.
  • 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 not within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
  • The lift call button is set at 85cm from floor level.
  • 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 130cm.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 160cm x 250cm.
  • 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 not 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 a hearing assistance system.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is moderate to good.

Opening Times (Ashcombe Ward & EPAC)

  • Access is by appointment only.

Entrance (Department Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the 2nd floor of the hospital.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
    • There is step free access at this entrance, via lift.
    • There is a bell/buzzer.
    • The height of the bell/buzzer is 125cm .
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 125cm .
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 105cm (3ft 5in).
    • There is not a door release button when exiting.
    • The height of the door release button is 116cm (3ft 10in).
    • 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.

Department / Service (Ashcombe Ward & EPAC)

  • Department / Service Access View
    • Ashmore Ward & EPAC is located on the second floor of the hospital.
    • There is level access throughout the department/service.
    • There is no 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 moderate to good.
  • Department / Service Facilities View
    • This department/service has; a main reception, treatment rooms, a waiting room/area, standard toilet facilities and consultation rooms.
    • There are 5 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 not accessible toilet facilities within the department/service.
    • Accessible toilet facilities are located on the ground floor, to the left of the main entrance.
    • There are standard toilet facilities within this department/service.

Reception (Department Reception)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located to the right as you enter the department.
    • The reception point is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the 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 not 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 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.
  • Reception Waiting Area View
    • 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 is a mixture of seating with and without armrests.
    • No tables are permanently fixed.
    • 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.

Reception (Nurses Station)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located to the rear of the department.
    • The reception point is approximately 50m (54yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • Clear signage for the reception area/desk is not 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 medium height (77cm - 109cm) .
    • 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 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.
  • Reception Waiting Area View
    • There is not a waiting area close to the reception point.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Water Lily)

  • There is / are 2 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Water Lily.
  • 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) may be difficult to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
  • 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 is not available.
  • There is not a chair.
  • No 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 (Rose)

  • There is / are 4 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Rose.
  • 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 an open extension leaf.
  • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 132cm (4ft 4in).
  • 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 is not available.
  • 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.
  • No 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.

Washroom (Rose)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • There is/are 2 washroom(s) of this type in the department.
    • The washroom surveyed is located to the rear of the department.
    • The washroom surveyed is approximately 40m from the department entrance.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the department.
    • This washroom is female.
    • There is no additional 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 is easy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 76cm (2ft 6in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 157cm x 205cm (5ft 2in x 6ft 9in).
    • 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 out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor).
    • There is not a red 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 wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the wash basin is 77cm.
    • There are no wall-mounted grab rails for the wash basin.
    • The tap type is twist/turn. 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 84cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • 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.
  • Toilet Details View
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 44cm (1ft 5in).
    • The toilet has a lid obstructing the back rest/cistern/wall.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 75cm.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is no dropdown rail for the toilet.
    • There are no wall-mounted grab rails for the toilet.
    • 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 70cm.
    • There is not a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
  • Shower Details View
    • There is not a wheel in shower.
    • The shower does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The shower head is height adjustable.
    • The shower control type is twist/turn.
    • There is no seat for the shower.
    • There are not wall-mounted grab rails available for the shower.
    • The shower cubicle is accessed via a deep step.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The colour contrast between the external washroom door and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the internal washroom door and wall is good.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The colour contrast between the washroom floor and walls is good.
    • Lighting levels are good.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The shared toilet is located to the left as you enter the department entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 10m from the department reception.
    • 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.
    • Toilet seats do not have a good colour contrast.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 84cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The wall fixed soap dispenser is located above and to the right of the wash basin.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Toilet Facilities 2 View
    • The shared toilet is located to the left of reception.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 3m from the department reception.
    • There is Braille, tactile, 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.
    • Some toilet seats have a good colour contrast.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 80cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The wall fixed soap dispenser is located above and to the right of the wash basin.
    • Lighting levels are good.
  • Baby Changing Facilities 2 View
    • Baby change facilities are available in the shared toilets.
    • There is a flip down baby change table available.
    • The height of the baby change table is 93cm.

Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities (Weston General Hospital)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are located on the ground floor to the left of the main entrance and to the right of the Rafter's Restaurant entrance.
    There is also an accessible toilet located on the first floor next to the Kewstoke Ward.
  • Shared standard toilet facilities are located on the ground floor to the left of the main entrance and to the right of the Rafter's Restaurant entrance.
    There is also a shared standard toilet on the second floor corridor.
  • Parent and baby changing facilities are located on the ground floor, in the standard toilets to the right of the Rafter's restaurant entrance.
    There is also baby changing facilities in the accessible and ambulant toilets in the main outpatient reception area.

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