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Accident and Emergency/Urgent Care Centre (A&E)

Whipps Cross University Hospital, Whipps Cross Road, Leytonstone, London, E11 1NR

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Access Guide

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Getting To The Hospital

  • By Road View
    • Whipps Cross University Hospital is located in Leytonstone in the East End of London. The main entrance to the hospital is on Whipps Cross Road (the A114) between the Whipps Cross roundabout and the Green Man roundabout. This is the best entrance for car parks 1 and 2. There is also an entrance off James Lane which is the best entrance for car parks 3 and 4.
    • The hospital has 4 main car parks: - Car Park 1 for Hospital Main Entrance, Main Building, Chest Clinic and MRI - Car Park 2 for Hospital Main Entrance, Main Building, Eye Treatment Centre and Plane Tree Centre - Car Park 3 for Maternity, Antenatal, and Outpatients - Car Park 4 for the Emergency and Urgent Care Centre (A&E) department. There are Blue Badge bays in all car parks and additional ones near Outpatients. There are also short stay drop-off/ pick-up only points near to A&E, Maternity and the Byron unit.
  • By Bus View
    • Buses W12, W15, W19, 357 stop within the hospital grounds. There are stops near the Hospital Main Entrance and also near Outpatients/ Maternity. Buses 257, 56, and 230 also stop near the hospital grounds at the Whipps Cross roundabout (around 200m to the Hospital Main Entrance.).
  • By Train View
    • Wood Street or Walthamstow Central stations are the nearest rail stations. Wood Street and Walthamstow Central are on the Great Anglia Train line from Liverpool Street to Chingford. From Wood Street station, take the bus 230 from Stop: D towards Wood Green Station. From Walthamstow Central, take the bus W19 from Stop: B in the Bus Station towards Ilford.
  • Useful Links View

Getting Help and Assistance

  • There is a Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) at the hospital.
  • The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is located off the main corridor in the Red Zone, between junctions 4 and 5.
  • The telephone number for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is 020 8535 6438.
  • 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 Hospital Main Entrance Reception, at the Volunteer Hub in Junction 4 and the Outpatients Building.
  • Documents are available in an alternative format and can be provided to include: Braille on request, large print on request and different languages on request.
  • There is not an assistance dog toilet or toileting area on the hospital site.
  • 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 and walking frames.
  • To obtain mobility aids please contact Hospital Main Building Reception.
  • The hospital volunteers operate a buggy service to drive patients with mobility difficulties between the Hospital Main Building, Outpatients and other buildings in the hospital site.
    The buggy can carry patients and their folded wheelchair or other mobility aids.
    Staff at any department or reception can contact the volunteer service.
    Porters can also be called to assist patients who are unable to transfer out of their own wheelchair or who require a hospital wheelchair.

Hospital Parking (Car Park 4)

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car park is located off Back Road, in front of the Emergency and Urgent Care Centre.
    • 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 clearly marked/signposted 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 360cm x 600cm.
    • 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 opposite the car park entrance.
    • There is not a dropped kerb from the 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 signs do make it clear if parking charges apply to Blue Badge holders.
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
    • Payment machines are located in the centre 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).
  • 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 uneven surfaces.
    • The hospital entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
    • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 50m (54yd 2ft) from the Emergency and Urgent Care Centre Entrance.
  • Comments View
    • Parking for Blue Badge holders is only free in designated bays.
    • Parking can also be paid by phone (020 3046 0010) or using the RingGo app, location 16373.
    • At the time of our visit (June 2017) the machines had not been updated to take the new £1 coin.
    • There is a wide tarmac path from the car park towards the building, including a crossing point with dropped kerbs and tactile paving.

Getting To (Emergency and Urgent Care Centre from within the Hospital Main Building)

  • The Emergency and Urgent Care Centre is/are located on the northern side of the main building, in the Red Zone.
  • Access to the Emergency and Urgent Care Centre is via the main entrance.
  • From the main entrance, follow the main corridor towards Junction 5 (Red Zone). Between junctions 5 and 6, turn left into the corridor signposted as 'A&E X-ray' and 'Acute Assessment Unit AAU'. There is an easy slope down on the first part of this corridor. Go ahead, passing the entrance to A&E X-ray and the Emergency Medical Centre on the right. Continue ahead, passing the Forest Assessment Unit, then the AAU and Ambulatory Care. There is signage to the Emergency and Urgent Care Centre from this point. Turn right before the next set of double doors then left just before the entrance to A&E Resuscitation. Continue ahead, following the long corridor round to the right then right again. At the end of the corridor is the entrance to the Children's A&E waiting area. Turn left to enter the main Emergency and Urgent Care Centre reception and waiting area.
  • There is ramped/sloped access to the Emergency and Urgent Care Centre.
  • The Emergency and Urgent Care Centre is approximately 350m from the main entrance.
  • Wayfinding 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.
  • Comments View
    • This is a very long route and only advised for patients who are already within the main hospital building, or already parked in car parks 1 or 2.
    • This route is not available at night when the main entrance is closed.

Opening Times (Emergency and Urgent Care Centre (A&E))

  • This service is open 24 hours.

Outside Access (Accident and Emergency/Urgent Care Centre Main Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located off Back Road, facing Car Park 4.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped 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 not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is not a hand sanitiser.
    • There is not a door release button when exiting.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 170cm.
    • 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 170cm.
  • Ramp/Slope Details View
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the building, starting from both the road and also the footpath from the car park.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is 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 120cm.
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • Step Details View
    • The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
    • There is/are 9 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
    • The step(s) is/are medium (11cm - 17cm).
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides going up the step(s).

Level Change (A&E Internal Entrance)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is located just beyond entrance.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is 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.
  • The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are bright.

Reception (Registration)

  • The desk/counter is 5m (5yd 1ft) from the Emergency and Urgent Care Centre Entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is low (76cm or lower).
  • The desk/counter is staffed.
  • The lighting levels are medium.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.
  • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the desk/counter.
  • Comments View
    • There are 4 identical desks.
    • Each desk has a fixed seat without armrests to the right hand side.
    • Patients are called to these counters by automated voice announcement and by visual displays above each counter showing a number.

Reception (Streamer)

  • The desk/counter is 3m (3yd 10in) from the Emergency and Urgent Care Centre Entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is low (76cm or lower).
  • The desk/counter is staffed.
  • The lighting levels are medium.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the desk/counter.
  • Comments View
    • All new patients must first report to this desk to be directed to the most suitable treatment service.

Reception (Minor Injuries)

  • The desk/counter is 12m (13yd 4in) from the entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • The desk/counter does not have a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • The desk/counter is staffed.
  • The lighting levels are medium.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the desk/counter.

Waiting Room / Area (Entrance Foyer and Registration)

  • There is a waiting room / area.
  • The waiting room / area is approximately 5m from the Emergency and Urgent Care Centre 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.
  • All chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs with armrests are available.
  • Announcements are in person and visual.
  • 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 a television.
  • Subtitles are not available.
  • Vending machines are available.
  • A water dispenser is available.
  • There is not a play area or toys/books for a child to play with.
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest within the seating area.
  • Lighting levels are medium.
  • Comments View
    • There is a small room off this main area which is signed as 'Children's Waiting' but at the time of our visit (June 2017) there was no seating in the room.
    • From this reception and waiting area, patients are directed to other services, including:
    • Children's A&E
    • Minor Injuries
    • Major Treatment
    • A&E X-ray
    • Acute Assessment Unit and Ambulatory Care
    • Primary Care assessment.

Getting Around (Emergency and Urgent Care Centre)

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the building.
  • Circulation View
    • There are doors in corridors which have to be opened manually.
    • The type of flooring in walkways and corridors is vinyl.
    • There is some flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • Handrails are not provided in corridors.
    • Seating is not provided in corridors.
    • There is good colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Signage and Wayfinding View
    • Wayfinding signage is provided.
    • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the building.
    • The wayfinding signage does not include pictograms.
    • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
    • All of the Emergency Department and Urgent Care Centre is within the Red Zone shown on the hospital site map.
  • Safe Place(s) View
    • There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
  • Audio View
    • This venue does not play background music in public areas.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Primary Care Consulting Room)

  • There is / are 12 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; 6.
  • There is level access to the consultation / treatment room.
  • There is a/are door(s) into the consultation / treatment room.
  • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) is/are single width.
  • The door(s) is/are light.
  • 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 available.
  • The hoist is manual.
  • A sling is available.
  • The sling is attached by hook and loop.
  • There is a chair.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • The chair(s) is not/are not adjustable.
  • There are no chairs with armrests available.
  • All tables are permanently fixed.
  • The room does not have background music playing.
  • Lighting levels are medium.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Plaster Room)

  • There is / are 1 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; 1.
  • There is level access to the consultation / treatment room.
  • There is a/are door(s) into the consultation / treatment room.
  • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) is/are double width.
  • The door(s) is/are heavy.
  • The width of the door opening is 124cm (4ft 1in).
  • 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 available.
  • The hoist is manual.
  • A sling is available.
  • The sling is attached by hook and loop.
  • There is a chair.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • The chair(s) is not/are not adjustable.
  • There are no chairs with armrests available.
  • The room does not have background music playing.
  • Lighting levels are medium.

Waiting Room / Area (Resus Relatives Waiting Room)

  • There is a waiting room / area.
  • 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 single width.
  • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
  • The width of the door opening is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs with armrests are available.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • Announcements are in person.
  • The waiting room / area does not have background music playing.
  • There is not a television.
  • Vending machines are not available.
  • Lighting levels are medium.

Accessible Toilet (Emergency and Urgent Care Centre Entrance)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is Braille, pictorial, written text and tactile signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is located through the doors at the rear of the reception waiting area then on your right.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the Emergency and Urgent Care Centre Entrance.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens inwards and outwards.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 83cm (2ft 9in).
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 186cm x 270cm (6ft 1in x 8ft 10in).
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 134cm (4ft 5in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • The tap type is sensor.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional.
    • The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are female sanitary, general domestic waste and clinical waste disposal units.
    • There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the cubicle.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 49cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 110cm (3ft 7in).
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • 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).
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 110cm.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is fair.
    • The lighting levels are medium.

Standard Toilet(s) (Emergency and Urgent Care Centre Entrance)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Shared Toilet(s) View
    • The shared toilets that were surveyed are located to your right through the doors at the rear of the reception waiting area.
    • The shared toilet(s) is/are approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the Emergency and Urgent Care Centre Entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the shared toilet(s).
    • An ambulant toilet with wall mounted grab rails is available.
    • Lighting levels are medium.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located in the Nappy Change room off the children's waiting area off the foyer waiting room.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 94cm (3ft 1in).
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the baby change facility.
  • Comments View
    • There is also a separate children's low level toilet.
    • This is off the children's waiting area, which opens off the reception waiting room.

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