You are on Getting To The Hospital (Royal Berkshire Hospital). Skip to the next section.

Getting To The Hospital (Royal Berkshire Hospital)

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• By Road View
  • Royal Berkshire Hospital is located on Craven Road to the south east of the city. The postcode to use for the sat nav is RG1 5AN. From the west of the city, Royal Berkshire Hospital can be accessed via several routes from the A33. From the east of the city the main route to the hospital is from the A3290 via London Road which is a one way street.
  • There are various car parks at the hospital but the main public parking is in the multi-storey car park located on Craven Road, next to the main entrance of the hospital. The multi-storey car park is pay on foot and the pay stations are located on Level 0 and Level 2. Levels 0, 1, 2 and 3 are public. Most wards and departments are accessed from Level 2. There is no public access to A&E or Endoscopy from inside the main hospital. Level 2 has 26 disabled-only spaces and leads straight to the main reception and to most wards and departments in the hospital. There are also seven disabled spaces on Level 0. A limited number of disabled spaces are also available near West Drive buildings, South Block, North Block, Endoscopy, Sexual Health and Battle Block.
• By Bus View
  • Several local bus routes serve the hospital site. They are the leopard 3, leopard 8, leopard 9, little oranges 19a, little oranges 19b, little oranges 19c and 149. The bus stop is located on Craven Road to the right of the Main Hospital entrance.
  • There is not an onsite bus stop.
• By Train View
  • The closest station is Reading which is approximately 1 mile from the hospital. You can catch the 19a little oranges and the 19b little oranges buses from the station. Both services stop outside the main hospital entrance on Craven Road. There are also several taxi services which run from the station.
• Useful Links View
  • Google Map of Royal Berkshire Hospital location.
  • To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
  • Route from Reading Train Station to the hospital.
  • To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
  • Please click on the link below for First Group Buses.
  • To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
  • Please click on the link below for Reading Buses.
  • To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).

You are on Getting Help and Assistance (Royal Berkshire Hospital). Skip to the next section.

Getting Help and Assistance (Royal Berkshire Hospital)

• To see the hospital map please click here (opens new tab).
• There is a Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) at the hospital.
• The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is located on Level 2 of Centre Block.
• The telephone number for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is 0118 322 8338.
• 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 reception.
• Documents are available in an alternative format and can be provided to include: Braille on request, large print, different languages and audio.
• 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.
• Mobility aids are available to help patients move around and include; wheelchairs.
• To obtain mobility aids please contact main reception.
• There is a Changing Places facility at this hospital which is located on Level 1 of Centre Block.

You are on Hospital Parking (Multi-Storey). Skip to the next section.

Hospital Parking (Multi-Storey)

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• Parking View
  • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
  • The car park is located to the right hand side of the main entrance.
  • The car park type is multi storey.
  • The car park does have a height restriction barrier.
  • The maximum height is 220cm (7ft 3in).
  • The car park does have a barrier control system.
  • The car park surface is concrete.
  • There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
  • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • 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 360cm x 480cm (11ft 10in x 15ft 9in).
  • There is not 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 on level 0 and level 2.
  • 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 entrance to the car park, at the payment machines in the car park and throughout the car park.
  • Payment signs are located next to and on the screen of the payment machines.
  • Payment signs do not make it clear if parking charges apply to Blue Badge holders.
  • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
  • Payment machines are located throughout the car park.
  • Payment machines are located on level 0 in the lift lobby and on the level 2 central walkway in the car park.
  • There is 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 unaided.
  • The hospital entrance is not clearly visible from the car park.
  • The route from the car park to the hospital entrance is clearly signposted.
  • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the Car Park - Level 2 entrance.
• Comments View
  • Patient and visitor parking is available on level 0, 1, 2 and 3.
  • Blue badge holders must register on the APCOA Blue Badge Portal to receive free parking.
  • The portal can be accessed via www.bluebadge.apcoa.co.uk or by scanning the QR code on a parking sign.
  • To validate Blue Badge parking please go to reception on level 2.
  • There are Blue Badge bays and drop off zones on level 0 (A and E drop off only) and level 2 and are located near the entrances to the hospital.
  • The maximum wait time in the drop off bays is 30 minutes.
  • There is a payment machine located in the middle of the car park on every level.

You are on Hospital Parking (South Block Car Park - Staff Only). Skip to the next section.

Hospital Parking (South Block Car Park - Staff Only)

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• Parking View
  • The car park is located at the South Block entrance currently accessed via Craven Road.
  • The car park type is open air/surface.
  • The car park does have a height restriction barrier.
  • The car park does not have a barrier control system.
  • There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
  • The Blue Badge bay(s) markings are faded.
  • There is/are 8 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the hospital car park.
  • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 355cm x 465cm (11ft 8in x 15ft 3in).
  • There is not 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 to the left of the South Block entrance.
  • There is a dropped kerb from the drop-off point.
  • The dropped kerb does not have tactile paving.
• 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 30m (32yd 2ft) from the South Block entrance.
• Comments View
  • There are 5 Blue Badge bays outside the front of the South Block entrance with ramped or stepped access and 3 Blue Badge bays to the left of the South Block entrance which is accessed by a slight slope from the drop off area.
  • The drop off area is 18m from the South Block entrance.

You are on Getting To (Ambulatory Emergency Care Unit). Skip to the next section.

Getting To (Ambulatory Emergency Care Unit)

• The Ambulatory Emergency Care Unit is/are located on Level 2 of the South Block.
• Access to the Ambulatory Emergency Care Unit is via the South Block entrance.
• Enter via the South Block entrance and the Ambulatory Emergency Care Unit entrance is located on the right.
• There is step free access to the Ambulatory Emergency Care Unit.
• The Ambulatory Emergency Care Unit is approximately 8m from the South Block entrance.
• 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.
• There is some flooring in corridors which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.

You are on Outside Access (South Block Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (South Block Entrance)

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• Entrance Details View
  • This information is for the entrance located off Addington Road.
  • 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 a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
  • There is not a bell/buzzer.
  • There is not an intercom.
  • There is a hand sanitiser.
  • The height of the hand sanitiser is 128cm (4ft 2in).
  • There is a door release button when exiting.
  • The height of the door release button is 115cm (3ft 9in).
  • Standard manual wheelchairs are available for people to borrow at this entrance.
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
  • The door(s) is/are double width.
  • The width of the door opening is 176cm.
  • 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 (towards you).
  • The door(s) is/are double width.
  • The width of the door opening is 176cm.
• Ramp/Slope Details View
  • The ramp/slope is located leading to the South Block entrance from the staff car park and leading from the Blue Badge Bays next to the drop off area to the left of the South Block entrance.
  • The ramp/slope gradient is steep.
  • 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 120cm.
  • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
• Step Details View
  • The step(s) is/are located leading to the South Block entrance from the staff car park.
  • There is/are 6 step(s).
  • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The handrail(s) is/are on the left going up the step(s).

You are on Opening Times (Ambulatory Emergency Care Unit). Skip to the next section.

Opening Times (Ambulatory Emergency Care Unit)

• Monday 08:30 - 20:00.
• Tuesday 08:30 - 20:00.
• Wednesday 08:30 - 20:00.
• Thursday 08:30 - 20:00.
• Friday 08:30 - 20:00.
• Saturday Closed.
• Sunday Closed.

You are on Department / Service (Ambulatory Emergency Care Unit). Skip to the next section.

Department / Service (Ambulatory Emergency Care Unit)

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• Department / Service Access View
  • The Ambulatory Emergency Care Unit is located on Level 2 of the South 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) may be difficult to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 160cm .
  • There is not a bell/buzzer.
  • There is not an intercom.
  • There is a hand sanitiser.
  • The height of the hand sanitiser is 127cm (4ft 2in).
  • 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 moderate to good.
• Department / Service Facilities View
  • This department/service has; accessible toilet facilities for everyone, ambulant toilet facilities for everyone, a main reception, a waiting room/area, standard toilet facilities, consultation rooms, treatment rooms and a sub waiting area.
  • There are 12 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 accessible toilet facilities within the department/service.
  • There are standard toilet facilities within this department/service.
• Comments View
  • The accessible toilet is also used as the standard toilet.

You are on Reception (Ambulatory Emergency Care Unit Reception). Skip to the next section.

Reception (Ambulatory Emergency Care Unit Reception)

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• Reception View
  • The reception point is located on the left at the end of the Ambulatory Emergency Care Unit entrance corridor.
  • The reception point is approximately 27m (29yd 1ft) from the Ambulatory Emergency Care Unit entrance.
  • Clear signage for the reception area/desk is 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 moderate to 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 staffed.
  • 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 are seats with armrests on both sides.
  • 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 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 moderate to good.

You are on Waiting Room / Area (Corridor Waiting Area). Skip to the next section.

Waiting Room / Area (Corridor Waiting Area)

• There is a waiting room / area.
• The waiting room / area is approximately 7m from the Ambulatory Emergency Care Unit 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 not 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.
• The surface height of the lowest table is 46cm.
• The tables do contrast visually with the floor.
• There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• Announcements are in person.
• The waiting room / area does 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 not available.
• There is not a play area or toys/books for a child to play with.
• There is not space for an assistance dog to rest within the seating area.
• Lighting levels are moderate to good.

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• Comments View
  • This waiting area is located in the Ambulatory Emergency Care Unit corridor as you enter the department.

You are on Consultation / Treatment Room (Consultation Room). Skip to the next section.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Consultation Room)

• There is / are 12 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
• The name / number of the room surveyed was; Consultation Room 3.
• 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 easy to open.
• The width of the door opening is 77cm (2ft 6in).
• 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.
• All chairs have 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 moderate to good.

You are on Consultation / Treatment Room (Examination Room). Skip to the next section.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Examination Room)

• There is / are 12 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
• The name / number of the room surveyed was; Examination 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.
• The door(s) is/are easy to open.
• The width of the door opening is 75cm (2ft 6in).
• 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.
• All chairs have 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 moderate to good.

You are on Consultation / Treatment Room (Examination and Treatment Room). Skip to the next section.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Examination and Treatment Room)

• There is / are 12 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
• The name / number of the room surveyed was; Examination and Treatment Room 3.
• 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 easy to open.
• The width of the door opening is 75cm (2ft 6in).
• 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 adjustable.
• All chairs have armrests available.
• Some 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 moderate to good.

You are on Accessible Toilet(s) (Left Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Left Hand Transfer)

• There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.

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• Location and Access View
  • This accessible toilet is located to the left as you enter the Ambulatory Emergency Care Unit entrance.
  • This accessible toilet is approximately 3m from the Ambulatory Emergency Care Unit 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 pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
  • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
  • The door opens inwards.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The door is locked by a twist lock.
  • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 83cm.
  • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
  • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
• Toilet Features View
  • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 164cm x 203cm.
  • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
  • The height of the light switch/pull cord is 120cm from floor level.
  • The lighting levels are low to moderate.
  • There is a lateral transfer space.
  • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
  • The lateral transfer space is 95cm.
  • The transfer space is obstructed by a sanitary bin.
  • There is a flush on the transfer side.
  • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
  • There is a lever flush.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
  • 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 fair.
  • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
  • There is an emergency alarm.
  • The emergency pull cord 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 sanitary and pedal bin disposal units.
  • There is a/are coat hook(s).
  • The height of the coat hook is 168cm from the floor.
• Additional Fixtures View
  • 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.
  • There is a lid attached to the toilet seat.
  • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 44cm (1ft 5in).
  • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
  • 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 height of the toilet roll holder is 96cm (3ft 2in).
  • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is good.
  • There is a wash basin.
  • The wash basin and tap(s) cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • The height of the wash basin is 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the left hand side of the wash basin.
  • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
  • 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 100cm.
  • There is a towel dispenser.
  • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The height of the towel dispenser is 125cm (4ft 1in).
  • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is good.
  • There is not a hand dryer.

You are on Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities (Royal Berkshire Hospital). Skip to the next section.

Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities (Royal Berkshire Hospital)

• Changing Places facilities are located on Level 1 of the Centre Block. Please click here for more information.
• Accessible toilet facilities are located on Level 2 of the Centre Block, Level 3 of the Eye Block, Level 1 of the North block, level 1 of the Battle Block and Levels 1,2 and 3 of the South Block. There are stoma friendly toilets located on level 2 of the South Block, level 1 of the Battle Block, level 1 of the North Block, and on the level 2 concourse of the Centre Block.
• Female and male standard toilet facilities are located on Level 2 of the Centre Block, on Level 2 and 5 of the Maternity Block, on Level 1 of the Berkshire Cancer Centre and on Levels 1,2, and 3 of the South Block.
• Shared standard toilet facilities are located on Level 2 of the Centre Block along the Concourse, on Level 2 of the Eye Block, on Level 4 of the Maternity block and on Level 1 of Battle Block.

You are on Related Access Guides. Skip to the next section.

Related Access Guides

• To view other Detailed Access Guides that are related to this one please use the links below.
• Centre Block - Building Guide link (new tab) - click here.
• South Block link (new tab) - click here.