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Birth Centre

Birmingham Women's Hospital, Mindelsohn Way, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TG

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Access Guide

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Getting To The Hospital

  • By Road View
      • From the South

        From the M6 take the exit towards A38(M) to Birmingham Central, continue for 1.9 miles, then take Wellington Rd and Edgbaston Park Rd to Mindelsohn Way.
        Stay on the Aston Express Way/A38 in the right lanes follow A38 for about 9 miles. Then turn right then left onto Spring Road. Then turn right onto Wellington Road for 0.5 miles then continue straight onto Sir Harrys Road.
        Continue onto Priory Road, then at the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Church Rd/B4217.
        After 0.1 miles turn left onto Edgbaston Park Road, turn right onto Somerset Road, then turn left onto Farquhar Road.
        At the next roundabout, continue straight onto Vincent Drive, then turn right onto Mindelsohn Way. The Hospital will be on right.

      • From the North

        • From the M5 leave at Junction 1, continue on A4252 for 19 minutes (5.7 miles).
        At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Kenrick Way/A4252.
        Go straight then at the next roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Telford Way/A4252.
        Follow the road until the next roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Tollhouse Way/A457.
        Follow road then at the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Grove Lane/A457. Then the next roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Dudley Road/A457.
        Then turn right onto Rotton Park Rd/B4129.
        Follow the road then turn right onto City Rd/A4040 and then turn left onto Rotton Park Rd/B4129.
        Turn left onto Portland Rd/B4125 then turn right onto Rotton Park Rd/B4129 Continue until you turn left onto Somerset Rd.
        At the roundabout, then take the 1st exit and stay on Somerset Rd.
        At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto Pritchatts Rd then the next roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto Vincent Drive.
        Then turn right onto Mindelsohn Way, the Hospital will be on the left.
        .
    • The car parking is open air, tarmac surface, with no barriers and is located to the front of the building.
      Public could use the nearest multi-storey car parks around the Queen Elizabeth Hospital if this is full, these have charges separate to the Women's Hospital.
  • By Bus View
    • The nearest Bus Stop is and is Metchley Park Road and serve by nxbus.
      Services to this stop are 10H, 10S, 27 and 19. This is off site and approximately 400 metres away on public footpaths.
    • There is not an onsite bus stop.
  • By Train View
    • The nearest Train Station is University, it is served by cross-country trains and London midland.
      The station is a 6 minute walk on public footpaths over 500 meters away or a 5 minute taxi ride.
  • Useful Links View

Getting Help and Assistance

  • There is a Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) at the hospital.
  • The telephone number for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is 0121 335 8226.
  • 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 in the main reception area from Monday to Saturday.
  • Documents are available in an alternative format and can be provided to include: Braille on request, large print, Makaton on request, different languages on request, voice recognition CD on request and audio on request.
  • 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, walking frames and crutches.

Hospital Parking

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car park is located in front of the main hospital 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 9 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the hospital car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 570cm x 590cm (18ft 8in x 19ft 4in).
    • 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 front left of the main hospital entrance.
    • There is a dropped kerb from the drop-off point.
    • The dropped kerb does not 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 payment machines in the car park and throughout 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 throughout the car park.
    • There is 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 slopes/ramps.
    • The hospital entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
    • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the main hospital entrance.
  • Comments View
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders only if they park in a Blue Badge bay.

Getting To (Birth Centre)

  • The Birth Centre is/are located on the ground floor.
  • Access to the Birth Centre is via the main hospital entrance.
  • Enter via the main hospital entrance and follow the corridor around, through the double doors. Bear left and follow the corridor past the CafĂ©, the entrance to the Birth Centre is to the right in the waiting area.
  • There is step free access to the Birth Centre.
  • The Birth Centre is approximately 49m from the main hospital entrance.
  • There is a/are manual, heavy, double door(s) between the main hospital entrance and the department/service.
  • 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.

Opening Times

  • The venue is open 24hrs.

Outside Access (Main Hospital Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the front left of the main hospital building.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • There is not 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 not a hand sanitiser.
    • There is not a door release button when exiting.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 158cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 146cm.

Entrance (Assessment and Birthing Centre)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the right of main entrance, past the CafĂ©.
    • 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 not a hand sanitiser.
    • 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 150cm.

Department / Service (Birth Centre)

  • Department / Service Access View
    • The Birth Centre is located on the ground floor of the main hospital within the Assessment and Birthing Centre.
    • 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) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 142cm .
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is not a hand sanitiser.
    • There is a door release button when exiting.
    • The height of the door release button is 135cm (4ft 5in).
    • 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 medium.
  • Department / Service Facilities View
    • This department/service has; ambulant toilet facilities for everyone and treatment 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.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Bedroom 18)

  • There is / are 5 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Bedroom 18.
  • There is level access to the consultation / treatment room.
  • There is not a/are not door(s) into the consultation / treatment room.
  • 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.
  • There are some chairs with armrests available.
  • Some tables are permanently fixed.
  • The room does not have background music playing.
  • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • Lighting levels are adjustable.
  • Comments View
    • It was reported that within each bedroom there is a shower/washroom.

Washroom

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a bath, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • There is/are 1 washroom(s) of this type in the unit.
    • There is/are also 5 washroom(s) which has/have a shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the unit.
    • This washroom is female.
    • There is written or text signage on or near the washroom door.
    • The washroom door(s) open(s) inwards.
    • The door(s) is/are locked by a twist lock.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 258cm x 288cm (8ft 6in x 9ft 5in).
    • 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 flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s) 171cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is 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 85cm.
    • There are no wall-mounted grab rails for the wash basin.
    • The tap type is lever. It is a mixer tap.
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 127cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 131cm.
    • 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 41cm (1ft 4in).
    • The cistern is close coupled and can act as a back rest.
    • There is not a lateral transfer space.
    • There is a flush, however it is not 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 80cm.
    • There is not a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
  • Shower Details View
    • There is not a wheel in shower.
  • Bath Details View
    • There is a bath.
    • The height of the side of the bath from floor level is 55cm (1ft 10in).
    • The bath is not height adjustable.
    • The bath tap type is twist/turn. It is not a mixer tap.
    • There is not a shower over/for the bath.
    • There are not wall-mounted grab rails available for the bath.
    • A bath hoist is not available.
  • 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 low.

Accessible Toilet (Birth centre)

  • Location and Access View
    • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is located Via entrance turn left follow the corridor, the toilet is on the right.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 32m (34yd 2ft) from the 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 key is not a radar key.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 130cm x 245cm (4ft 3in x 8ft).
    • The accessible toilet does not 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 55cm (1ft 10in).
    • The lateral transfer space was obstructed at the time of the survey.
    • There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is not 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 and general domestic waste disposal units.
    • There is not 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 not available for the toilet.
    • 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 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • 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 104cm (3ft 5in).
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 71cm (2ft 4in).
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 110cm.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin 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).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are medium.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby changing facilities are available within this accessible toilet.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 84cm (2ft 9in).

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • The female toilet facilities that were surveyed are located within the waiting room to the left of the Assessment and Birthing Centre entrance.
  • The female toilet(s) is/are approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the Assessment and Birthing Centre.
  • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female toilet(s).
  • An ambulant toilet with wall mounted grab rails is available.
  • Lighting levels are medium.
  • The male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located The closest toilet is near the main hospital entrance.

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