You are on Getting To The Hospital. Skip to the next section.

Getting To The Hospital

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• By Road View
  • The West Suffolk Hospital is located to the south of Bury St. Edmunds Town Centre. It is within easy access of the A14 (westerly or easterly direction). Please also note that car parking at West Suffolk Hospital, Bury St. Edmunds can be very difficult at busy times of the day.
• By Bus View
  • The main bus station is in St Andrew's Street North, a few minutes walk from the town centre. Mulley's Bus Company runs the M11/M22 bus service from here to the hospital and return. Currently this runs at hourly intervals at 10 minutes past the hour arriving at the hospital at 27 minutes past. Stephenson's Bus Company runs the Bury St Edmunds Town Breeze Service from here to the hospital and return. Currently this runs at half hourly intervals, at 15 and 45 minutes past the hour arriving at the hospital at 25 and 55 minutes past.
• By Train View
  • The railway station is on Station Hill (Tel: 01284 484950), about 1 mile from the town centre and 2 miles from the hospital. There are at least five train services daily between Bury St Edmunds and Ipswich and Cambridge. The journey time for either is approximately 45 minutes. There is a bus service from the station which runs to the main bus station in St Andrew's Street North, with connecting services to the hospital. There is also a taxi rank outside the station, and further taxi offices on Station Hill.

You are on Getting Help and Assistance. Skip to the next section.

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 to the left as you enter the main hospital entrance.
• There are volunteers available for help and assistance at the hospital.
• Volunteers can be found at main reception.
• There is not an assistance dog toilet or toileting area on the hospital site.
• Mobility aids are available to help patients move around and include; wheelchairs.
• To obtain mobility aids please contact main reception.

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• Comments View
  • Disability awareness training can be provided for staff.
  • The most commonly used documents can be produced in different formats on request.
  • Different formats may include Braille, large print, audio and different languages.
  • British Sign Language interpreters can be provided on request.
  • A member of staff generally on duty is trained to level 2.
  • Language interpreters can be provided on request.
  • The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) can provide advice and support for accessing these services.
  • They can be contacted on 01284 712555 or by visiting the office in the main reception area.
  • Registered assistance dogs are generally welcomed in all areas although departments with high risk from infection, such as wards and intensive care units, should be contacted in advance.
  • Help with luggage is available for inpatients.
  • The mobility aids available in the hospital include mobile hoists, wheelchairs, motorised wheelchairs, tri wheel walkers, shower chairs, bath hoists, commodes, walking sticks, walking frames, hoist slings, adjustable beds and crutches.

You are on Hospital Parking (Main Visitor Parking). Skip to the next section.

Hospital Parking (Main Visitor Parking)

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• Parking View
  • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
  • The car park is located in 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.
  • The barrier controls/touchscreen can be reached from the car.
  • The car park surface is tarmac.
  • There is not a/are not Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
  • 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 393 cm x 460cm.
  • 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 not a designated drop-off point.
• Paying View
  • There are parking charges for the hospital car park.
  • Payment signs are provided.
  • Payment signs are clearly presented.
  • Payment signs are located at the entrance to the car park, at the payment machines in the car park and at the payment machines in the hospital building.
  • Payment machines are located inside the hospital building and at the front of 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).
• Access to the Hospital View
  • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
  • Assistance may be required because there is/are slopes/ramps.
  • The hospital entrance is not clearly visible from the car park.
  • The route from the car park to the hospital entrance is clearly signposted.
  • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 45m (49yd 8in) from the hospital main entrance.
• Comments View
  • The car park is run with an ANPR system.
  • Visitors will need their registration number to enter into one of the machines around the trust, make a payment, and the barriers on the exit road will automatically open.
  • For more information on hospital parking please see the Car Parking Information guide.

You are on Hospital Parking (Blue Badge Parking and Drop Off Point). Skip to the next section.

Hospital Parking (Blue Badge Parking and Drop Off Point)

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• Parking View
  • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
  • The car parking facilities are for Blue Badge holders only.
  • The car park is located in front of the hospital main entrance.
  • The car park type is open air/surface.
  • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • The car park does not have a barrier control system.
  • The car park surface is tarmac.
  • There is a/are clearly marked/signposted Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
  • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked and signposted.
  • There is/are 36 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the hospital car park.
  • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 350cm x 510cm.
  • 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 next to the Accident and Emergency entrance at the front of the hospital.
  • 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 entrance to the car park, at the payment machines in the car park and at the payment machines in the hospital building.
  • Payment signs do make it clear if parking charges apply to Blue Badge holders.
  • Parking is not free for Blue Badge holders.
  • Payment machines are located inside the hospital building and at the front of 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).
• 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 16m (17yd 1ft) from the main hospital entrance.
• Comments View
  • For more information on hospital parking please see the Car Parking Information guide.

You are on Outside Access (Main Hospital Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Main Hospital Entrance)

• This information is for the entrance located at the front of the hospital.
• There is not level access into the venue.
• The main door(s) open automatically.
• The doors are single width.
• The door opening is 144cm (4ft 9in) wide.

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• Second set of doors View
  • There is a second set of doors.
  • The door(s) open automatically.
  • The doors are double width.
  • The door opening is 174cm (5ft 9in) wide.

You are on Level Change (Main Hospital Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Level Change (Main Hospital Entrance)

• There is a ramp or slope to access this service.
• The ramp or slope is located in front of the entrance.
• The ramp or slope is permanent.

You are on Getting To (Breast Care and Imaging Unit). Skip to the next section.

Getting To (Breast Care and Imaging Unit)

• The Breast Care and Imaging Unit is/are located on the ground floor in area 11 of the Yellow Zone.
• Access to the Breast Care and Imaging Unit is via the main hospital entrance.
• When entering the hospital go straight ahead, turn right at the end of the corridor and continue ahead. After the staircase turn right and then immediately left. This part of the route is a Memory Walk named Forget-Me-Not Walk, a reminiscent corridor designed to provide a calm and comforting space for patients with dementia. Follow the Memory Walk and bear left at the Yellow Zone lift. The Breast Care and Imaging Unit is located on the left of the corridor.
• There is step free access to the Breast Care and Imaging Unit.
• The Breast Care and Imaging Unit is approximately 200m 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 flooring in corridors with a very shiny finish which could cause issues with glare or be perceived as slippery.
• There is flooring in corridors with large, repeating patterns that incorporate bold contrasting colours or simulate steps.

You are on Opening Times. Skip to the next section.

Opening Times

• Monday 09:00 - 17:00.
• Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00.
• Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00.
• Thursday 09:00 - 17:00.
• Friday 09:00 - 17:00.

You are on Outside Access (Breast Care and Imaging Unit Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Breast Care and Imaging Unit Entrance)

• This information is for the entrance located on the ground floor.
• There is level access into the venue.
• The main door(s) open away from you (push).
• The doors are double width.
• The door(s) is / are heavy.
• The door opening is 156cm (5ft 1in) wide.

You are on Reception. Skip to the next section.

Reception

• There is level access to reception from the entrance.
• The reception desk is high (110cm+).
• The desk has a low (76cm or lower) section.
• The desk is generally staffed.
• The lighting levels are bright.
• There is a hearing assistance system.
• The type of system is a fixed loop.
• Staff are trained to use the system.
• There is not a prescription box.
• There is a bell to attract attention.
• The bell is not at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the desk.

You are on Inside Access. Skip to the next section.

Inside Access

• There is level access to the service.
• There is a hearing assistance system.
• The hearing system is available only on request.
• The system is a portable loop.
• Staff are trained to use the system.
• This venue does play background music.
• Customers cannot charge scooters or wheelchairs at the venue.
• Route finding signage is available.
• The type of flooring in walkways and corridors is carpet.
• The lighting levels are bright.

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

Waiting Room / Area (Screening)

• There is a waiting room / area.
• The waiting room / area is 1m (3ft 3in) from the unit entrance.
• There is level access into the waiting room / area.
• There are not doors into the waiting room / area.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• The type of flooring is carpet.
• No chairs are permanently fixed.
• Some chairs with armrests are available.
• No tables are permanently fixed.
• Announcements are in person.
• The room does have background music playing.
• There is not a television.
• Vending machines are not available.
• There is not a children's play area.
• There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
• Lighting levels are bright.

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

Consultation / Treatment Room (Screening)

• There are 4 consultation/treatment rooms available.
• The room surveyed was Mammography 2.
• The consultation / treatment room is 15m (16yd 1ft) from the unit entrance.
• There is level access to the consultation / treatment room.
• There are doors into the consultation / treatment room.
• The main doors open away from you (push).
• The doors are double width.
• The doors are heavy.
• The door opening is 142cm (4ft 8in) wide.
• The type of flooring is vinyl.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• There is not a bed / couch.
• There is a chair.
• No chairs are permanently fixed.
• All chairs with armrests available.
• No tables are permanently fixed.
• A flashing alarm is not available.
• A vibrating alarm is not available.
• The room does not have background music playing.
• Lighting levels are bright.

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• Comments View
  • It was not possible to access consultation rooms at the time of the survey.

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

Waiting Room / Area (Symptomatic)

• There is a waiting room / area.
• The waiting room / area is 20m (21yd 2ft) from the unit entrance.
• There is level access into the waiting room / area.
• There are not doors into the waiting room / area.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• The type of flooring is vinyl.
• No chairs are permanently fixed.
• All chairs have armrests.
• No tables are permanently fixed.
• Announcements are in person.
• The room does not have background music playing.
• There is not a television.
• Vending machines are not available.
• There is not a children's play area.
• There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
• Lighting levels are medium.

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

Consultation / Treatment Room (Symptomatic)

• There are 5 consultation/treatment rooms available.
• The room surveyed was A17.
• The consultation / treatment room is 23m (25yd 6in) from the unit entrance.
• There is level access to the consultation / treatment room.
• There are doors into the consultation / treatment room.
• The main doors open away from you (push).
• The doors are double width.
• The doors are heavy.
• The door opening is 124cm (4ft 1in) wide.
• The type of flooring is vinyl.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• There is a bed / couch.
• The bed / couch is adjustable.
• There is a chair.
• No chairs are permanently fixed.
• The chair is not adjustable.
• No chairs with armrests available.
• The room does not have background music playing.
• Lighting levels are bright.

You are on Standard Changing Room. Skip to the next section.

Standard Changing Room

• There are standard changing rooms available.
• The standard changing rooms are located on the main corridor.
• The standard changing room is 15m (16yd) from the entrance.
• There is level access to the standard changing rooms.

You are on Accessible Toilet. Skip to the next section.

Accessible Toilet

• Accessible toilet facilities are available.

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• Location and Access View
  • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
  • There is no signage on or near the toilet door.
  • This accessible toilet is located at the rear of the unit.
  • This accessible toilet is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the unit entrance.
  • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
• Features and Dimensions View
  • This is a unisex toilet.
  • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
  • 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 150cm x 220cm (4ft 11in x 7ft 3in).
  • 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 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • There is no dropdown rail for the toilet.
  • There is a flush on the transfer side.
  • The tap type is push.
  • There is not a mixer tap.
  • 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 not available in the cubicle.
  • There is a/are 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 the left.
  • There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
  • The shelf is not higher than 95cm (3ft 1in).
  • 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 43cm (1ft 5in).
  • 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 133cm (4ft 4in).
  • There is a toilet roll holder.
  • The toilet roll holder can 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 120cm (3ft 11in).
  • There is a wash basin.
  • The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • The height of the wash basin is 88cm (2ft 11in).
• Colour Contrast and Lighting View
  • There is a medium colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
  • The contrast between the external door and wall is fair.
  • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
  • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
  • The lighting levels are bright.
• Comments View
  • The adapted toilet is also used as a standard unisex toilet.

You are on Standard Toilet(s). Skip to the next section.

Standard Toilet(s)

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• Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
  • Standard toilets are not available.