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

Getting To The Hospital

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• By Road View
  • Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) is located in central London within the congestion zone. The hospital encourage, where possible, that visitors travel by walking or taking public transport to minimise air pollution and help the patients to breathe better.
  • There is no onsite parking at the hospital site with very limited on-street parking in the surrounding roads. Visitors who use the permit system to park here may not be able to find a parking space. The hospital encourages people to use public transport but if this is not possible they advise using local car parks.
• By Bus View
  • Several bus routes are a short walk from GOSH, and low-floor, wheelchair accessible buses run on all routes.
• By Train View
  • Kings Cross, Euston and Farringdon Station are all approximately 1 mile from Great Ormond Street. The hospital website gives information on options for getting to the hospital from various surrounding stations. The link can be found below.
• By Underground View
  • The nearest tube station is Russell Square which is approximately 0.3 miles away. Russell Square is on the Piccadilly line.
• Useful Links View
  • The GoSH webpage for information on travelling to the hospital.
  • To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
  • The Transport for London website.
  • To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).

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 in the main reception area.
• The telephone number for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is 020 7829 7862.
• 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 do receive disability awareness / equality training.
• Hospital staff do receive disability awareness / equality training.
• Volunteers can be found in the main reception area and at key corridor intersections.
• Hospital staff receive deaf awareness training.
• The alternative formats documents can be provided in 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.
• Water bowls for assistance dogs are available.
• 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 staff and volunteers in the main reception area.

You are on Public Parking. Skip to the next section.

Public Parking

• There is no car park or official drop-off point at Great Ormond Street Hospital. The trust advise that parking in nearby streets is both scarce and expensive. Drivers will need to pay the congestion charge to enter central London. The hospital encourage patients to travel to the hospital by public transport or by walking where possible in order to maintain a Clear Air Zone for patients.
• Blue Badge holders can park in resident parking bays, pay and display spaces or at parking meters free of charge and without a time limit. They can also park on single yellow lines for a maximum of three hours (this only applies in the immediate area of the hospital).
• There are some on street Blue Badge parking bays in Queen Square which are approximately 200 metres from the main entrance.
• The dimensions of these bays are 200cm x 630cm.
• For some parents travelling by car, the hospital may be able to provide a parking permit for a few hours for the day of their child’s appointment, admission or discharge. Parents of children in intensive care are eligible for a parking permit for up to three days in succession. The permit allows you to park on a single yellow line on Guilford Street only. Spaces are limited, are offered on a first come first served basis, and we cannot guarantee a space through issuing a permit. Parking elsewhere will make the permit invalid and put you at risk of getting a parking ticket.

You are on Getting To (Caterpillar Outpatients). Skip to the next section.

Getting To (Caterpillar Outpatients)

• Caterpillar Outpatients is/are located on Level 2 of the Octav Botnar Wing.
• Access to Caterpillar Outpatients is via the Octav Botnar Wing entrance.
• Enter the hospital via the Octav Botnar Wing entrance. Take the lift to Level 2 and on exiting turn left, the Caterpillar Outpatients entrance directly ahead.
• There is step free access, via lift, to Caterpillar Outpatients.
• Caterpillar Outpatients is approximately 6m from the Octav Botnar Wing lift.
• 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 (Octav Botnar Wing Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Octav Botnar Wing Entrance)

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• Entrance Details View
  • This information is for the entrance located in Lamb's Conduit Street.
  • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
  • There is step free 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.
  • The intercom is not in a suitable position to allow wheelchair users to gain access.
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
  • The door(s) is/are double width.
  • The width of the door opening is 166cm.
• Comments View
  • This entrance gives access to Level 1.
  • Access to the hospital from this entrance is via steps or lift.

You are on Other Floors (Octav Botnar Wing Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Other Floors (Octav Botnar Wing Entrance)

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• Stairs View
  • The floors which are accessible by stairs are 1, 2.
  • There are 15 steps between floors.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
  • The going 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 second lower handrail.
  • There is a landing.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor of the building are not provided on landings.
  • The lighting levels are good.

You are on Lift (Octav Botnar Wing Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Lift (Octav Botnar Wing Entrance)

• There is a lift for public use.
• The lift is located immediately beyond the entrance.
• The lift is approximately 7m (7yd 1ft) from the Octav Botnar Wing 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 1, 2.
• There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
• Lift doors do not 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 100cm.
• The dimensions of the lift are 100cm x 180cm.
• There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
• There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
• There is a list of floor services available within the lift.
• The lift does not have a visual floor indicator.
• The lift does not have an audible announcer.
• The internal controls for the lift are not within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
• The lift control buttons range from 83cm to 110cm in height.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• The lift does not have Braille markings.
• The lift does have tactile markings.
• The lighting level in the lift is low.

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

Opening Times

• Monday 08:00 - 20:00.
• Tuesday 08:00 - 20:00.
• Wednesday 08:00 - 20:00.
• Thursday 08:00 - 20:00.
• Friday 08:00 - 18:00.
• Saturday Closed.
• Sunday Closed.

You are on Entrance. Skip to the next section.

Entrance

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• Entrance Details View
  • This information is for the entrance located on Level 2 of the Octav Botnar Wing.
  • The entrance area/door is clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
  • There is step free access at this entrance.
  • There is an intercom but it is not at a convenient height for wheelchair users to gain access.
  • There is a hand sanitiser but it is not at a convenient height for wheelchair users.
  • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
  • The door(s) is/are double width.
  • The door(s) is/are heavy.
  • The width of the door opening is 156cm.
• Comments View
  • The internal door release is 182cm high.

You are on Reception (Nurses Station). Skip to the next section.

Reception (Nurses Station)

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• Reception View
  • The reception point is located just beyond the waiting area.
  • The reception point is approximately 23m (25yd 6in) from the 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 not 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.
  • There is not a clear knee recess beneath the low section of the desk.
  • 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 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 bench seating only.
  • 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 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 bright.

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

Inside Access

• There is level access once inside.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• This venue does not play background music.
• Wayfinding signage is available.
• Pictorial signage is available.
• The type of flooring in walkways and corridors is vinyl/laminate.
• There is some flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
• The lighting levels are varied.

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

Waiting Room / Area

• There is a waiting room / area.
• The waiting room / area is approximately 10m from the 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.
• 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 flashing fire alarm beacon within the waiting room / area.
• There is a television.
• Subtitles are available.
• Vending machines are not available.
• A water dispenser is available.
• There is 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.

You are on Consultation / Treatment Room (L2029 - Isolation Room). Skip to the next section.

Consultation / Treatment Room (L2029 - Isolation Room)

• There is / are 1 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
• The name / number of the room surveyed was; L2029 - Isolation Room.
• 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 heavy.
• The width of the door opening is 85cm (2ft 9in).
• 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 bright.

You are on Consultation / Treatment Room (L2055 - Consulting Room 7). Skip to the next section.

Consultation / Treatment Room (L2055 - Consulting Room 7)

• There is / are 9 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
• The name / number of the room surveyed was; L2055 - Consulting Room 7.
• 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) is/are heavy.
• The width of the door opening is 88cm (2ft 11in).
• 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 not 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 no chairs with armrests available.
• All 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 bright.

You are on Accessible Toilet (Isolation Room). Skip to the next section.

Accessible Toilet (Isolation Room)

• There are accessible toilet facilities within this venue.

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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 off of the Isolation Room.
  • 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 190cm x 230cm (6ft 3in x 7ft 7in).
  • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm in front of the seat.
  • There is a lateral transfer space.
  • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
  • The lateral transfer space is 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • 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 fully functional.
  • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
  • There is a/are general domestic waste disposal units.
  • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the cubicle.
  • There is a/are coat hook(s).
• Position of Fixtures View
  • Wall-mounted grab rails are available.
  • 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 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 not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • 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 102cm (3ft 4in).
  • There is a soap dispenser.
  • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The height of the soap dispenser is 104cm.
  • 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 low colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
  • The contrast between the external door and wall is poor.
  • 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.

You are on Accessible Toilet (Nurses Station). Skip to the next section.

Accessible Toilet (Nurses Station)

• 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 pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
  • This accessible toilet is located behind the nurses station.
  • This accessible toilet is approximately 25m (27yd 1ft) from the Ward 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 101cm x 215cm (3ft 4in x 7ft 1in).
  • 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 108cm (3ft 7in).
  • 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 lever.
  • There is a mixer tap.
  • There is an emergency alarm.
  • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
  • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
  • There is a/are female sanitary, general domestic waste and clinical waste disposal units.
  • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the cubicle.
  • There is a/are coat hook(s).
• Position of Fixtures View
  • Wall-mounted grab rails are available.
  • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on the left.
  • 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 104cm (3ft 5in).
  • 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 112cm.
  • There is a wash basin.
  • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • The height of the wash basin is 75cm (2ft 6in).
• Colour Contrast and Lighting View
  • There is a low colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
  • The contrast between the external door and wall is poor.
  • 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 good.
  • The lighting levels are bright.

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 toilet facilities are available.
• Access to Standard Shared Toilet(s) View
  • The shared toilets that were surveyed are located beyond the unit entrance.
  • The shared toilet(s) is/are approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the unit 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 bright.
• Baby Change Facilities View
  • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
  • Baby change facilities are located in a room next to the toilets.
  • The height of the baby change table once extended is 95cm (3ft 1in).
  • Inside the venue, there is level access to the baby change facility.

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.
• Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children link (new tab) - click here.
• Octav Botnar Wing link (new tab) - click here.