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Orwell Ward

Ipswich Hospital, Heath Road, Ipswich, IP4 5PD

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Access Guide

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Getting To The Hospital

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 South Zone.
  • The telephone number for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is 01473 704 781.
  • 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 throughout the hospital.
  • Documents are available in an alternative format and can be provided to include: 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.
  • Mobility aids are available to help patients move around and include; wheelchairs.
  • There is a Changing Places facility at this hospital which is located on the ground floor of the Central Zone.
  • To view the Changing Places Accessibility Guide please click here.

Hospital Parking (Maternity Drop-off and Pick-up Area)

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car park is located outside the Maternity 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 not a/are not Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
  • Paying View
    • There are parking charges for the hospital car park.
    • Payment signs are not provided.
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
    • Payment machines are located outside the Antenatal and Gynaecology Clinic Entrance.
    • 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).
    • 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 dropped kerbs.
    • The hospital entrance is not clearly visible from the car park.
    • The route from the car park to the hospital entrance is not clearly signposted.
  • Comments View
    • This area is sometimes used for lorries and vans to drop-off, so public access can be restricted.
    • There are only 4 standard parking bays, the rest are for staff only.
    • There are 2 general drop-off zones in the car park.

Hospital Parking (Car Park G)

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car park is located outside the Antenatal and Gynaecology Clinic 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 25 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 470cm (11ft 6in x 15ft 5in).
    • 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 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 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 at either side 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).
    • 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 dropped kerbs.
    • The hospital entrance is not clearly visible from the car park.
    • The route from the car park to the hospital entrance is not clearly signposted.
    • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 12m (13yd 4in) from the Antenatal and Gynaecology Clinic Entrance.

Getting To (Orwell Ward)

  • Orwell Ward is/are located on the third floor of the Central Zone Maternity Block.
  • Access to Orwell Ward is via the Maternity entrance.
  • Enter via the Maternity entrance and proceed past the Maternity reception and through the double doors into the lift lobby. Take the lift to the third floor and on exiting the Orwell Ward is located on the left.
  • There is step free access to Orwell Ward.
  • Orwell Ward is approximately 6m from the lift.
  • There is a/are manual, heavy, double door(s) between the Maternity entrance and the department/service.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • There is some flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.

Outside Access (Maternity Entrance - 8)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the side of the building.
    • The entrance area/door is 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.
    • There is a hand sanitiser but it is not at a convenient height for wheelchair users.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 173cm.
    • 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 173cm.

Other Floors (Maternity Block)

  • Stairs View
    • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There are manual, double doors which may be difficult to open to enter and exit the stairwell on all floors.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G-1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9.
    • 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 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 not easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • There is a landing.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor of the building are not provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels are varied.

Lift (Maternity Block)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located just beyond the Maternity Entrance.
  • Signs indicating the location of this lift are not clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 14m (15yd 11in) from the Maternity 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 G-1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9.
  • There are manual, heavy, double doors to access the lift lobby on all floors.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on lift lobby landings.
  • There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
  • Lift doors do 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 115cm.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 155cm x 235cm.
  • There are not 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 have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is good.

Opening Times (Visiting Hours)

  • Monday 15:00 - 19:00.
  • Tuesday 15:00 - 19:00.
  • Wednesday 15:00 - 19:00.
  • Thursday 15:00 - 19:00.
  • Friday 15:00 - 19:00.
  • Saturday 15:00 - 19:00.
  • Sunday 15:00 - 19:00.

Reception

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located to the left of the main ward corridor.
    • The reception point is approximately 16m (17yd 1ft) from the Orwell Ward entrance.
    • Clear signage for the reception area/desk is not 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 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 a hearing assistance system.
    • The type of system is a fixed loop.
    • The hearing assistance system is signed.
    • Staff are trained to use the system.

Ward

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a/an Post Natal/Antenatal ward.
    • This is a female ward.
    • There is/are 5 bay(s) available.
    • There is/are 6 side room(s) available.
    • There is/are 24 bed(s) on this ward in total.
  • Ward Access View
    • There is a/are door(s) leading into the ward.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are single width with a locked extension leaf.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • There is not an intercom/bell at/near this ward entrance which is in a suitable position for people who require access or assistance (between 95cm - 105cm).
    • The hand sanitiser is in a suitable position for wheelchair users.
    • The width of the door opening is 88cm (2ft 11in).
    • There is level access throughout the ward.
    • There is clear signage on the ward.
    • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
    • There is some flooring on the ward which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • The lighting levels are medium.
  • Reception/Nurses' Station View
    • The height of the ward reception desk is 120cm.
    • There is a lowered section.
    • The height of the lowered section of the desk is 72cm.
    • There is a hearing assistance system available at the desk.
  • Example Side Room View
    • There are no side rooms available with an accessible ensuite.
    • The side room surveyed does not have an accessible ensuite.
    • The width of the door opening into the side room is over 75cm.
    • The side room surveyed does not have a ceiling track hoist.
    • There is sufficient space next to the bed for a mobile hoist to operate.
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre around the bed.
    • Bedside storage is available.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and the floor in the side room is good.
    • The lighting levels in the side room are medium.
  • Ward Features and Patient Facilities View
    • A hearing assistance system is available on the ward.
    • The ward does not play background music.
    • There is a chair with armrests on both sides.
    • A mobile hoist is not available on the ward.
  • Visitor Facilities View
    • There are no accessible toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • Accessible toilet facilities for visitors are located in the main outpatients entrance area.
    • There are standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.

Washroom (Bathroom)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a bath and a wash basin.
    • There is/are 1 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
    • There is/are also 2 washroom(s) which has/have a shower and a wash basin.
    • The washroom surveyed is located on the main ward corridor.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
    • This is a female washroom.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the washroom door.
    • The washroom door(s) open(s) inwards.
    • The door(s) is/are locked by a locking handle.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 88cm (2ft 11in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 252cm x 363cm (8ft 3in x 11ft 11in).
    • 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 within reach and fully functional.
    • There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s) 160cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is not a tall mirror, with suitable specifications, for ease of use.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The height of the wash basin is 72cm.
    • 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 height of the soap dispenser is 94cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 143cm.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • The washroom has a non-slip floor.
  • Bath Details View
    • There is a bath.
    • The height of the side of the bath from floor level is 59cm (1ft 11in).
    • The bath is not height adjustable.
    • The bath tap type is lever. It is a mixer tap.
    • There is not a shower over/for the bath.
    • There are wall-mounted grab rails available.
    • 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 colour contrast between the bath wall-mounted grab rails and wall is fair.
    • The colour contrast between the washroom floor and walls is good.
    • Lighting levels are medium.
  • Comments View
    • The bath is accessed by three deep steps.

Washroom (Shower Room)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a shower and a wash basin.
    • There is/are 2 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
    • There is/are also 1 washroom(s) which has/have a bath and a wash basin.
    • The washroom surveyed is located on the main ward corridor.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
    • This is a female washroom.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the washroom door.
    • The washroom door(s) open(s) inwards.
    • The door(s) is/are locked by a locking handle.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 110cm x 174cm (3ft 7in x 5ft 9in).
    • 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 a flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s) 160cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is not a tall mirror, with suitable specifications, for ease of use.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The height of the wash basin is 73cm.
    • 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 height of the soap dispenser is 95cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 139cm.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • The washroom has a non-slip floor.
  • Shower Details View
    • There is not a wheel in shower.
    • The shower head is height adjustable.
    • The shower control type is lever.
    • There is a flip down/tip up seat for the shower.
    • The height of the flip down/tip up or fixed seat is 46cm (1ft 6in).
    • There are wall-mounted grab rails available.
    • The shower cubicle is accessed via a shallow step.
  • 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 colour contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the washroom floor and walls is good.
    • Lighting levels are medium.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Female Toilet(s) View
    • The female toilet facilities that were surveyed are located throughout the ward.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female toilet(s).
    • An ambulant toilet with wall mounted grab rails is not available.
    • Lighting levels are medium.
  • Access to Standard Shared Toilet(s) View
    • The shared toilets that were surveyed are located just inside the Orwell Ward entrance.
    • The shared toilet(s) is/are approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the Orwell Ward entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the shared toilet(s).
    • An ambulant toilet with wall mounted grab rails is not available.
    • Lighting levels are medium.

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