Skip to main content

Residences

West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, Hardwick Lane, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP33 2QZ

View Accessibility Symbols

Accessibility Symbols

For more information about what these symbols mean, view our Accessibility Symbols Guide.

Close this popup window.

Access Guide

Show Easy Read

Getting To The Hospital

  • 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.

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.
  • 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.

Hospital Parking (Main Visitor Parking)

  • 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.

Hospital Parking (Accommodation Blocks)

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car park is located is located outside the accommodation block.
    • 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 3 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the hospital car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 245cm x 480cm.
    • 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 not a designated drop-off point.
  • Paying View
    • There are not parking charges for the hospital car park.
  • 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.

Hospital Parking (Blue Badge Parking and Drop Off Point)

  • 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.

Introduction

  • There are three accommodation blocks, Clark House, Beeton house and Bloomfield House containing a total of 120 rooms. All contain the same facilities. Bloomfield House has two rooms with accessible washrooms and kitchens with height adjustable sinks and hobs.

Opening Times (Accommodation Office)

  • Monday 08:30 - 16:30.
  • Tuesday 08:30 - 16:30.
  • Wednesday 08:30 - 16:30.
  • Thursday 08:30 - 16:30.
  • Friday 08:30 - 16:30.
  • Saturday Closed.
  • Sunday Closed.

Outside Access (Residential Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the block.
    • 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.
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 145cm .
    • There is a door release button when exiting.
    • The height of the door release button is 115cm (3ft 9in).
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 100cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 1.5cm or below.

Outside Access (Accommodation Office)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the block.
    • 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 not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is not a door release button when exiting.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 83cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 1.5cm or below.

Inside Access

  • There is level access once inside.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • This venue does not play background music.
  • Motorised scooters are allowed in public parts of the venue.
  • Wayfinding signage is not available.
  • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
  • The type of flooring in walkways and corridors is carpet.
  • The lighting levels are medium.

Kitchen

  • The kitchen is located within the accommodation.
  • There is step-free access to the kitchen.
  • There is a/are door(s) to access the kitchen.
  • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) is/are single width.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 87cm.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre within the kitchen.
  • There is a work surface with a clear knee recess.
  • There is a height adjustable work surface.
  • The type of flooring in this area is vinyl.
  • Tables are not permanently fixed.
  • Chairs are not permanently fixed.

Room (B021)

  • Accessible Rooms View
    • There are accessible ensuite facilities.
    • There is / are 2 room(s) which has / have accessible ensuite facilities.
    • There is / are 0 adjoining room(s) available for carers.
  • Location and Access View
    • The accessible room viewed is 12m (13yd 4in) from the Residential Entrance.
    • There is level access from an accessible entrance.
  • Accessible Room View
    • The room number or room name viewed was B021.
    • The width of the door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The height of the bed is 57cm (1ft 10in).
    • The measurement between the bed base and floor is 40cm (1ft 4in).
    • Light switches are within 120cm from floor level.
    • There is a functional emergency alarm in the room.
    • An adjoining room is not available.
    • Assistance dogs are welcomed to stay with guests in accessible rooms.
  • Accessible Ensuite View
    • The width of the door to the ensuite is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door weight is heavy.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The dimensions of the accessible ensuite are 230cm x 250cm (7ft 7in x 8ft 2in).
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 164cm (5ft 5in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is not a flush on the transfer side.
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet, the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • The toilet seat is 48cm (1ft 7in) above floor level.
    • There is not a toilet roll holder.
    • There is a sink.
    • The sink can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the sink is 75cm (2ft 6in).
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap for the sink.
    • There is a functional emergency alarm available in the ensuite.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • There are mirrors.
  • Wheel In Shower View
    • There is a wheel in shower.
    • The shower head is adjustable.
    • The shower control type is lever.
    • The shower seat is flip-down.
    • The flip-down or fixed seat height is 53cm (1ft 9in).
    • There are handrails available for the shower.
  • Signage, colour contrast and lighting in accessible rooms View
    • There is tactile signage on or near the hotel door.
    • The colour contrast between the external ensuite door and wall is good.
    • Lighting levels are medium.
  • Colour contrast and lighting in accessible ensuite View
    • The colour contrast between the internal ensuite door and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor in the ensuite is good.
    • The colour contrast between the drop down rails and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the grab rails and wall is good.
    • Lighting levels are bright.
  • Auxiliary Aids - General View
    • Assistance dogs are welcome to stay with guests in rooms.
    • The number of accessible rooms with wheel in showers is 2.
  • Ground Floor Standard Rooms View
    • There are standard rooms on the ground floor.
    • There is level access to ground floor rooms.
    • Adjoining rooms are not available.
  • Standard Rooms on Other Floors View
    • There are standard rooms on other floors.
    • The other floors can be accessed by lift.
    • There is level access to standard rooms on other floors.
    • Adjoining rooms are not available.

Room / Area (Kitchen - Flat B021)

  • There is level access to the room / area.
  • There is a/are door(s) into the room / area.
  • 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 87cm (2ft 10in).
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is a chair.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • There are some chairs with armrests available.
  • Some tables are permanently fixed.
  • The room / area does not have background music playing.
  • There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room / area.
  • Lighting levels are bright.

Other Floors

  • Stairs View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G,1,2,3,4.
    • 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 not 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 landing.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the left on entering.
  • Signs indicating the location of this lift are not clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the Residential 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.
  • 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 poor.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is good.
  • The clear door width is 90cm.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 110cm x 140cm.
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is a mirror to aid reversing out of 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 not a hearing assistance system.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is low.

Washroom (Accessible Flat - B021)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the building.
    • This washroom is interchangeable between male and female.
    • There is no additional signage on or near the washroom door.
    • The washroom door(s) open(s) outwards.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The washroom does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • There is an emergency pull cord alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is tied up and out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor).
    • There is not a mirror.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the wash basin is 73cm.
    • As you face the wash basin the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • The tap type is lever. It is a mixer tap.
    • There is not a soap dispenser.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • Disposal facilities are not available.
    • The washroom has a non-slip floor.
  • Toilet Details View
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The cistern is close coupled and can act as a back rest.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is not a toilet roll holder.
    • There is not a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
  • Shower Details View
    • There is a wheel in shower.
    • The shower does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • 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 50cm (1ft 8in).
    • There are wall-mounted grab rails available for the shower.
  • 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 dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet 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.

Related Access Guides