Skip to main content

Royal Papworth Hospital

Papworth Road, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0AY

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 (Royal Papworth Hospital)

  • By Road View
    • Access to Royal Papworth Hospital from either the north or south is via the M11.
      Exit at junction 11 and follow the signs for hospitals on to Addenbrookes Road.
      Once over the small bridge turn right at the roundabout onto Dame Mary Archer Way.
      Take the first left onto Papworth Road which leads to both the front of the hospital or the multi-storey car park.
    • There are 6 Blue Badge bays at the front of the hospital and several 20 minute drop off spaces.
      Further parking is in the multi-storey car park.
  • By Bus View
    • The Green & The Gardens stop is directly outside the bus stop entrances for the hospital.
      This stop is approximately 40m from the Bus Stop Accessible Entrance.
      There are multiple bus stops across the campus, they are; A Citi 7, 31,13/A/B/C/X13, 99, 335 B Citi 1, 31 C Citi 7, 13/A/B/C/x13, 31, 132, D Citi 2, 25 Dame Mary Archer Way Citi 7, 25 75, Busway A & Universal LRSFC Citi 7 and 75.
      On Long Road there is Out Patients Busway A & Universal Puddicombe Way Busway A & Universal Francis Crick Avenue Busway A & Universal.
      Not all buses stop outside Royal Papworth, however there is a courtesy bus that runs every ten minutes between the sites.
    • There is an onsite bus stop.
    • The onsite stop is at the rear of the hospital.
    • The bus stop is sheltered with a glass canopy and glass sides.
      There is a wooden fixed bench in the bus stop.
      There are spaces available for wheelchair users either side of the bench.
    • The bus stop is approximately 40m from the Bus Stop Accessible Entrance.
      The route contains slight slopes from the bus stop towards the hospital entrance.
      There is fixed seating between the bus stop and the Bus Stop Accessible Entrance.
  • By Train View
    • The nearest train station is located in the centre of Cambridge and is approximately 2.5 miles from the hospital.
      There are several bus and taxi services which run from the station to the hospital.
  • Useful Links View
  • Comments View
    • The bus stop at the rear of the hospital is displayed in the attached pictures.

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 Patient Support Service office which is off the main hospital reception waiting area on the Ground Floor.
  • 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.
  • Documents are available in an alternative format and can be provided to include: Braille on request, large print on request, Makaton on request, different languages on request, voice recognition CD on request and audio on request.
  • There is an assistance dog toilet or toileting area on the hospital site.
  • The assistance dog toilet or toileting area is located on the green areas around the Hospital.
  • 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.
  • To obtain mobility aids please contact main reception or a member of staff.
  • There is a Changing Places facility at this hospital which is located in the Day Unit on the Ground Floor.

Hospital Parking (Accessible Parking and Drop Off)

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car park is located directly in front of the 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 and block paving.
    • There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked and signposted.
    • There is/are 6 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the hospital car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 370cm x 610cm (12ft 2in x 20ft).
    • 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 directly in front of the Main Entrance.
    • There is a dropped kerb from the drop-off point.
    • The dropped kerb does have tactile paving.
  • 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 dropped kerbs.
    • The hospital entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
    • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the Main Accessible Entrance.
  • Comments View
    • The Blue Badge bays in the hospital car park have a maximum stay of 4 hours.
    • All standard spaces in the car park are for 30 minutes drop offs only, including the spaces immediately outside the front of the hospital.

Hospital Parking (Multi-Storey Car Park 2)

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car park is located at the rear of the Addenbrooke's Hospital site opposite the Main Entrance to Royal Papworth Hospital.
    • The car park type is multi storey.
    • The car park does have a height restriction barrier.
    • The maximum height is 210cm (6ft 11in).
    • The car park does have a barrier control system.
    • There is a touchscreen at the barrier.
    • The barrier controls/touchscreen can be reached from the car.
    • 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 10+ designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the hospital car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 312cm x 448cm (10ft 3in x 14ft 8in).
    • 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 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 and at either end of the car park.
    • 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 in the atrium.
    • 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).
    • 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 uneven surfaces.
    • 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 15m (16yd 1ft) from the Car Park Entrance.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the Hospital facing the car park.
    • 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 dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 122cm (4ft).
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 135cm (4ft 5in).
    • 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 (by revolving).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 204cm.
  • Comments View
    • The doors can be set as stationary or revolving.
    • There is a button to slow the doors in the revolving setting.
    • The button is 90cm from the floor.
    • There is a stop button for the revolving doors set at 120cm from the floor.
    • The buzzer/intercom is used for the out of hours service.

Outside Access (Main Accessible Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the Hospital, to the left of the Main Entrance facing the car park.
    • 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.
    • There is a bell/buzzer.
    • The height of the bell/buzzer is 122cm (4ft).
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 122cm (4ft).
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 135cm (4ft 5in).
    • There is a door release button when exiting.
    • The height of the door release button is 91cm (2ft 12in).
    • Standard manual wheelchairs are available for people to borrow at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The automatic door(s) is/are push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 121cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 1.5cm or below.
  • Comments View
    • The buzzer/intercom is used for the out of hours service.

Outside Access (Bus Stop Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the Hospital opposite the Bus Stop.
    • 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 dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 135cm (4ft 5in).
    • 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 (by revolving).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 170cm.
  • Comments View
    • The doors can be set as stationary or revolving.
    • There is a button to slow the doors in the revolving setting.
    • The button is 90cm from the floor.
    • There is a stop button for the revolving doors set at 120cm from the floor.

Outside Access (Bus Stop Accessible Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the Hospital opposite the bus stop.
    • 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.
    • There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
    • There is a bell/buzzer.
    • The height of the bell/buzzer is 122cm (4ft).
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 122cm (4ft).
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 135cm (4ft 5in).
    • There is a door release button when exiting.
    • The height of the door release button is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • Standard manual wheelchairs are available for people to borrow at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The automatic door(s) is/are push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 125cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 1.5cm or below.

Reception (Main Hospital Reception and Charity Desk)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located directly ahead on entering either the Main Entrances or the Bus Stop Entrances.
    • The reception point is approximately 30m (32yd 2ft) from the Main Accessible Entrance.
    • The reception area/desk is clearly 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 no 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.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • There is not a bell to attract attention.
    • There is a hearing assistance system.
    • The type of system is a portable loop.
    • The hearing assistance system is signed.
    • Staff are not trained to use the hearing assistance system.
    • The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.
    • 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 stone.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.
    • There are seats with armrests on both sides.
    • No tables are permanently fixed.
    • The waiting room / area does not have background music playing.
    • There is a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the waiting room / area.
    • There is not a television.
    • Vending machines are available.
    • A water dispenser is not available.
    • There is not 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 good.
  • Comments View
    • Portable hearing loops are available from reception.

Getting Around (Royal Papworth Hospital)

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the building via lift(s).
  • Circulation View
    • There are doors in corridors which have to be opened manually.
    • The type of flooring in walkways and corridors is vinyl and stone.
    • There is some flooring in corridors which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
    • There is some flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • Handrails are not provided in corridors.
    • Seating is provided in some corridors.
    • There is good colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • The lighting levels are varied.
  • Signage and Wayfinding View
    • Wayfinding signage is provided.
    • The colour, design and typeface of signs is not consistent throughout the building.
    • The wayfinding signage does not include pictograms.
    • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
    • Maps are provided at key intersections.
  • Safe Place(s) View
    • There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
  • Audio View
    • This venue does not play background music in public areas.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system in the public areas of the building.
  • Comments View
    • Seating is only provided on the Ground Floor.

Amenities (Royal Papworth Hospital)

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located in the Main Hospital atrium either side the Outpatients Entrance.
  • Signs indicating the location of this lift are not clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 38m (41yd 1ft) from the Main Accessible 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, 3, 4 and 5.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are 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 not within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
  • External lift controls are set at 100cm to 113cm from floor level.
  • 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 110cm (3ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 140cm x 200cm (4ft 7in x 6ft 7in).
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • There is not 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 not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is good.
  • Comments View
    • The lifts are split into two banks of two.
    • Lifts A and B work together and Lifts C and D work together.
    • The external lift controls are worked from a touch screen.
    • These lifts only service the Ground Floor to floors 3, 4 and 5.
    • The mirror to assist with reversing out of the lift is extremely small and above the lift doors.
    • Stairs to all floors are only accessible via working clinical areas, if you would prefer not to use the lifts located in the main atrium please ask one of the Reception team to arrange access.

Parent and Baby Room (Baby Feeding Room)

  • There is a parent and baby room for public use.
  • The parent and baby room is located on the Ground Floor corridor leading from the Main Hospital Reception Waiting Area past the Shop.
  • The parent and baby room is approximately 56m from the Main Accessible Entrance.
  • There is step-free access into the parent and baby room.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the room.
  • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the parent and baby room door.
  • There are disposal facilities in the parent and baby room.
  • There is a wash basin in the parent and baby room.
  • The height of the wash basin is 79cm.
  • The wash basin tap type is lever.
  • There is a/are chair(s) in the parent and baby room.
  • There is a chair with armrests on both sides.
  • There is not a toilet in the parent and baby room.
  • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • The lighting levels are good.

Parent and Baby Room (Baby Changing Room)

  • There is a parent and baby room for public use.
  • The parent and baby room is located on the Ground Floor corridor leading from the Main Hospital Reception Waiting Area past the Shop.
  • The parent and baby room is approximately 58m from the Main Accessible Entrance.
  • There is step-free access into the parent and baby room.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the room.
  • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the parent and baby room door.
  • The baby change table is not set against the wall, permanently fixed at 75cm from the floor.
  • The baby change table is not height adjustable.
  • The height of the baby change table once extended is 82cm (2ft 8in).
  • There are disposal facilities in the parent and baby room.
  • There is a wash basin in the parent and baby room.
  • The height of the wash basin is 79cm.
  • The wash basin tap type is sensor.
  • There is a/are chair(s) in the parent and baby room.
  • There is not a chair with armrests on both sides.
  • There is not a toilet in the parent and baby room.
  • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • The lighting levels are good.

Accessible Toilet (Right Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is located on the Ground Floor corridor leading from the Main Hospital Reception Waiting Area towards the Restaurant.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 50m (54yd 2ft) from the Main Accessible 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 door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 151cm x 240cm (4ft 11in x 7ft 10in).
    • 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 82cm (2ft 8in).
    • The lateral transfer space was obstructed at the time of the survey.
    • 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 and general domestic waste disposal units.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the cubicle.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 163cm from the floor.
  • 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 both sides.
    • There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The shelf is not higher than 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 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 not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 100cm.
    • 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).
    • The height of the wash basin is 71cm (2ft 4in).
  • 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 good.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are bright.

Standard Toilet(s) (Ground Floor)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • The female toilet facilities that were surveyed are located on the Ground Floor corridor leading from the Main Hospital Reception Waiting Area towards the Restaurant.
  • The female toilet(s) is/are approximately 54m (59yd 2in) from the Main Accessible Entrance.
  • 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 bright.
  • The male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located on the Ground Floor corridor leading from the Main Hospital Reception Waiting Area towards the Restaurant.
  • The male toilet(s) is/are approximately 49m (53yd 1ft) from the Main Accessible Entrance.
  • Inside the venue, there is level access to the male toilet(s).
  • An ambulant toilet with wall mounted grab rails is available.
  • Lighting levels are bright.