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Sky Ward

Evelina London Children's Hospital, St Thomas’ Hospital, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7EH

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Access Guide

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Getting To The Hospital

  • By Road View
    • Evelina London Children's Hospital is located in the congestion charging zone.
      The vehicle access road to Evelina London is now closed to all but construction traffic, although safe pedestrian access is being maintained for now, with marshals in place
      There is limited parking around the area.
      Please use public transport whenever possible.
    • Limited Blue Badge Parking is available near Evelina's Main Entrance. Further parking can be found at St Thomas' Hospital.
  • By Bus View
    • Allow 15-20 minutes to get from the bus stop to where you need to be in the hospital. The following bus routes serve St Thomas' Hospital / Evelina London Children's Hospital. 12, 53, 148, 159, 211, 453, C10 - stop at Westminster Bridge Road. 77, 507, N44 - stop at Lambeth Palace Road. 3, 344, C10, N3 - stop at Lambeth Road (15 minutes walk). 76, 341, 381, RV1 - stop at York Road. N44, N155, N159, N381 - night buses stop at Westminster Bridge Road. N3 night bus - stops at Lambeth Road.
  • By Train View
    • Waterloo, Waterloo East, are the nearest railway stations, and are a 10-15 minutes walk away. Victoria and Charing Cross are 20–30 minutes walk away.
  • By Underground View
    • The nearest tube stations are: Westminster - District, Circle and Jubilee lines (10 minutes walk). Waterloo - Bakerloo, Jubilee and Northern lines (15 minutes walk). Lambeth North - Bakerloo line (10 minutes walk).
  • Useful Links View

Getting Help and Assistance (Information Point)

  • There is a Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) at the hospital.
  • The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is located within St Thomas' Hospital main building.
  • The telephone number for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is 020 7188 8801.
  • 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 at the Information Point.
  • Documents are available in an alternative format and can be provided to include: large print on request.
  • There is not an assistance dog toilet or toileting area on the hospital site.
  • Water bowls for assistance dogs are not 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.
  • To obtain mobility aids please contact the Information Point.
  • If you require any additional information or assistance, please speak to a member of staff.

Hospital Parking (Evelina London Children's Hospital)

  • 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 at the entrance to the Evelina London Children's 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 car park surface is tarmac.
    • There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are signposted but have no markings.
    • There is/are 8 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the hospital car park.
    • 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.
    • Payment signs are not provided.
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
  • 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 entrance.
  • Comments View
    • There is limited Blue Badge parking available outside the Evelina London Children's Hospital.
    • There is a control barrier, operated via security.
    • These spaces are solely for families whose children are in the Evelina London Children's Hospital.
    • Parking at Guy's and St Thomas' hospitals and the community services is very limited.
    • Both of the hospitals and many of the services are located in the Congestion Charging zone. Please use public transport whenever possible.
    • Charging exceptions
    • If you're a disabled patient attending an appointment, you'll be given free parking in the main car park upon production of your Blue Badge (registered in your name) along with your appointment card/letter.
    • Please take your Blue Badge (leaving the clock on display if parked in a disabled bay, white entry ticket to the car park and appointment letter/card to the Knowledge and Information Centre (KIC), which is located on the ground floor of St Thomas', North Wing. The KIC is open from 8am to 6pm. Outside these hours, please go to the security desk at the main reception.
    • Parking at Guy's
    • Between Monday-Friday, 8.30am-4.30pm, there is disabled parking only at Guy's Hospital. Vehicles can only access the car park from Snowsfield and not from St Thomas Street.
    • This is for patients who are Blue Badge holders and have an appointment on that day. These disabled parking bays are limited and are available on a first come, first served basis on production of your Blue Badge (registered in your name) along with your appointment card/letter.
    • There is an NCP car park at the junction of Snowsfield and Kipling Street, about a five minute walk from the hospital. Charges are displayed at the entrance.

Getting To (Sky Ward)

  • Sky Ward is/are located on the 6th floor of the Evelina London Children's Hospital.
  • Access to Sky Ward is via the Evelina London main entrance.
  • From the entrance of Evelina London Children's Hospital, head to the rear of the hall and enter the Moon lift. Take the lift to level 6.
    On exiting the lift, turn right and the entrance to Sky Ward is straight ahead.
  • There is step free access, via lift, to Sky Ward.
  • Sky Ward is approximately 4m from the Moon lift.
  • There is a/are manual, single door(s) which may be difficult to open between the lift and the department/service.
  • There are not resting areas along the route.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped 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 main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 170cm.
    • 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 170cm.
  • Ramp/Slope Details View
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is easy.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.

Lift (Moon)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located at the rear of the hospital.
  • The lift is approximately 36m (39yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are LG, G, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 110cm x 232cm (3ft 7in x 7ft 7in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does not have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is bright.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are LG, G, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
    • The stairs are located at the rear of the hospital.
    • The stairs are approximately 58m from the main entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are deep (18cm+).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting levels are medium.

Entrance (6th Floor)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the 6th floor.
    • 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.
    • The height of the intercom is 154cm (5ft 1in).
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a door release button when exiting.
    • The height of the door release button is 112cm (3ft 8in).
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 98cm.

Reception (Cardiology and PICU)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located along the corridor from Sky Ward entrance.
    • The reception point is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the from the ward 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 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 low (76cm or lower) .
    • There is not sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • There is not a bell to attract attention.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • 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 not sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.
    • The seats do not have armrests.
    • The waiting room / area does not have background music playing.
    • There is not a red 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 space for an assistance dog to rest within the seating area.
    • Lighting levels are good.
  • Comments View
    • There is a large wash sink and lockers in the waiting area.

Ward (Sky Cardiology)

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a/an children's cardiology ward.
    • This is a shared ward.
    • There is/are 2 bay(s) available.
    • There is/are 6 side room(s) available.
    • There is/are 18 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) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 176cm (5ft 9in).
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 150cm (4ft 11in).
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 120cm (3ft 11in).
    • There is a door release button when exiting.
    • The height of the door release button is 153cm (5ft).
    • There is level access throughout the ward.
    • There is clear signage on the ward.
    • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Reception/Nurses' Station View
    • The height of the Nurses' Station desk is 113cm.
    • There is not a lowered section.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system available at the desk.
  • Relatives' Room View
    • There is not a relatives' room for the ward.
    • There is a shared Parents Room and Quiet Room by Sky Ward Reception.
  • 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 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 low to moderate.
  • Ward Features and Patient Facilities View
    • A hearing assistance system is not 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.
    • There are washroom facilities for patients on the ward.
    • There are toilet facilities for patients on the ward.
  • Visitor Facilities View
    • There are no accessible toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • Accessible toilet facilities for visitors are located opposite Sky Ward Reception.
    • There are no standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • Standard toilet facilities for visitors are located opposite Sky Ward Reception.
    • There is an Expressing Room on the ward.
  • Visiting Times View
    • Visiting times are currently suspended for general visitors. Two named visitors per patient are allowed for all-hours visiting.
    • This is a ward for babies and very young children.

Ward (PICU)

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a/an Paediatric Intensive Care Unit ward.
    • This is a shared ward.
  • Ward Access View
    • There is a/are door(s) leading into the ward.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically (away from you).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 174cm (5ft 9in).
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 153cm (5ft).
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 124cm (4ft 1in).
    • There is a door release button when exiting.
    • The height of the door release button is 153cm (5ft).
    • 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 good.
  • Reception/Nurses' Station View
    • The height of the ward reception desk is 110cm.
    • There is not a lowered section.
  • Example Side Room View
    • The colour contrast between the walls and the floor in the ensuite is fair.
  • Comments View
    • At the time of survey, the PICU Ward was not yet ready for use.

Day Room / Lounge Area (Parents Room)

  • There is a day room/lounge area.
  • The day room/lounge area is approximately 3m from the Sky Ward entrance.
  • There is level access into the day room/lounge area.
  • The day room/lounge area is always open.
  • There is a/are door(s) into the day room/lounge area.
  • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) is/are single width.
  • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 84cm (2ft 9in).
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is a space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is a mixture of seating with and without armrests.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Some tables are permanently fixed.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 89cm (2ft 11in).
  • The room does not have background music playing.
  • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • There is a television.
  • Subtitles are 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.

Room / Area (Quiet Room)

  • There is / are 1 room(s) / area(s) available.
  • The room / area is approximately 5m from the Sky Ward entrance.
  • 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) may be difficult to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 84cm (2ft 9in).
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is not a bed / couch.
  • The bed / couch is not adjustable.
  • A hoist is not available.
  • A sling is not available.
  • There is a chair.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • The chair(s) is not/are not height adjustable.
  • There are some chairs with armrests available.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • The room / area does not have background music playing.
  • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room / area.
  • Lighting levels are low to moderate.
  • Comments View
    • There is an emergency alarm pull in the room.
    • The alarm is 108cm from the floor.

Room / Area (Play Room, Cardiology)

  • There is / are 1 room(s) / area(s) available.
  • The room / area is approximately 15m from the Sky Ward entrance.
  • 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) may be difficult to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 85cm (2ft 9in).
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is not a bed / couch.
  • A hoist is not available.
  • A sling is not available.
  • There is a chair.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • The chair(s) is not/are not height adjustable.
  • There are no chairs with armrests available.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • The room / area does not have background music playing.
  • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room / area.
  • Lighting levels are good.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Sky Cardiology)

  • There is / are 1 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • 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) may be difficult to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 110cm (3ft 7in).
  • 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.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • All tables are permanently fixed.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • The room does not have background music playing.
  • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • Lighting levels are good.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Right Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located through the Sky Ward entrance and to the right and past the waiting area.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 4m from the Sky Ward main entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 88cm (2ft 11in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 228cm x 221cm (7ft 6in x 7ft 3in).
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 160cm.
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a sanitary bin.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a push button flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are sanitary, pedal bin and clinical waste disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 104cm from the floor.
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The shelf has the minimum dimensions of 12.5cm x 40cm.
    • The shelf is at a height of 74cm.
    • The shelf is located where it is reachable.
    • The toilet has a backrest.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • 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 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is poor.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) cannot 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 72cm (2ft 4in).
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 109cm.
    • 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 120cm (3ft 11in).
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is poor.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a flip down baby change table available.
    • The height of the baby change table is 95cm.
  • Comments View
    • As well as the emergency pull cord, there is an emergency alarm button on the wall by the door.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The shared toilet is located opposite the reception desk.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 5m from the Ward entrance.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • The colour contrast between the internal toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is fair.
    • Toilet seats do not have a good colour contrast.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 79cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The wall fixed soap dispenser is located above the wash basin.
    • Lighting levels are good.
    • There is an emergency pull cord, and an emergency button by the door.

Related Access Guides

Sunflower Lanyard Scheme

  • Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust is part of the Sunflower Lanyard Scheme.
  • The Sunflower Lanyard Scheme helps people with hidden disabilities which aren’t always obvious – such as autism, dementia and visual or hearing impairments.
  • For more information on this scheme please click here.