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

Getting To The Hospital

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• 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.

You are on Getting Help and Assistance. Skip to the next section.

Getting Help and Assistance

• There is a Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) at the hospital.
• The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is located 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.

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• 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.

You are on Hospital Parking (Rear Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Hospital Parking (Rear Entrance)

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• 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 adjacent to the rear entrance.
  • 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) markings are faded.
  • 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 360cm x 500cm (11ft 10in x 16ft 5in).
  • 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 a designated drop-off point.
  • 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 located at the payment machines in the hospital building.
  • Payment signs do make it clear if parking charges apply to Blue Badge holders.
  • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
  • Free parking for Blue Badge holders is for 4 hours only.
  • Payment machines are located inside the hospital building.
  • 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 not clearly signposted.
  • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 30m (32yd 2ft) from the from the rear entrance.
• Comments View
  • Blue Badge holders can have their chip coin validated (for free parking) at the Eye Treatment Centre, Macmillan Unit or Day Surgery Unit only if they have attended these units.
  • For more information on hospital parking please see the Car Parking Information guide.

You are on Outside Access (Children's Outpatients Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Children's Outpatients Entrance)

• This information is for the entrance located on the ground floor of the hospital.
• There is not level access into the venue.
• The bell is not in a suitable position to allow wheelchair users to gain access.
• The main door(s) open both ways.
• The doors are double width.
• The door(s) is / are heavy.
• The door opening is 162cm (5ft 4in) wide.

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• Second set of doors View
  • There is a second set of doors.
  • The door(s) open both ways.
  • The doors are double width.
  • The door(s) is / are heavy.
  • The door opening is 160cm (5ft 3in) wide.

You are on Level Change (Children's Outpatients Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Level Change (Children's Outpatients Entrance)

• There is a ramp or slope to access this service.
• The ramp or slope is located in front of the entrance.
• The ramp or slope is permanent.

You are on Getting To (Ward F1 - Rainbow and Children's Inpatients). Skip to the next section.

Getting To (Ward F1 - Rainbow and Children's Inpatients)

• Ward F1 - Rainbow and Children's Inpatients is/are located on the first floor in area 27 of the Orange Zone.
• Access to Ward F1 - Rainbow and Children's Inpatients is via the Children's Outpatients entrance.
• On entering Children's Outpatients turn left and continue ahead to the end of the corridor. The lift is located on the left. Take the lift to the first floor. On exiting the lift turn right and Ward F1 - Rainbow and Children's Inpatients is located in front of you.
• There is step free access, via lift, to Ward F1 - Rainbow and Children's Inpatients.
• Ward F1 - Rainbow and Children's Inpatients is approximately 3m from the lift.
• There is a/are manual, heavy, double door(s) between the Children's Outpatients main entrance and the department/service.
• Wayfinding signage is provided.
• Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
• There is flooring in corridors with a very shiny finish which could cause issues with glare or be perceived as slippery.

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

Opening Times

• There is open visiting on the ward, however visitors are asked to be considerate of other children and their families..

You are on Other Floors. Skip to the next section.

Other Floors

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• Steps View
  • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G-1.
  • There are 15+ steps between floors.
  • The steps are clearly marked.
  • The steps are medium (11cm - 17cm).
  • The steps do have handrails.
  • The steps have a handrail on the left going up.
  • There is a landing.
  • The lighting levels are medium.

You are on Lift. Skip to the next section.

Lift

• There is a lift for public use.
• The lift is located to the left as you enter the outpatients entrance.
• The lift is 5m (5yd 1ft) from the Children's Outpatients entrance.
• The lift is a standard lift.
• The floors which are accessible by this lift are G-1.
• Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
• The clear door width is 79cm (2ft 7in).
• The dimensions of the lift are 140cm x 110cm (4ft 7in x 3ft 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 have a visual floor indicator.
• The lift does not have an audible announcer.
• The controls for the lift are within 120cm from the floor.
• The lift does not have Braille markings.
• The lift does have tactile markings.
• The lighting level in the lift is medium.

You are on Outside Access (Ward F1 and Children's Inpatients Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Ward F1 and Children's Inpatients Entrance)

• This information is for the entrance located on the first floor of the hospital.
• There is not level access into the venue.
• The intercom is not in a suitable position to allow wheelchair users to gain access.
• The main doors open towards you (pull).
• The doors are double width.
• The doors are light.
• The door opening is 128cm (4ft 2in) wide.

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• Second set of doors View
  • There is a second set of doors.
  • The doors open towards you (pull).
  • The doors are double width.
  • The doors are light.
  • The door opening is 128cm (4ft 2in) wide.

You are on Level Change (Ward F1 and Children's Inpatients Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Level Change (Ward F1 and Children's Inpatients Entrance)

• There is a ramp or slope to access this service.
• The ramp or slope is located ahead as you enter.
• The ramp or slope is permanent.

You are on Reception. Skip to the next section.

Reception

• There is level access to reception from the entrance.
• The reception desk is high (110cm+).
• The desk has a low (76cm or lower) section.
• The desk is generally staffed.
• The lighting levels are medium.
• There is not a prescription box.
• There is not a bell to attract attention.
• There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the desk.

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

Inside Access

• There is level access to the service.
• There is a hearing assistance system.
• The hearing system is available only on request.
• The system is a portable loop.
• Staff are trained to use the system.
• This venue does play background music.
• Route finding signage is available.
• The type of flooring in walkways and corridors is vinyl.

You are on Ward. Skip to the next section.

Ward

• There is level access to the ward.
• The ward is unisex.
• There are 1 bays available.
• There are 10 side rooms available.
• The area / room / bay surveyed was Side Room 1.
• The area / room / bay is 11m (12yd) from the ward entrance .
• There are doors to the bay / side room.
• The main doors open away from you (push).
• The doors are double width.
• The doors are light.
• The door opening is 128cm (4ft 2in) wide.
• The type of flooring is vinyl.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre between beds.
• All beds are adjustable.
• Bedside services available are television.
• These services are not chargeable.
• A hoist is available.
• The hoist is manual.
• A sling is available.
• The sling is attached by hook and loop.
• There is an accessible toilet for visitors to use on the ward.
• There is a standard toilet for visitors to use on the ward.
• There is a bathroom on the ward.
• Lighting levels are medium.
• A flashing alarm is not available.
• A vibrating alarm is not available.

You are on Consultation / Treatment Room. Skip to the next section.

Consultation / Treatment Room

• There are 2 consultation/treatment rooms available.
• The room surveyed was Treatment Room.
• The consultation / treatment room is 32m (34yd 2ft) from the ward entrance.
• There is level access to the consultation / treatment room.
• There are doors into the consultation / treatment room.
• The main doors open away from you (push).
• The doors are double width.
• The doors are heavy.
• The door opening is 117cm (3ft 10in) wide.
• The type of flooring is vinyl.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• There is a bed / couch.
• The bed / couch is adjustable.
• A hoist is available.
• The hoist is manual.
• A sling is available.
• The sling is attached by hook and loop.
• There is a chair.
• No chairs are permanently fixed.
• The chair is not adjustable.
• All chairs have armrests available.
• A flashing alarm is not available.
• A vibrating alarm is not available.
• The room does not have background music playing.
• Lighting levels are medium.

You are on Accessible Shower. Skip to the next section.

Accessible Shower

• Accessible shower facilities are available.
• The showers are located on the left as you face reception.
• The facilities available in the accessible shower are an adjustable shower head, handrails and a flip down seat.
• The height of the seat is 48cm (1ft 7in).
• There is level access to the services from the shower facilities.

You are on Standard Bathroom. Skip to the next section.

Standard Bathroom

• The bathroom is unisex.
• The standard bathroom is 13m (14yd) from the ward entrance.
• There is level access from an accessible entrance.
• Lighting levels are bright.
• The facilities available in the standard bathroom include a toilet, a bath, a shower and a sink.

You are on Accessible Toilet. Skip to the next section.

Accessible Toilet

• Accessible toilet facilities are available.

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• Location and Access View
  • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
  • This accessible toilet is located to the left as you face reception.
  • This accessible toilet is approximately 21m (22yd 2ft) from the ward entrance.
  • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
• Features and Dimensions View
  • This is a unisex toilet.
  • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
  • The door opens inwards.
  • The door is locked by a twist lock.
  • The door is light.
  • The width of the accessible toilet door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
  • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 160cm x 290cm (5ft 3in x 9ft 6in).
  • There is a lateral transfer space.
  • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
  • The lateral transfer space is 80cm (2ft 7in).
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • There is a flush on the transfer side.
  • The tap type is lever.
  • There is a mixer tap.
  • The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional.
  • The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
  • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
  • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
• 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 the right.
  • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
  • There is not a mirror.
  • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 43cm (1ft 5in).
  • There is not a hand dryer.
  • There is a towel dispenser.
  • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • There is a toilet roll holder.
  • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The toilet roll holder is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The height of the toilet roll holder is 110cm (3ft 7in).
  • There is a wash basin.
  • The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).

You are on Standard Toilet(s). Skip to the next section.

Standard Toilet(s)

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• Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
  • Standard toilets are available.
• Access to Standard Shared Toilet(s) View
  • The unisex toilets are located to the left as you face reception.
  • Unisex toilets are 21m (22yd 2ft) from the ward entrance.
  • Inside the venue, there is level access to the unisex toilet.
  • Lighting levels are medium.