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

Getting To The Hospital

Collapse all Expand all

• 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.

Collapse all Expand all

• 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 (Main Visitor Parking). Skip to the next section.

Hospital Parking (Main Visitor Parking)

Collapse all Expand all

• 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.

You are on Hospital Parking (Blue Badge Parking and Drop Off Point). Skip to the next section.

Hospital Parking (Blue Badge Parking and Drop Off Point)

Collapse all Expand all

• 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.

You are on Outside Access (Main Hospital Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Main Hospital Entrance)

• This information is for the entrance located at the front of the hospital.
• There is not level access into the venue.
• The main door(s) open automatically.
• The doors are single width.
• The door opening is 144cm (4ft 9in) wide.

Collapse all Expand all

• Second set of doors View
  • There is a second set of doors.
  • The door(s) open automatically.
  • The doors are double width.
  • The door opening is 174cm (5ft 9in) wide.

You are on Level Change (Main Hospital Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Level Change (Main Hospital 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 G4 - Culford). Skip to the next section.

Getting To (Ward G4 - Culford)

• Ward G4 - Culford is/are located on the ground floor in area of 12 of Yellow Zone.
• Access to Ward G4 - Culford is via the main hospital entrance.
• When entering the hospital go straight ahead, turn right at the end of the corridor and continue ahead. After the staircase turn right and then immediately left. This part of the route is a Memory Walk named Forget-Me-Not Walk, a reminiscent corridor designed to provide a calm and comforting space for patients with dementia. Follow the Memory Walk and bear left at the Yellow Zone lift. Ward G4 - Culford is located at the end of the corridor on the right.
• There is step free access to Ward G4 - Culford.
• Ward G4 - Culford is approximately 218m from the main hospital entrance.
• There is a/are manual, heavy, double door(s) between the main hospital 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.
• There is flooring in corridors with large, repeating patterns that incorporate bold contrasting colours or simulate steps.

You are on Outside Access (Ward G4 Culford Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Ward G4 Culford Entrance)

• This information is for the entrance located on the first floor of the hospital.
• There is level access into the venue.
• The main door(s) open towards you (pull).
• The doors are double width.
• The door(s) is / are heavy.
• The door opening is 150cm (4ft 11in) wide.

Collapse all Expand all

• Second set of doors View
  • There is a second set of doors.
  • The door(s) open towards you (pull).
  • The doors are double width.
  • The door(s) is / are heavy.
  • The door opening is 152cm (4ft 12in) wide.

You are on Reception. Skip to the next section.

Reception

• The desk is 3m (9ft 10in) from the ward entrance .
• There is level access to reception from the entrance.
• The reception desk is high height.
• The desk has a lowered section.
• The desk is generally staffed.
• Lighting levels are medium.
• There is not a touch screen.
• 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 not play background music.
• Route finding signage is available.
• The type of flooring in walkways and corridors is vinyl.
• The lighting levels are medium.

Collapse all Expand all

• Comments View
  • The photographs show the main corridor and the day room respectively.

You are on Ward. Skip to the next section.

Ward

• There is level access to the ward.
• The ward is unisex.
• There are 5 bays available.
• There are 2 side rooms available.
• The area / room / bay surveyed was Bay 4.
• The area / room / bay is 3m (9ft 10in) from the ward entrance .
• There are not doors to the bay / side room.
• The type of flooring is vinyl.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre between beds.
• All beds are adjustable.
• All beds have bedside storage.
• Bedside services available are television, telephone, radio and internet.
• Some of these services are chargeable.
• A hoist is available.
• The hoist is manual.
• A sling is available.
• The sling is attached by hook and loop.
• There is not an accessible toilet for visitors to use on the ward.
• There is not an accessible toilet for visitors to use outside 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 Accessible Shower. Skip to the next section.

Accessible Shower

• Accessible shower facilities are available.
• The showers are located to the right after you enter the ward.
• The facilities available in the accessible shower are an adjustable shower head, handrails and a flip down seat.
• The height of the seat is 55cm (1ft 10in).
• There is level access to the services from the shower facilities.

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

Accessible Bathroom

• There are accessible bathrooms available.

Collapse all Expand all

• Location and access View
  • The bathroom is unisex.
  • The bathroom is not for the sole use of disabled people.
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the accessible bathroom door.
  • The accessible bathroom is 8m (26ft 3in) from the ward entrance .
  • There is level access to the accessible bathroom.
• Features and dimensions View
  • A key is not required for the accessible bathroom.
  • The door opens inwards.
  • The door is locked by a twist lock.
  • The width of the door is 124cm (4ft 1in).
  • The door is heavy.
  • The dimensions of the bathroom are 190cm x 270cm (6ft 3in x 8ft 10in).
  • The bathroom has a non slip floor.
  • Floor manoeuvring space is clear in the bathroom.
• Position of fixtures View
  • There is a lateral transfer space.
  • The lateral transfer space is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • There is a flush on the transfer side.
• Features and dimensions View
  • There is not a functional emergency alarm available.
  • It is out of reach (higher than 10cm (0ft 4in) from floor).
  • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
  • There is not a coat hook.
• Position of fixtures View
  • Wall mounted rails are available.
  • As you face the toilet the wall mounted grab rails are on the left.
  • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 42cm (1ft 5in).
  • 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).
  • There is a sink.
  • The sink can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The sink is 75cm (2ft 6in) high.
  • The tap type is lever.
  • There is a mixer tap for the sink.
  • There are mirrors in the accessible bathroom.
  • Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
• Bath details View
  • There is a bath.
  • The height of the side of the bath from floor level is 56cm (1ft 10in).
  • The tap type is lever.
  • There is not a mixer tap.
  • There is a shower over the bath.
  • The shower head height is adjustable.
  • The shower control type is lever.
  • There are not wall mounted handrails available.
• Wheel in shower details View
  • There is not a wheel in shower.
• Colour contrast and lighting View
  • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
  • The contrast between the grab rails and wall is fair.
  • The contrast between the drop down rails and wall is fair.
  • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
  • Lighting levels are medium.

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

Standard Toilet(s)

Collapse all Expand all

• 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 right after you enter the ward.
  • Unisex toilets are 6m (6yd 1ft) from the ward entrance.
  • Inside the venue, there is level access to the unisex toilet.
  • Lighting levels are medium.