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Clinical Decisions Unit

West Suffolk Hospital, Hardwick Lane, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP33 2QZ

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Access Guide

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Getting To The Hospital (West Suffolk Hospital)

  • By Road View
    • 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).
    • There are several car parks for patients and visitors available on site.
      Please note that car parking at West Suffolk Hospital can be 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.
    • There is an onsite bus stop.
    • The onsite bus stop is located at the front of the hospital.
    • The onsite bus stop has a shelter and benched seating available.
      There is not enough space for a wheelchair user.
    • The route from the onsite bus stop to the main entrance has either a steep slope or stepped access.
      The slope that leads to the main entrance is located at the end of the path to the right as you exit the bus shelter, then the main entrance is located in front as you reach the top of the slope.
      The steps that lead to the main entrance are located to the left as you exit the bus shelter, then the main entrance is located in front as you reach the top of the steps.
  • By Train View
    • The railway station is on Station Hill (Tel: 01284 484950), approximately 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.
      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.
  • Useful Links View

Getting Help and Assistance (West Suffolk Hospital)

  • To see the hospital map please click here (opens new tab).
  • 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 hospital via the main entrance.
  • The telephone number for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is 01284 712 555.
  • 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 desk.
  • Documents are available in an alternative format and can be provided to include: Braille on request, large print on request, different languages on request and audio 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.
  • A mobility scooter charging point is not available at the hospital.
  • Mobility aids are available to help patients move around and include; wheelchairs, motorised wheelchairs, tri wheel walkers, walking frames, walking sticks, mobile hoists, hoist slings, adjustable beds and crutches.
  • To obtain mobility aids please contact a member of staff.
  • There is a Changing Places facility at this hospital which is located within the green zone - lifts No1 and No2 lift lobby.
  • To view the Changing Places Accessibility Guide please click here.

Hospital Parking (Main Entrance Blue Badge Bays)

  • 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 front of the hospital, in front of 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 Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked and signposted.
    • 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 231cm x 523cm (7ft 7in x 17ft 2in).
    • 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
  • 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 10m (10yd 2ft) from the main entrance.

Outside Access (Emergency Department 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(s) automatically.
  • The door(s) is / are double.
  • The width of the door opening is 178cm (5ft 10in).
  • Second set of doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 164cm (5ft 5in).

Level Change (Emergency Department Entrance)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.

Getting To (Clinical Decisions Unit)

  • The Clinical Decisions Unit is/are located on the ground floor.
  • Access to the Clinical Decisions Unit is via the main hospital entrance.
  • When entering the hospital continue straight ahead, turn left at the end of the corridor and continue ahead. At the staircase turn left and the Clinical Decisions Unit is located ahead and on the right.
  • There is step free access to the Clinical Decisions Unit.
  • The Clinical Decisions Unit is approximately 119m 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.

Outside Access (Clinical Decisions Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located within the Emergency Department.
  • There is level access into the venue.
  • The bell is not in a suitable position to allow wheelchair users to gain access.
  • The intercom is not in a suitable position to allow wheelchair users to gain access.
  • The main door(s) open towards you (pull).
  • The doors are double width.
  • The door(s) is / are heavy.
  • The door opening is 146cm (4ft 9in) wide.

Reception

  • The desk is 2m (2yd 7in) from the department entrance.
  • There is level access to reception from the entrance.
  • The reception desk is low.
  • The desk is generally staffed.
  • The lighting levels are bright.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.
  • Staff are trained to use system.
  • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the desk.

Inside Access

  • There is level access to the service.
  • This venue does play background music.
  • Music is played in the chaired bay.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are bright.

Ward (CDU)

  • There is level access to the ward.
  • The ward is male.
  • The ward is single sex.
  • There are 3 bays available.
  • There are 0 side rooms available.
  • The area / room / bay surveyed was Male.
  • There are doors to the bay / side room.
  • The main doors open automatically.
  • The doors are double width.
  • The door opening is 140cm (4ft 7in) wide.
  • The type of flooring is vinyl.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre between beds.
  • All beds are adjustable.
  • No beds have bedside storage.
  • A hoist is available.
  • The hoist is electric.
  • A sling is available.
  • The sling is attached by hook.
  • There is an accessible toilet for visitors to use on the ward.
  • There is a standard toilet for visitors to use on the ward.
  • Lighting levels are adjustable.

Toilet with Adaptations (Main)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • 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 opposite reception.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the department entrance.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The door is light.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 210cm (4ft 11in x 6ft 11in).
    • The accessible toilet does not 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 78cm (2ft 7in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is sensor.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • 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 both sides.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 49cm (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 placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 105cm (3ft 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 wash basin.
    • The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 75cm (2ft 6in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • There is a high visual contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are bright.

Toilet with Adaptations (Patient)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • 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 at the rear of the ward.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the ward entrance.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is the male 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 light.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 205cm x 230cm (6ft 9in x 7ft 7in).
    • 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 65cm (2ft 2in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is sensor.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are not 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 both sides.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 49cm (1ft 7in).
    • 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 placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 105cm (3ft 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 wash basin.
    • The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • There is a high visual contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are bright.
  • Comments View
    • There is an accessible shower within this facility.

Accessible Shower

  • Accessible shower facilities are available.
  • The accessible shower(s) surveyed is/are located within the patient's accessible toilet.
  • The facilities available in the accessible shower(s) include; handrails and a flip down seat.
  • The height of the seat is 49cm (1ft 7in).
  • There is level access to the services from the accessible shower facilities.

Standard Toilet(s)