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Eye Clinic

West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, Hardwick Lane, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP33 2QZ

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Access Guide

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Getting To The Hospital

  • 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.

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.
  • 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.

Parking

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Parking is not free for all users.
  • Parking is not free for Blue Badge holders.
  • The car park type is open air/surface.
  • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders cannot booked in advance.
  • There is/are 5 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
  • The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 360cm x 500cm (11ft 10in x 16ft 5in).
  • The nearest Blue Badge bay is 24m (26yd 9in) from the main entrance.
  • The furthest Blue Badge bay is 35m (38yd 10in) from the main entrance.
  • 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 car park surface is tarmac.
  • There is a dropped kerb between the car park and the venue.
  • The dropped kerb does not have tactile paving.
  • There is a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
  • The road is generally quiet.
  • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • There is a designated drop off point.
  • The drop off point is located at the front of the building.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
  • There is not level access into the venue.
  • The main door(s) open automatically.
  • The doors are double width.
  • The door opening is 140cm (4ft 7in) wide.
  • 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 124cm (4ft 1in) wide.

Level Change (Main 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.

Other Floors

  • 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 both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting levels are medium.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the rear of the corridor.
  • The lift is 40m (43yd 2ft) from the main 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 106cm x 138cm (3ft 6in x 4ft 6in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does not 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.

Getting To (Eye Clinic)

  • The Eye Clinic is/are located on the first floor of the Eye Treatment Centre.
  • Access to the Eye Clinic is via the Eye Treatment Centre entrance.
  • When entering the Eye Treatment Centre turn left and follow the pathway around the left of reception. Continue ahead and take the lift located on the right of the corridor to the first floor. On exiting turn right and the Eye Clinic is located directly ahead.
  • There is step free access to the Eye Clinic.
  • The Eye Clinic is approximately 5m from the lift.
  • There is a/are manual, heavy, double door(s) between the Eye Treatment Centre 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.

Opening Times

  • Monday 08:30 - 17:00.
  • Tuesday 08:30 - 17:00.
  • Wednesday 08:30 - 17:00.
  • Thursday 08:30 - 17:00.
  • Friday 08:30 - 17:00.

Outside Access (Unit Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located on the first floor.
  • There is level access into the venue.
  • Level access is via lift.
  • The main doors open towards you (pull).
  • The doors are double width.
  • The doors are heavy.
  • The door opening is 154cm (5ft 1in) wide.

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.

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 not available.
  • The type of flooring in walkways and corridors is vinyl.
  • The lighting levels are medium.

Waiting Room / Area (Main Reception)

  • There is a waiting room / area.
  • The waiting room / area is 1m (3ft 3in) from the unit entrance.
  • There is level access into the waiting room / area.
  • Level access is by lift.
  • There are not doors into the waiting room / area.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • The type of flooring is wood.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Chairs with armrests are available.
  • Some chairs with armrests are available.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • Announcements are in person.
  • The room does not have background music playing.
  • There is not a television.
  • Vending machines are not available.
  • There is a children's play area.
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • Lighting levels are medium.

Consultation / Treatment Room

  • There are 21 consultation/treatment rooms available.
  • The room surveyed was Orthoptic Room 3.
  • The consultation / treatment room is 20m (21yd 2ft) from the unit 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 single width.
  • The doors are heavy.
  • The door opening is 86cm (2ft 10in) wide.
  • The type of flooring is vinyl.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is not a bed / couch.
  • There is a chair.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • The chair is adjustable.
  • There are no chairs with armrests available.
  • Lighting levels are medium.
  • Comments View
    • There are 3 Orthoptic Rooms, 1 Treatment Room, 7 Consulting/Laser/Photo Rooms and 10 Clinic Rooms.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Clinic Room A)

  • The consultation / treatment room is 35m (38yd 10in) from the unit 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 single width.
  • The doors are heavy.
  • The door opening is 85cm (2ft 9in) wide.
  • The type of flooring is vinyl.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is not a bed / couch.
  • 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 adjustable.
  • There are some chairs with armrests available.
  • The room does not have background music playing.
  • Lighting levels are bright.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Minor Operations Room)

  • The consultation / treatment room is 50m (54yd 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 single width.
  • The doors are heavy.
  • The door opening is 85cm (2ft 9in) 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 not a chair.
  • All tables are permanently fixed.
  • The room does not have background music playing.
  • Lighting levels are bright.

Toilet with Adaptations (Waiting Area)

  • 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 to the right as you enter the unit entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 2m (2yd 7in) from the unit 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 outwards.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 200cm (4ft 11in x 6ft 7in).
    • 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 62cm (2ft).
    • There is a dropdown rail, however it is not 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 a/are 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 placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 46cm (1ft 6in).
    • 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 125cm (4ft 1in).
    • 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 colour 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 medium.
  • Comments View
    • A baby change facility is located in the accessible toilet.
    • It is 88cm high.

Toilet with Adaptations (Clinic Area)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is no signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is located on the clinic corridor.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 30m (32yd 2ft) from the unit 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 outwards.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 148cm x 210cm (4ft 10in 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 left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 67cm (2ft 2in).
    • There is a dropdown rail, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush, however it is not 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 both sides.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • 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 46cm (1ft 6in).
    • 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 126cm (4ft 2in).
    • 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 colour 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 medium.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • There are standard toilets located in the Treatment Centre.