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Labour Suite

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.

Hospital Parking (Main Visitor Parking)

  • 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.

Hospital Parking (Blue Badge Parking and Drop Off Point)

  • 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.

Getting To (Labour Suite)

  • The Labour Suite is/are located on the first floor in area 29a of the Red Zone.
  • Access to the Labour Suite is via the main hospital entrance.
  • When entering the hospital go straight ahead, turn left at the end of the corridor and take the lift to the first floor.Turn left as you exit the lift and continue straight to the end of the corridor. At the end of the corridor turn right and continue ahead the Labour Suite is located on the right.
  • There is step free access, via lift, to the Labour Suite .
  • The Labour Suite is approximately 84m from the lift.
  • There is a/are manual, heavy, double door(s) between the lift and the department/service.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
  • There is flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
  • There is flooring in corridors which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.

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.
  • 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.

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.

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.
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting level is medium.

Lift (Main corridor)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located in the main corridor.
  • The lift is approximately 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 130cm (4ft 3in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 150cm x 245cm (4ft 11in x 8ft).
  • 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 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 good.

Opening Times

  • Monday Closed.
  • Tuesday Closed.
  • Wednesday Closed.
  • Thursday Closed.
  • Friday Closed.
  • Saturday Closed.
  • Sunday Closed.
  • Comments View
    • There are no visiting times in the department.
    • Only one birthing partner is permitted.

Outside Access (Labour Suite)

  • This information is for the entrance located on the first floor of the hospital.
  • There is level access into the venue.
  • Level access is via lift.
  • The intercom is not in a suitable position to allow wheelchair users to gain access.
  • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
  • The door(s) is / are double.
  • The door(s) is / are heavy.
  • The width of the door opening is 152cm (4ft 12in).
  • Second set of doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The door(s) is / are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 152cm (4ft 12in).
  • Comments View
    • There is a third set of doors that open towards you, are double, heavy and 156cm in width.

Reception

  • The desk/counter is 9m (9yd 2ft) from the Labour Suite entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • The desk/counter has a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • The desk/counter is staffed.
  • The lighting levels are medium.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing system is available only on request.
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.
  • Staff are not trained to use the system.
  • 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/counter.

Inside Access

  • There is level access to the service(s).
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing assistance 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.
  • The type of flooring in walkways and corridors is vinyl/laminate.
  • The lighting levels are medium.

Ward (Labour Suite)

  • There is level access in the ward.
  • The ward is female.
  • There is/are 9 side room(s) available.
  • The area/room/bay surveyed was Bed A.
  • There is a/are door(s) to the area/room/bay.
  • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) is/are double width.
  • The door(s) is/are heavy.
  • The width of the door opening is 120cm (3ft 11in).
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre around the bed(s)/between beds.
  • The bed(s) is/are adjustable.
  • The bed(s) has/have bedside storage.
  • Bedside services available include; televisions.
  • These services are not chargeable.
  • A hoist is not available.
  • 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.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Triage)

  • There is / are 9 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 double width.
  • The door(s) is/are heavy.
  • The width of the door opening is 84cm (2ft 9in).
  • 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.
  • A hoist is not available.
  • There is not a chair.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • All tables are permanently fixed.
  • The room does not have background music playing.
  • There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • Lighting levels are medium.

Room / Area (Labour Suite)

  • There is / are 4 room(s) / area(s) available.
  • 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 with a locked extension leaf.
  • The door(s) is/are heavy.
  • The width of the door opening is 81cm (2ft 8in).
  • 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.
  • A hoist can be brought in from another department.
  • There is a chair.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • The chair(s) is not/are not height adjustable.
  • All chairs have armrests available.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • The room / area does not have background music playing.
  • There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room / area.

Room / Area (Bereavement Suite)

  • There is / are 1 room(s) / area(s) available.
  • 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 with a locked extension leaf.
  • The door(s) is/are heavy.
  • The width of the door opening is 87cm (2ft 10in).
  • 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 not adjustable.
  • A hoist is available.
  • The hoist is manual.
  • A sling is available.
  • The sling is attached by hook and loop.
  • There is not sufficient space next to the bed/couch for a mobile hoist to operate.
  • 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.
  • The room / area does not have background music playing.
  • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room / area.
  • Lighting levels are medium.

Accessible Bathroom (Bereavement Suite)

  • Accessible bathroom facilities are available.
  • Location and access View
    • The bathroom is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is no additional signage on or near the accessible bathroom door.
    • There is level access to the accessible bathroom.
  • Features and dimensions View
    • A key is not required for the accessible bathroom.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the door is 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • The door weight is light.
    • The dimensions of the bathroom are 320cm x 150cm (10ft 6in x 4ft 11in).
    • The bathroom has a non-slip floor.
    • The bathroom does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm in front of the toilet seat.
    • There is a functional emergency alarm available.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • There is not a coat hook.
  • 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 left.
    • 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 towel dispenser is 130cm (4ft 3in) high.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder cannot 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 height is 72cm (2ft 4in).
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap for the wash basin.
    • There are mirrors in the accessible bathroom.
    • Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
  • Bath details View
    • There is not a bath.
  • Wheel in shower details View
    • There is a wheel in shower.
    • The shower head height is adjustable.
    • The shower control type is twist/turn.
    • There is a flip-down/tip-up seat for the shower.
    • There are handrails available for the shower.
  • Colour contrast and lighting View
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the grab rails and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the drop down rails and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are medium.
  • Comments View
    • The transfer space is to the right when facing the toilet.
    • The width of the transfer space is 85cm.

Washroom (Ensuite)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
    • This washroom is female.
    • There is written or text signage on or near the washroom door.
    • The washroom door(s) open(s) outwards.
    • The door(s) is/are locked by a twist lock.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 122cm (4ft).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 234cm x 183cm (7ft 8in x 6ft).
    • The washroom does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • There is an emergency pull cord alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is within reach and fully functional.
    • There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s) 134cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is a tall mirror, with suitable specifications, for ease of use.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the wash basin is 72cm.
    • As you face the wash basin the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • The tap type is lever. It is a mixer tap.
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 90cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 135cm.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
  • Toilet Details View
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet has a wall which can act as a back rest.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on both sides.
    • The lateral transfer space on the left is 60cm.
    • The lateral transfer space on the right is 87cm.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 97cm.
    • There is not a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
  • Shower Details View
    • The height of the shower head is 180cm (5ft 11in).
    • There is a wheel in shower.
    • The shower does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The shower head is hand held.
    • The shower control type is twist/turn.
    • There is a flip-down/tip-up seat for the shower.
    • The height of the flip-down/tip-up or fixed seat is 52cm (1ft 8in).
    • There are wall-mounted grab rails available for the shower.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The colour contrast between the external washroom door and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the internal washroom door and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet and wall is good.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
    • The colour contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the washroom floor and walls is good.
    • Lighting levels are bright.

Standard Toilet(s)

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