You are on Getting Help and Assistance (West Suffolk Hospital). Skip to the next section.

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.

You are on Getting To The Hospital (West Suffolk Hospital). Skip to the next section.

Getting To The Hospital (West Suffolk Hospital)

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• 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
  • Information on bus providers.
  • To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
  • Information on train providers.
  • To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
  • Bury St Edmunds train station.
  • To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).

You are on Hospital Parking (Main Entrance Blue Badge Bays). Skip to the next section.

Hospital Parking (Main Entrance Blue Badge Bays)

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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 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
  • There are not parking charges for the hospital car park.
  • To see the hospital parking charges please click here (opens new tab).
• 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.

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

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

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• Entrance Details View
  • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the hospital.
  • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
  • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
  • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
  • There are bollards outside this entrance.
  • The minimum width between the bollards/wall is 194cm.
  • The bollard(s) has/have a high visual contrast to prevent them being hazardous to visually impaired people.
  • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
  • There is not a bell/buzzer.
  • There is not an intercom.
  • There is a hand sanitiser.
  • The height of the hand sanitiser is 123cm (4ft).
  • There is not a door release button when exiting.
  • Standard manual wheelchairs are available for people to borrow at this entrance.
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
  • The door(s) is/are single width.
  • The width of the door opening is 143cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 1.5cm or below.
  • There is a second set of doors.
  • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
  • The door(s) is/are double width.
  • The width of the door opening is 174cm.
• Ramp/Slope Details View
  • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
  • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
• Comments View
  • There is also an automatic door on the right side of the canopy.
  • The door is 143cm wide and has a slight slope in front.

You are on Getting To (Labour Suite). Skip to the next section.

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 Green Zone Lifts 1 and 2.
• There is a/are manual, double door(s) which may be difficult to open 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.

You are on Lift (Green Zone - Lifts No1 and No2). Skip to the next section.

Lift (Green Zone - Lifts No1 and No2)

• There is a lift for public use.
• The lift is located within the green zone, to the left as you exit the main entrance lobby.
• Signs indicating the location of this lift are not clearly visible from the entrance.
• The lift is approximately 45m (49yd 8in) from the main entrance.
• The lift is a standard lift.
• Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
• The floors which are accessible by this lift are G and 1.
• Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on lift lobby landings.
• There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
• Lift doors do contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
• The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
• The visual contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is medium.
• The visual contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is high.
• The clear door width is 129cm (4ft 3in).
• The dimensions of the lift are 157cm x 241cm (5ft 2in x 7ft 11in).
• There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
• There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
• There is not a list of floor services available within the lift.
• The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
• The lift does have an audible announcer.
• The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
• There is a hearing assistance system.
• The lift does not have Braille markings.
• The lift does have tactile markings.
• The lighting level in the lift is good.

You are on Other Floors (Green Zone - Lifts No1 and No2 Stairs). Skip to the next section.

Other Floors (Green Zone - Lifts No1 and No2 Stairs)

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• Stairs View
  • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not clearly visible from the entrance.
  • There are manual, double doors which may be difficult to open to enter and exit the stairwell on the ground floor.
  • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G and 1.
  • There are 15+ steps between floors.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
  • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
  • The steps are not clearly marked.
  • The steps do have handrails.
  • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
  • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
  • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • Handrails are easy to grip.
  • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
  • There is a landing.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor of the building are provided on landings.
  • The lighting levels are good.
• Comments View
  • The manual doors are to access the stairs from the lift lobby on the ground floor. There is open access to the stairs from the corridor.

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

Opening Times

• Monday Closed.
• Tuesday Closed.
• Wednesday Closed.
• Thursday Closed.
• Friday Closed.
• Saturday Closed.
• Sunday Closed.

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• Comments View
  • There are no visiting times in the department.
  • Only one birthing partner is permitted.

You are on Outside Access (Labour Suite). Skip to the next section.

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).

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• 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.

You are on Reception. Skip to the next section.

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.

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

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.

You are on Ward (Labour Suite). Skip to the next section.

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.

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

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.

You are on Room / Area (Labour Suite). Skip to the next section.

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.

You are on Room / Area (Bereavement Suite). Skip to the next section.

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.

You are on Accessible Bathroom (Bereavement Suite). Skip to the next section.

Accessible Bathroom (Bereavement Suite)

• Accessible bathroom facilities are available.

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• 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.

You are on Washroom (Ensuite). Skip to the next section.

Washroom (Ensuite)

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• 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 high.
  • The visual contrast between the internal washroom door and wall is high.
  • The visual contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is high.
  • The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall is high.
  • The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet and wall is high.
  • The toilet seat colour contrast is high.
  • The visual contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is high.
  • The visual contrast between the washroom floor and walls is high.
  • Lighting levels are bright.

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 toilet facilities are available.
• Access to Standard Female Toilet(s) View
  • The female toilet facilities that were surveyed are located in the main corridor.
  • The female toilet(s) is/are approximately 14m (15yd 11in) from the Delivery Suite entrance.
  • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female toilet(s).
  • An ambulant toilet with wall mounted grab rails is available.
  • Lighting levels are bright.

You are on Related Access Guides. Skip to the next section.

Related Access Guides

• To view other Detailed Access Guides that are related to this one please use the links below.
• Main Hospital Entrance link (new tab) - click here.