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Neonatal 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 (Main Entrance)

  • 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.

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

  • 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.

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.

Getting To (Neonatal Unit)

  • The Neonatal Unit is/are located on the first floor in area 29 of the Red Zone.
  • Access to the Neonatal Unit 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, then turn right and continue ahead. At the end of the corridor bear right and the Neonatal Unit is located on the right.
  • There is step free access, via lift, to the Neonatal Unit.
  • The Neonatal Unit is approximately 132m 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.

Outside Access (Neonatal Unit)

  • 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 away from you (push).
  • The doors are single width.
  • The door(s) is / are heavy.
  • The door opening is 78cm (2ft 7in) 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 a hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing system is available only on request.
  • The type of system is a portable loop.
  • Staff are 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.

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.
  • Customers cannot charge scooters or wheelchairs at the venue.
  • The type of flooring in walkways and corridors is vinyl.
  • The lighting levels are medium.

Waiting Room / Area (Sitting Room)

  • There is a waiting room / area.
  • The waiting room / area is 2m (2yd 7in) from the entrance.
  • There is level access into the waiting room / area.
  • There are doors into the waiting room / area.
  • The main doors open away from you (push).
  • The doors are single width.
  • The doors are light.
  • The door opening is 87cm (2ft 10in) wide.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • The type of flooring is wood.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs with armrests are available.
  • Information is available in large print, large print on request and different languages.
  • Information in other languages and formats is available on request.
  • Announcements are in person.
  • The room does not have background music playing.
  • There is a television.
  • Subtitles are not available.
  • 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.

Ward

  • There is level access to the ward.
  • The ward is unisex.
  • The area / room / bay surveyed was main ward with 12 beds.
  • There are doors to the bay / side room.
  • The main doors open away from you (push).
  • The doors are double width.
  • The doors are heavy.
  • The door opening is 158cm (5ft 2in) wide.
  • The type of flooring is vinyl.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre between beds.
  • All beds are adjustable.
  • A hoist is not available.
  • There is an accessible toilet for visitors to use on the ward.
  • There is not a standard toilet for visitors to use on the ward.
  • There is not a standard toilet for visitors to use outside the ward.
  • There is not a bathroom on the ward.
  • There is not a bathroom outside the ward.
  • Lighting levels are medium.
  • A flashing alarm is not available.
  • A vibrating alarm is not available.

Accessible Shower

  • Accessible shower facilities are available.
  • The showers are located on the right after you enter the unit.
  • The facilities available in the accessible shower are handrails.
  • The height of the seat is 18cm (7in).
  • There is level access to the services from the shower facilities.

Toilet with Adaptations

  • There are accessible toilets within this venue designated for public use.
  • 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.
    • The accessible toilet is located on the right after you enter the unit.
    • The accessible toilet is 1m (3ft 3in) from the entrance.
    • There is level access to the accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a unisex toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The door weight is heavy.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 175cm x 195cm (5ft 9in x 6ft 5in).
    • Floor manoeuvring space is clear in the accessible toilet.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • The emergency 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 coat hook.
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted rails are available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall mounted grab rails are on the right.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There are mirrors.
    • 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 43cm (1ft 5in).
    • 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 110cm (3ft 7in) high.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The toilet roll holder is 114cm (3ft 9in) high.
    • There is a sink.
    • The sink can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The sink is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the sink 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 poor colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the grab rails and wall is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are medium.
  • Comments View
    • The adapted facility also serves as the standard unisex facility.

Standard Toilet(s)