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Ward F1 - Rainbow and Children's Inpatients

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

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Access Guide

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Getting To (Ward F1 - Rainbow and Children's Inpatients)

  • The most accessible route from the Rear Hospital Entrance Blue Badge Bays has slight ramps or slopes and a dropped kerb.
  • View further information about parking at the hospital (opens new tab).
  • Access to the Ward F1 - Rainbow and Children's Inpatients is via the Rainbow Children Outpatient Department and Ward F1 entrance.
  • There is not a drop-off point at this entrance.
  • View further information about entrances (opens new tab).
  • The Ward F1 - Rainbow and Children's Inpatients is located on the first floor of the hospital, within the orange zone.
  • The Ward F1 - Rainbow and Children's Inpatients is approximately 4m from the Ward F1 - Rainbow and Children's Inpatients Lift.
  • Enter the hospital via the Rainbow Children Outpatient Department and Ward F1 entrance and turn left.
  • Continue to the end of the corridor and the Ward F1 - Rainbow and Children's Inpatients Lift is located on the left.
  • Take the lift to the first floor.
  • Exit the lift and the entrance to the Ward F1 - Rainbow and Children's Inpatients is located on the right.
  • Internally the most accessible route has step-free level access, a lift and doors permanently held open.
  • Some flooring along the route is shiny.
  • There are resting areas along the route.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • Signage is clearly visible with high contrasting colours.
  • The following toilet facilities are available along the route; toilets for ambulant disabled users.
  • View information about accessible toilet facilities in public areas (opens new tab).
  • View more information on getting to and around the hospital (opens new tab).

Hospital Parking (Rear Hospital 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 rear 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 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 5 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the hospital car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 230cm x 481cm (7ft 7in x 15ft 9in).
    • There is 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
  • 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 15m (16yd 1ft) from the rear hospital entrance.

Entrance (Rainbow Children Outpatient Department and Ward F1 Entrance)

  • This entrance is located at the rear of the hospital grounds, within the orange zone.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is step-free access via slope at the entrance.
  • The slope has a slight gradient.
  • There are double manual doors at this entrance.
  • One of the doors was locked.
  • The locked door can be opened on request.
  • The doors open away from you.
  • The doors require effort to open.
  • The width of the opening is 81cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The doors have a high visual contrast.
  • There is step-free level access as you enter.

Lift (Ward F1 - Rainbow and Children's Inpatients Lift)

  • The lift surveyed is located to the left as you enter via the Rainbow Children's Outpatient Department and Ward F1 entrance.
  • The distance from the Rainbow Children's Outpatient Department and Ward F1 entrance is 6m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access and doors permanently held open.
  • The ground and first floor are accessed by this lift.
  • The lift door has a high visual contrast.
  • The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
  • The external lift control buttons have tactile markings and a low visual contrast.
  • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 80cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 109cm (width) x 140cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings and a low visual contrast.
  • All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • Internally the lift has: a visual floor indicator.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.

Stairs (Ward F1 - Rainbow and Children's Inpatients Stairs)

  • The stairs surveyed are located to the left as you enter via the Rainbow Children's Outpatient Department and Ward F1 entrance.
  • The ground and first floor can be accessed by these stairs.
  • There are 19 steps between floors.
  • The steps are clearly marked and have a handrail on the left going up.
  • The handrail is easy to grip.
  • The handrail covers the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • The handrail does not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
  • The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the highest step is 18cm.
  • The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.

Entrance (Ward F1 - Rainbow and Children's Inpatients Entrance)

  • This entrance is located at the rear of the hospital, on the first floor of the orange zone.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is step-free access via slope at the entrance.
  • The slope has a slight gradient.
  • There is an intercom at a height of 143cm.
  • The height of the hand sanitiser is 107cm.
  • There is a single manual door at this entrance.
  • The door has a locked extension leaf.
  • The locked extension leaf can be opened on request.
  • The door opens towards you.
  • The door requires effort to open.
  • The width of the opening is 88cm.
  • The door has a high visual contrast.
  • There is an intercom to exit that is 143cm high.
  • There is a second intercom that is 144cm high.
  • There is a second single manual door.
  • The door has a locked extension leaf.
  • The locked extension leaf can be opened on request.
  • The second door is permanently held open.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The width of the opening is 88cm.
  • The second door has a medium visual contrast.
  • There is step-free level access as you enter.

Ward (Ward F1 - Rainbow and Children's Inpatients)

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a children's inpatient ward.
    • This is a shared ward.
    • There are 2 bays available.
    • There are 11 side rooms available.
    • There are 15 beds in total on the ward.
    • There is 1 consultation/medical room available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is step-free access via slope into this ward.
    • The slope has a slight gradient.
  • Getting Around View
    • There is step-free level access throughout.
    • Access throughout may include doors permanently held open.
    • Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.
    • Wayfinding signage is provided.
    • Signage is clearly visible with high contrasting colours.
    • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.
  • Reception / Nurses' Station View
    • The height of the desk is 121cm.
    • There is a lowered section at the desk.
    • The height of the lowered section is 77cm.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Facilities and Services View
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
    • The hoist is mobile.
    • There is a relatives' room for the ward.
    • The following facilities are available for patients: a toilet with adaptations and washrooms.
    • The following facilities are available for visitors: a toilet with adaptations.
  • Visiting Hours View
    • Visiting times vary, please contact the ward in advance.

Toilet and Changing Facilities (Patients)

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • There are 2 toilets with adaptations.
    • Toilets with adaptations are located halfway along the ward F1 corridor.
    • The transfer space varies between left and right in the toilets with adaptations.
  • Washroom and Shower Facilities View
    • The washroom facilities which have adaptations are located at the front of the ward F1 corridor and within the side rooms.

Seating Area (Visitors Waiting Area)

  • Location and Access View
    • The visitors waiting area is located ahead as you enter Ward F1 - Rainbow and Children's Inpatients.
    • The most accessible route has step-free level access.
    • There is step-free level access into this area.
  • Seating Area View
    • There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Some flooring is shiny.
    • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests and sofas.
    • Furniture available in this area includes: coffee tables.
    • There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.
    • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.

Bedroom and Ensuite with Adaptations (Side Room 6)

  • Bedroom Access View
    • The bedroom surveyed is located towards the end of the ward F1 corridor.
    • The most accessible route to the bedroom has step-free level access and doors permanently held open.
    • There is step-free level access into the bedroom.
    • There is written text signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens inwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 88cm.
  • Bedroom Features View
    • The bedroom has two single beds which can be pushed together.
    • The top of the mattress is 62cm from the floor.
    • The space under the bed is 40cm from the floor.
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre next to the bed (150cm x 150cm).
    • Some flooring is shiny.
    • The following is available in this bedroom: a chair with armrests, a chair without armrests, a height adjustable desk, bedside plug sockets and a TV with subtitles.
    • There is a push button emergency alarm.
    • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.
    • This bedroom does not have an adjoining room.
  • Ensuite Access View
    • There is step-free level access into the ensuite.
    • The ensuite door opens inwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The width of the door opening to the ensuite is 87cm.
    • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high visual contrast.
  • Ensuite Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the ensuite are 436cm (width) x 237cm (depth) and there is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet.
    • The lateral transfer space is 80cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a lever flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • The horizontal grab rail has a low visual contrast.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • The vertical grab rail has a low visual contrast.
    • There is no dropdown rail for the toilet.
    • The toilet seat is 42cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 78cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 80cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a lever tap.
    • The vertical grab rail is on the left as you face the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rail has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a medium visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 96cm from the floor.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The ensuite has a clinical waste bin.
    • There are multiple coat hooks.
    • The coat hooks are 108cm and 178cm from the floor.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.
    • The ensuite has a standard bath.
    • The height of the side of the bath from floor level is 55cm.
    • The bath controls are lever.

Room (Parents Room)

  • The room is located at the end of the ward F1 corridor, on the left.
  • The distance from the Ward F1 - Rainbow and Children's Inpatients entrance is 25m.
  • The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access and doors permanently held open.
  • There is written text signage on or near the door.
  • There is step-free level access into the room.
  • There is a single manual door with a high visual contrast.
  • The door has a locked extension leaf.
  • The locked extension leaf can be opened on request.
  • The door is permanently held open.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The width of the opening is 85cm.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the room.
  • Furniture can be moved to enable a manoeuvring space for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • Some flooring is shiny.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Seating available in the room includes: sofas.
  • Furniture available in the room includes: tables and coffee tables.
  • Some tables are fixed.
  • The surface heights are not suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear underside space of the surfaces is not suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Additional facilities/services include: a television with subtitles and a wash basin.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise in this room.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.

Room (School Room)

  • The room is located at the front of the ward F1 corridor, on the left.
  • The distance from the Ward F1 - Rainbow and Children's Inpatients entrance is 7m.
  • The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access.
  • There is written text signage on or near the door.
  • There is step-free level access into the room.
  • There is a single manual door with a high visual contrast.
  • The door has a locked extension leaf.
  • The locked extension leaf can be opened on request.
  • The door opens inwards.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the room.
  • Furniture can be moved to enable a manoeuvring space for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • Some flooring is shiny.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Seating available in the room includes: chairs with armrests, chairs without armrests and sofas.
  • Furniture available in the room includes: tables and height adjustable tables.
  • Some surface heights are suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear underside space of some surfaces is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Additional facilities/services include: a television with subtitles and a play area.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise in this room.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.

Bathroom with Adaptations (Patients - Bath, Shower and Toilet)

  • Location and Access View
    • The bathroom surveyed is located at the front of the ward F1 corridor, on the right.
    • The most accessible route to the bathroom has step-free level access and doors permanently held open.
    • There is step-free level access into the bathroom.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens inwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 88cm.
    • The door has a twist lock.
    • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high visual contrast.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the bathroom are 258cm (width) x 480cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet.
    • The lateral transfer space is 164cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a lever flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • The horizontal grab rail has a medium visual contrast.
    • There is no vertical grab rail for the toilet.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown rail has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 44cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a medium visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 103cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 78cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a lever tap.
    • The vertical grab rail is on the left as you face the wash basin.
    • The wash basin rail has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a medium visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 98cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser has a medium visual contrast.
    • The towel dispenser is 145cm from the floor.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The bathroom has a clinical waste bin.
    • There are multiple coat hooks.
    • The coat hooks are 108cm and 178cm from the floor.
    • The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
    • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.
    • The bathroom has a wheel in shower and a bath.
    • The height of the side of the bath from floor level is 57cm.
    • The bath controls are twist/turn.
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the shower (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is an adjustable shower head which can also be detached.
    • The shower controls are lever mixer.
    • There is a flip-down shower seat.
    • The shower seat is 52cm from the floor.
    • There is a grab rail for the shower.
    • The shower grab rail has a low visual contrast.
    • The baby changing unit is 83cm high.

Toilet with Adaptations (Patients - Left Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located halfway along the ward F1 corridor.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access and doors permanently held open.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens inwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 84cm.
    • The door has a twist lock.
    • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high visual contrast.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the cubicle are 160cm (width) x 288cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
    • The lateral transfer space is 108cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a lever flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • The horizontal grab rail has a low visual contrast.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • The vertical grab rail has a low visual contrast.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown rail has a medium visual contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 45cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet has a padded backrest.
    • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 109cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 71cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The vertical grab rail is on the right as you face the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rail has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a medium visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 95cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser has a medium visual contrast.
    • The towel dispenser is 95cm from the floor.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is an unobstructed shelf.
    • The shelf meets the AccessAble criteria for Stoma Friendly Toilets.
    • The cubicle has a clinical waste bin.
    • There are no coat hooks.
    • The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
    • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.

Toilet with Adaptations (Visitors - No Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located on the ground floor of the orange zone, to the left as you enter via the Rainbow Children's Outpatient Department and Ward F1 Entrance.
    • The distance from the Rainbow Children's Outpatient Department and Ward F1 Entrance is 5m.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial, written text and ‘Not All Disabilities Are Visible’ signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens inwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 86cm.
    • The door has a twist lock.
    • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
    • There is not a grab rail on the internal door.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the cubicle are 157cm (width) x 198cm (depth) and there is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is not a lateral transfer space next to the toilet.
    • There is a lever flush on the right as you face the toilet.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the left as you face the toilet.
    • The horizontal grab rail has a medium visual contrast.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the left as you face the toilet.
    • The vertical grab rail has a medium visual contrast.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the right as you face the toilet.
    • The dropdown rail has a medium visual contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 45cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet has a padded backrest.
    • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a medium visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 120cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 70cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • There are no vertical grab rails at the wash basin.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a medium visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 94cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser has a medium visual contrast.
    • The towel dispenser is 86cm from the floor.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is an unobstructed shelf.
    • The shelf does not meet the AccessAble criteria for Stoma Friendly Toilets.
    • The cubicle has a clinical waste bin.
    • There is one coat hook.
    • The coat hook is 177cm from the floor.
    • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 87cm.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.