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Ward F6 - Blake

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.

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.

Getting To (Ward F6 - Blake)

  • Ward F6 - Blake is/are located on the first floor in area 40 of Blue Zone.
  • Access to Ward F6 - Blake 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 right as you exit the lift and continue straight ahead along the corridor. Turn left after the staircase and Ward F6 - Blake is located ahead.
  • There is step free access, via lift, to Ward F6 - Blake.
  • Ward F6 - Blake is approximately 52m 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 with a very shiny finish which could cause issues with glare or be perceived as slippery.
  • There is flooring in corridors with large, repeating patterns that incorporate bold contrasting colours or simulate steps.

Outside Access (Ward F5 & F6 Department Entrance)

  • 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 main doors open towards you (pull).
  • The doors are double width.
  • The doors are heavy.
  • The door opening is 150cm (4ft 11in) wide.

Outside Access (Ward F6-Blake Entrance)

  • 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 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 150cm (4ft 11in).

Reception

  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is high (110cm+).
  • The desk/counter does not have a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • The desk/counter is staffed.
  • The lighting levels are medium.
  • There is not a prescription box.
  • There is not a bell to attract attention.
  • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the desk/counter.

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.
  • Route finding signage is not available.
  • The type of flooring in walkways and corridors is non slip.
  • Lighting levels are medium.

Ward

  • There is level access to the ward.
  • The ward is unisex.
  • There are 5 bays available.
  • There are 4 side rooms available.
  • The area / room / bay surveyed was Bay 4.
  • There are not doors to the bay / side room.
  • The type of flooring is vinyl.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre between beds.
  • All beds are adjustable.
  • All beds have bedside storage.
  • Bedside services available are television, telephone, radio and internet.
  • Some of these services are chargeable.
  • A hoist is available.
  • The hoist is manual.
  • A sling is available.
  • The sling is attached by hook and loop.
  • 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.

Accessible Bathroom

  • Accessible bathroom facilities are available.
  • Location and access View
    • The bathroom is unisex.
    • The bathroom is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the accessible bathroom door.
    • The accessible bathroom is 20m (21yd 2ft) from the ward entrance.
    • 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 twist lock.
    • The width of the door is 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • The door weight is light.
    • The dimensions of the bathroom are 144cm x 300cm (4ft 9in x 9ft 10in).
    • 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 a coat hook.
    • The coat hook is within 120cm (3ft 11in) from floor level.
  • Position of fixtures View
    • Wall mounted rails are available.
    • 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 89cm (2ft 11in) 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 110cm (3ft 7in) high.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin height is 76cm (2ft 6in).
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap for the wash basin.
    • There are mirrors in the accessible bathroom.
    • Mirrors are not 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.
    • The shower seat is flip-down.
    • The flip-down or fixed seat height is 54cm (1ft 9in).
    • There are handrails available.
  • 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.

Toilet with Adaptations (Visitors)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is located to the left as you enter the ward.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the Ward entrance.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a unisex toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 200cm x 312cm (6ft 7in x 10ft 3in).
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 130cm (4ft 3in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is a spatula type lever flush.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional.
    • The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are general domestic waste disposal units.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the cubicle.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 124cm (4ft 1in).
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 90cm.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • There is a fair colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is fair.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are medium.

Standard Toilet(s)