You are on Getting To The Hospital. Skip to the next section.

Getting To The Hospital

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• 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.

You are on Getting Help and Assistance. Skip to the next section.

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.

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• 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.

You are on Hospital Parking (Main Visitor Parking). Skip to the next section.

Hospital Parking (Main Visitor Parking)

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• 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.

You are on Hospital Parking (Blue Badge Parking and Drop Off Point). Skip to the next section.

Hospital Parking (Blue Badge Parking and Drop Off Point)

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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 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.

You are on Getting To (Ward G7 - Cardiology). Skip to the next section.

Getting To (Ward G7 - Cardiology)

• Ward G7 - Cardiology is/are located on the ground floor in Area 12 of the Yellow Zone.
• Access to Ward G7 - Cardiology is via the main hospital entrance.
• Enter via the main hospital entrance and go straight ahead. Turn right at the end of the corridor and continue ahead. After the staircase turn right and then immediately left. This part of the route is a Memory Walk named Forget-Me-Not Walk, a reminiscent corridor designed to provide a calm and comforting space for patients with dementia. Follow the Memory Walk and take the Yellow Zone lifts down to the lower ground floor. Exit the lift continue ahead and Ward G7 - Cardiology is located at the end of the corridor on the right.
• There is step free access to Ward G7 - Cardiology.
• Ward G7 - Cardiology is approximately 200m from the main hospital entrance.
• There is a/are manual, heavy, double door(s) between the main hospital entrance 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 Outside Access (Main Hospital Entrance). Skip to the next section.

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.

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• 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.

You are on Level Change (Main Hospital Entrance). Skip to the next section.

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.

You are on Other Floors (Yellow Zone). Skip to the next section.

Other Floors (Yellow Zone)

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• Stairs View
  • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, LG.
  • 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 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 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.

You are on Lift (Yellow Zone). Skip to the next section.

Lift (Yellow Zone)

• There is a lift for public use.
• The lift is located outside of G-5 Denham Ward.
• The lift is approximately 166m (181yd 1ft) from the main hospital entrance.
• The lift is a standard lift.
• The floors which are accessible by this lift are LG-G.
• 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 245cm x 162cm (8ft x 5ft 4in).
• 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 medium.

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• Comments View
  • There is a smaller lift located next to the lift detailed above with dimensions of 110cm x 195cm and a door width of 90cm.

You are on Ward. Skip to the next section.

Ward

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• Ward Information View
  • This is a/an Cardiac ward.
  • This is a shared ward.
  • There is/are 4 bay(s) available.
  • There is/are 3 side room(s) available.
  • There is/are 22 bed(s) on this ward in total.
• Ward Access View
  • There is a/are door(s) leading into the ward.
  • 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 175cm (5ft 9in).
  • There is not a bell/buzzer.
  • There is an intercom.
  • The height of the intercom is 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • There is a hand sanitiser.
  • The height of the hand sanitiser is 153cm (5ft).
  • There is a door release button when exiting.
  • There is level access throughout the ward.
  • There is no clear signage on the ward.
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is flooring on the ward which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
  • The lighting levels are bright.
• Reception/Nurses' Station View
  • The height of the ward reception desk is 112cm.
  • There is not a lowered section.
  • The height of the lowered section of the desk is 73cm.
  • There is a hearing assistance system available at the desk.
• Example Side Room View
  • There are no side rooms available with an accessible ensuite.
  • The side room surveyed does not have an accessible ensuite.
  • The width of the door opening into the side room is over 75cm.
  • The side room surveyed does not have a ceiling track hoist.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre around the bed.
  • Bedside storage is available.
  • The colour contrast between the walls and the floor in the side room is good.
  • The lighting levels in the side room are adjustable.
• Ward Features and Patient Facilities View
  • A hearing assistance system is available on the ward.
  • The ward does not play background music.
  • There is a chair with armrests on both sides.
  • A mobile hoist is available on the ward.
• Visitor Facilities View
  • There are no accessible toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
  • There are no standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
• Visiting Times View
  • There are set visiting times for the ward.
  • Visiting times are 14:30 to 17:00 and 18:30 to 20:00.
  • The visiting times are the same for each day.

You are on Washroom (Bay - Left Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Washroom (Bay - Left Hand Transfer)

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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 interchangeable between male and female.
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the washroom door.
  • The washroom door(s) open(s) outwards.
  • The door(s) is/are locked by a locking handle.
  • The door(s) is/are heavy to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 87cm (2ft 10in).
  • The dimensions of the washroom are 225cm x 215cm (7ft 5in x 7ft 1in).
  • 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 are coat hooks at 106cm and 146cm from the floor.
  • There is a mirror.
  • There is not 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 79cm.
  • 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 93cm.
  • There is a towel dispenser.
  • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The height of the towel dispenser is 136cm.
  • There is not a hand dryer.
  • Disposal facilities are available.
  • The washroom has a non-slip floor.
• Toilet Details View
  • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 49cm (1ft 7in).
  • There is a rail with a padded back rest.
  • There is a lateral transfer space.
  • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
  • The lateral transfer space is 128cm.
  • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
  • There is a toilet roll holder.
  • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The height of the toilet roll holder is 90cm.
  • There is not a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
• Shower Details View
  • There is a wheel in shower.
  • The shower does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
  • The shower head is height adjustable.
  • 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 50cm (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 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.

You are on Washroom (Corridor - Left Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Washroom (Corridor - Left Hand Transfer)

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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 shared.
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the washroom door.
  • The washroom door(s) open(s) outwards.
  • The door(s) is/are locked by a locking handle.
  • The door(s) is/are heavy to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 84cm (2ft 9in).
  • The dimensions of the washroom are 244cm x 270cm (8ft x 8ft 10in).
  • 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 are coat hooks at 105cm and 107cm 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 80cm.
  • As you face the wash basin the wall-mounted grab rails are on the right.
  • 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 93cm.
  • There is a towel dispenser.
  • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The height of the towel dispenser is 130cm.
  • There is not a hand dryer.
  • Disposal facilities are available.
  • The washroom has a non-slip floor.
• Toilet Details View
  • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 49cm (1ft 7in).
  • There is a rail with a padded back rest.
  • There is a lateral transfer space.
  • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
  • The lateral transfer space is 97cm.
  • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on the right.
  • 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 94cm.
  • There is a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
• Shower Details View
  • There is a wheel in shower.
  • The shower does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
  • The shower head is height adjustable.
  • 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 50cm (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 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.

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.