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 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 Getting To (Johanna Finn Diagnostic Unit - Urology). Skip to the next section.

Getting To (Johanna Finn Diagnostic Unit - Urology)

• Johanna Finn Diagnostic Unit - Urology is/are located on the first floor, in Area 38 of Green Zone.
• Access to Johanna Finn Diagnostic Unit - Urology is via the main hospital entrance.
• Enter via the main hospital entrance and 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 ahead along the corridor. Turn left after the staircase and Acute Medical Unit - Admissions is located in front of you. Go through the entrance and Johanna Finn Diagnostic Unit - Urology is located on the left of the corridor.
• There is step free access, via lift, to Johanna Finn Diagnostic Unit - Urology.
• Johanna Finn Diagnostic Unit - Urology is approximately 50m from the lift.
• There is a/are manual, heavy, double door(s) between the lift and the department/service.
• Wayfinding signage is 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 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. Skip to the next section.

Other Floors

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• 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.

You are on Lift (Main corridor). Skip to the next section.

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.

You are on Entrance (Johanna Finn Diagnostic Unit - Urology). Skip to the next section.

Entrance (Johanna Finn Diagnostic Unit - Urology)

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• Entrance Details View
  • This information is for the entrance located on the first floor of the hospital.
  • The entrance area/door is clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
  • There is step free access at this entrance.
  • There is not a bell/buzzer.
  • There is not an intercom.
  • There is not a hand sanitiser.
  • There is not a door release button when exiting.
  • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
  • The door(s) is/are double width.
  • The door(s) is/are heavy.
  • The width of the door opening is 152cm.

You are on Reception. Skip to the next section.

Reception

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• Reception View
  • The reception point is located to the left as you enter.
  • The reception point is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the Johanna Finn Diagnostic Unit - Urology entrance.
  • The reception area/desk is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • There is step free access to the reception point.
  • There is a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
  • There are no windows, glazed screens or mirrors behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
  • The reception counter is not placed in front of a background which is patterned.
  • The lighting levels at the reception point are good.
  • The height of the reception counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm) .
  • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
  • There is a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
  • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the low section of the counter.
  • The counter is staffed.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Signs and universally accepted symbols or pictograms, indicating lifts, stairs, WCs, circulation routes and other parts of the building are not provided in the reception area.
• Reception Waiting Area View
  • There is a waiting area close to the reception point.
  • Access to the waiting area is unobstructed.
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.
  • There is a mixture of seating with and without armrests.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • The waiting room / area does have background music playing.
  • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the waiting room / area.
  • There is not a television.
  • Vending machines are not available.
  • A water dispenser is not available.
  • There is not a play area or toys/books for a child to play with.
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest within the seating area.
  • Lighting levels are medium.

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

Inside Access

• There is level access once inside.
• This venue does play background music.
• Music is played in the reception area.
• Motorised scooters are allowed in public parts of the venue.
• Wayfinding signage is not available.
• The type of flooring in walkways and corridors is vinyl/laminate.
• There is flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
• The lighting levels are medium.

You are on Consultation / Treatment Room (Room 1). Skip to the next section.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Room 1)

• The name / number of the room surveyed was; Room 1.
• 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 single width with a locked extension leaf.
• The door(s) is/are heavy.
• The width of the door opening is 90cm (2ft 11in).
• 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 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 adjustable.
• All chairs have armrests available.
• Some tables are permanently fixed.
• The room does not have background music playing.
• There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
• Lighting levels are medium.

You are on Accessible Toilet. Skip to the next section.

Accessible Toilet

• Accessible toilet facilities are available.

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• 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 ahead on entering and on the left of the corridor.
  • This accessible toilet is approximately 19m (20yd 2ft) from the Johanna Finn Diagnostic Unit - Urology entrance.
  • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
• Features and Dimensions View
  • This is a shared 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 148cm x 194cm (4ft 10in x 6ft 4in).
  • The accessible toilet does not 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 78cm (2ft 7in).
  • The lateral transfer space was obstructed at the time of the survey.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • There is a flush on the transfer side.
  • There is not 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 fully functional.
  • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
  • There is a/are waste paper pedal bin 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 the right.
  • There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
  • The shelf is not higher than 95cm (3ft 1in).
  • There is not a mirror.
  • There is not a hand dryer.
  • There is a towel dispenser.
  • The towel dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • 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 cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The height of the soap dispenser is 109cm.
  • There is a wash basin.
  • The wash basin can 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 good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
  • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
  • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
  • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
  • The lighting levels are medium.

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 Shared Toilet(s) View
  • The shared toilets that were surveyed are located straight ahead as you enter along the corridor and to the left.
  • The shared toilet(s) is/are approximately 18m (19yd 2ft) from the clinic entrance.
  • Inside the venue, there is level access to the shared toilet(s).
  • An ambulant toilet with wall mounted grab rails is not available.
  • Lighting levels are medium.

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.