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 (Rear Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Hospital Parking (Rear Entrance)

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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 adjacent to the rear entrance.
  • 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 car park surface is tarmac.
  • There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
  • The Blue Badge bay(s) markings are faded.
  • There is/are 6 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the hospital car park.
  • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 360cm x 500cm (11ft 10in x 16ft 5in).
  • 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 a designated drop-off point.
  • 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 located at the payment machines in the hospital building.
  • Payment signs do make it clear if parking charges apply to Blue Badge holders.
  • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
  • Free parking for Blue Badge holders is for 4 hours only.
  • Payment machines are located inside the hospital building.
  • 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 not clearly signposted.
  • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 30m (32yd 2ft) from the from the rear entrance.
• Comments View
  • Blue Badge holders can have their chip coin validated (for free parking) at the Eye Treatment Centre, Macmillan Unit or Day Surgery Unit only if they have attended these units.
  • For more information on hospital parking please see the Car Parking Information guide.

You are on Outside Access (Rear Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Rear Entrance)

• This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the hospital.
• There is not level access into the venue.
• The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
• The door(s) is / are double.
• The width of the door opening is 170cm (5ft 7in).

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• Second set of doors View
  • There is a second set of doors.
  • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
  • The door(s) is / are double.
  • The width of the door opening is 170cm (5ft 7in).

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

Level Change (Rear 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 Getting To (Ward G1 - Macmillan Unit). Skip to the next section.

Getting To (Ward G1 - Macmillan Unit)

• Ward G1 - Macmillan Unit is/are located on the ground floor in area 5 of Orange Zone.
• Access to Ward G1 - Macmillan Unit is via the rear entrance.
• Turn left as you enter the rear entrance and continue ahead along the corridor. The Ward G1 - Macmillan Unit is located on the left of the corridor.
• There is step free access to Ward G1 - Macmillan Unit.
• Ward G1 - Macmillan Unit is approximately 30m from the rear entrance.
• There is a/are manual, heavy, double door(s) between the rear entrance and the department/service.
• Wayfinding signage is not 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.

You are on Outside Access (Inpatients Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Inpatients Entrance)

• This information is for the entrance located on the rear entrance corridor.
• There is level access into the venue.
• The main door(s) open towards you (pull).
• The doors are double width.
• The door(s) is / are heavy.
• The door opening is 170cm (5ft 7in) wide.

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• Second set of doors View
  • There is a second set of doors.
  • The door(s) open towards you (pull).
  • The doors are double width.
  • The door(s) is / are heavy.
  • The door opening is 154cm (5ft 1in) wide.

You are on Reception. Skip to the next section.

Reception

• The desk is 25m (27yd) from the ward entrance .
• There is level access to reception from the entrance.
• The reception desk is medium height.
• The desk has a lowered section.
• The desk is generally staffed.
• Lighting levels are bright.
• There is a hearing assistance system.
• The type of system is a fixed loop.
• Staff are not trained to use system.
• There is not a touch screen.
• 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.

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

Inside Access

• There is level access to the service.
• This venue does not play background music.
• Route finding signage is available.
• The type of flooring in walkways and corridors is non slip.
• Lighting levels are bright.

You are on Ward. Skip to the next section.

Ward

• There is level access to the ward.
• The ward is unisex.
• There are 0 bays available.
• There are 11 side rooms available.
• The area / room / bay surveyed was Bed 15.
• The area / room / bay is 45m (49yd) from the ward entrance .
• 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 115cm (3ft 9in) wide.
• 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 and radio.
• 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 not a standard toilet for visitors to use on the ward.
• There is a standard toilet for visitors to use outside the ward.
• The distance to the standard toilet for visitors to use is 11m (12yd).
• There is a bathroom on the ward.
• Lighting levels are bright.
• A flashing alarm is not available.
• A vibrating alarm is not available.

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

Accessible Bathroom

• There are accessible bathrooms available.

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• Location and access View
  • The bathroom is unisex.
  • The bathroom is not for the sole use of disabled people.
  • There is no additional signage on or near the accessible bathroom door.
  • The accessible bathroom is 32m (34yd 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 115cm (3ft 9in).
  • The door weight is heavy.
  • The dimensions of the bathroom are 240cm x 500cm (7ft 10in x 16ft 5in).
  • The bathroom has a non slip floor.
  • Floor manoeuvring space is clear in the bathroom.
• Position of fixtures View
  • There is a lateral transfer space.
  • The lateral transfer space is 230cm (7ft 7in).
  • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • There is a flush on the transfer side.
• Features and dimensions View
  • There is a functional emergency alarm available.
  • There is not a push button style of alarm.
  • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
  • There is not a coat hook.
• Position of fixtures View
  • Wall mounted rails are available.
  • As you face the toilet the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
  • There is a toilet roll holder.
  • The toilet roll holder cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • There is a sink.
  • The sink cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The sink is 73cm (2ft 5in) high.
  • The tap type is lever.
  • There is a mixer tap for the sink.
  • There are mirrors in the accessible bathroom.
  • Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
• Bath details View
  • There is a bath.
  • The tap type is push.
  • There is a mixer tap.
  • There is a shower over the bath.
  • The shower head height is adjustable.
  • The shower control type is push.
  • There are not wall mounted handrails available.
• Wheel in shower details View
  • There is not a wheel in shower.
• Colour contrast and lighting View
  • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
  • The contrast between the grab rails and wall is fair.
  • The contrast between the drop down rails and wall is fair.
  • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
  • The lighting levels are bright.
• Comments View
  • The bath is height adjustable.
  • The bath hoist was not working at the time of the survey.
  • The shower head is height adjustable.

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

Accessible Shower

• Accessible shower facilities are available.
• The showers are located in some of the ensuites.
• The facilities available in the accessible shower are an adjustable shower head, handrails and a shower chair.
• There is level access to the services from the shower facilities.

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

Accessible Toilet

• There are accessible toilets within this venue designated for public use.

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• 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 in the ensuite of Bed 15.
  • The accessible toilet is 45m (49yd 8in) from the ward 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 outwards.
  • 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 170cm x 215cm (5ft 7in x 7ft 1in).
  • 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 150cm (4ft 11in).
  • 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 not 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 a shelf within the accessible toilet.
  • The shelf is not higher than 95cm (3ft 1in).
  • 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 48cm (1ft 7in).
  • 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 115cm (3ft 9in) high.
  • 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 sink.
  • The sink cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The sink is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • The height of the sink is 81cm (2ft 8in).
• 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 grab rails and wall is good.
  • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
  • The lighting levels are bright.
• Comments View
  • All bedroom ensuites are accessible but some may be smaller.

You are on Standard Toilet(s). Skip to the next section.

Standard Toilet(s)

• Standard toilets are available in the corridor outside the ward.