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D'Arcy Ward

Colchester General Hospital, Turner Road, Colchester, Essex, CO4 5JL

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Access Guide

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Parking (Gainsborough Wing Accessible Parking 1)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located on the right side of the front of the hospital grounds.
    • The car park is open air/surface.
    • The car park surface consists of tarmac.
    • There are 15+ designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
    • The Blue Badge bays have faded markings.
    • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 244cm (width) x 477cm (depth).
    • The hatched/marked zones vary between bays.
    • The width of the marked zone is 117cm.
    • The nearest designated bay is 30m from the Gainsborough Wing entrance.
    • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has steep ramps or slopes, uneven surfaces and a pedestrian crossing.
    • There is a dropped kerb with tactile paving from the designated Blue Badge parking.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point available.

Getting To (D'Arcy Ward)

  • The D'Arcy Ward is/are located on the second floor of the Gainsborough Wing.
  • Access to the D'Arcy Ward is via the Gainsborough Wing entrance.
  • Enter via the Gainsborough Wing entrance and follow the signage to the lifts. Take the lift to the second floor. Exit the lift and go through the double doors on your right. Immediately turn left and follow the corridor forward. Follow the corridor around to the right and go through the double doors ahead of you. Continue down the corridor and go through another set of double doors. Keep following the corridor to the right and then a left turn. Follow the corridor forward and the D'Arcy Ward will be located on the left.
  • There is step free access to the D'Arcy Ward.
  • The D'Arcy Ward is approximately 44m from the lift.
  • There is a/are manual, heavy, double door(s) between the Gainsborough Wing entrance and the department/service.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
  • There is some flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
  • There is some flooring in corridors which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.

Entrance (Gainsborough Wing Entrance)

  • This entrance is located on the right side of the front of the hospital building.
  • The approach to the entrance has uneven surfaces.
  • 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 is an intercom at a height of 141cm.
  • The height of the hand sanitiser is 131cm.
  • There are double automatic doors at this entrance.
  • The doors open towards you.
  • The width of the opening is 152cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The doors have a high visual contrast.
  • There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 143cm.
  • There is a second set of double automatic doors.
  • The second set of doors are permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 150cm.
  • The second set of doors have a high visual contrast.
  • There is step-free level access as you enter.
  • This entrance brings you into the ground floor of the Gainsborough Wing.

Lift (Gainsborough Wing Lift 1)

  • The lift surveyed is located to the left as you enter the hospital via the Gainsborough Wing entrance.
  • The distance from the Gainsborough Wing entrance is 10m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access and doors permanently held open.
  • The ground, first and second floor are accessed by this lift.
  • The lift door has a medium 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 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 125cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 155cm (width) x 269cm (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 mirror to aid reversing and a hearing assistance alarm system.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.

Ward (D'Arcy Ward)

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a/an elderly medicine ward.
    • This is a female ward.
    • There is/are 4 bay(s) available.
    • There is/are 4 side room(s) available.
    • There is/are 29 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) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 162cm (5ft 3in) .
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 135cm (4ft 5in) .
    • There is not 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 some flooring on the ward which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • There is some flooring on the ward which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Reception/Nurses' Station View
    • The height of the ward reception desk is 110cm.
    • There is not a lowered section.
    • There is a hearing assistance system available at the desk.
  • Relatives' Room View
    • There is a relatives' room for the ward.
    • The width of the door opening into the relatives' room is over 75cm.
    • There is not a clear turning space in the relatives' room.
    • There is a/are chair(s) with armrests available within the relatives' room.
  • 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.
    • Accessible toilet facilities for visitors are located on the second floor of the Gainsborough Wing.
    • There are no standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • Standard toilet facilities for visitors are located on the second floor of the Gainsborough Wing.
  • Visiting Times View
    • There are set visiting times for the ward.
    • Visiting times are 11:30 to 20:00.
    • The visiting times are the same for each day.
    • Protected meal times are between 12:15 to 13:30 and 17:15 to 18:30.

Day Room / Lounge Area (D'Arcy Ward)

  • There is a day room/lounge area.
  • The day room/lounge area is approximately 7m from the D'Arcy Ward entrance.
  • There is level access into the day room/lounge area.
  • The day room/lounge area is always open.
  • There is a/are door(s) into the day room/lounge area.
  • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) is/are single width.
  • The door(s) is/are heavy.
  • The width of the door opening is 87cm (2ft 10in).
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is not a space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There are seats with armrests on both sides.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Some tables are permanently fixed.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 32cm (1ft 1in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • The room does not have background music playing.
  • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • There is a television.
  • Subtitles are not available.
  • There is 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 bright.

Reception (D'Arcy Ward)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located along the main ward corridor.
    • The reception point is approximately 18m (59ft) from the D'Arcy Ward entrance.
    • Clear signage for the reception area/desk is not 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 high (110cm+).
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is not a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • There is not a bell to attract attention.
    • There is a hearing assistance system.
    • The hearing assistance system is signed.
    • Staff are trained to use the 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 not a waiting area close to the reception point.

Washroom (Opposite the Relatives Room - Female)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • There is/are 1 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
    • The washroom surveyed is located along the wards main corridor, opposite the relatives room.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
    • This washroom is female.
    • There is pictorial and written or text signage on or near the washroom door.
    • The washroom door(s) open(s) inwards.
    • The door(s) is/are locked by a twist lock.
    • The door(s) is/are light to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 240cm x 290cm (7ft 10in x 9ft 6in).
    • 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 not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
    • There is not a coat hook in the washroom.
    • 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 73cm.
    • As you face the wash basin the wall-mounted grab rails are on the left.
    • The tap type is lever. It is not 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 104cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 116cm.
    • 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 46cm (1ft 6in).
    • The toilet has a lid obstructing the back rest/cistern/wall.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 146cm.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • There are no wall-mounted grab rails for the toilet.
    • 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 76cm.
    • There is not a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
  • Shower Details View
    • There is not a wheel in shower.
    • The shower head is height adjustable.
    • The shower control type is lever.
    • A shower chair is available.
    • There are wall-mounted grab rails available for the shower.
    • The shower cubicle is accessed via a medium step.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The colour contrast between the external washroom door and wall is high.
    • The visual contrast between the internal washroom door and wall is high.
    • The visual contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is high.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is high.
    • The visual contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is high.
    • The visual contrast between the washroom floor and walls is high.
    • Lighting levels are medium.
  • Comments View
    • There is a steep portable ramp to overcome the step.

Toilet with Adaptations (D'Arcy Ward - Female)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is written text and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is located along the main corridor, to the left as you enter the ward through the D'Arcy Ward entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the D'Arcy Ward entrance.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is not a unisex toilet.
    • This is a female accessible toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The door is light.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 152cm x 235cm (4ft 12in x 7ft 9in).
    • 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 right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 62cm (2ft).
    • There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is not 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 clinical 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 not available for the toilet.
    • 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 46cm (1ft 6in).
    • 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 height of the towel dispenser is 110cm (3ft 7in).
    • 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 110cm.
    • 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 visual 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 bright.

Standard Toilet(s) (D'Arcy Ward)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Female Toilet(s) View
    • The female toilet facilities that were surveyed are located along the wards main corridor, next to reception.
    • The female toilet(s) is/are approximately 22m (24yd 2in) from the D'Arcy Ward entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female toilet(s).
    • An ambulant toilet with wall mounted grab rails is available.
    • Lighting levels are medium.

Related Access Guides (Colchester General Hospital)