You are on Overview (Colchester General Hospital). Skip to the next section.

Overview (Colchester General Hospital)

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• About View
  • This is an acute hospital with multiple services.
  • Facilities available in the venue include: M&S Food, WHSmith, Costa Coffee, Stock Shop and Subway.
  • View information on opening times.
• Parking and Public Transport View
  • The venue has its own car park, with Blue Badge parking available.
  • There is a drop-off point.
  • The nearest train station is Colchester train station.
  • For the latest travel options and information you can plan your travel using Google Maps (opens new tab).
• Getting In and Around View
  • There is step-free access via a very easy slope at the most accessible entrance.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas, this may include the use of a lift.
  • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: There is a steep ramp on the link corridor from the Main Block to the Gainsborough Wing on the ground and first floor.
  • There is a steep ramp on the link corridor from the Main Block to the Constable Wing and Elmstead Block.
  • There is a steep ramp on the link corridor from the Constable Wing to the Elmstead Block.
  • There is a slight ramp on the first floor of the Main Block.
  • Access throughout may include doors permanently held open.
  • The ground, first and second floor can be accessed via a standard lift and stairs.
• Getting Help and Assistance View
  • There is seating available.
  • There is a fixed hearing assistance system.
  • You can borrow or hire the following equipment: a manual wheelchair.
  • British Sign Language can be provided virtually.
  • Documents are available in the following formats: Braille (on request), large print (on request) and different languages (on request).
  • There is not a water bowl available for assistance dogs.
  • There is not a designated assistance dog spending area.
  • Additional facilities/services include: an ATM machine, a pay phone, phone charging points and Wi-Fi.

You are on Getting Around (Colchester General Hospital). Skip to the next section.

Getting Around (Colchester General Hospital)

• There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas, this may include the use of a lift.
• The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: There is a steep ramp on the link corridor from the Main Block to the Gainsborough Wing on the ground and first floor.
• There is a steep ramp on the link corridor from the Main Block to the Constable Wing and Elmstead Block.
• There is a steep ramp on the link corridor from the Constable Wing to the Elmstead Block.
• There is a slight ramp on the first floor of the Main Block.
• Access throughout may include doors permanently held open.
• Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
• There is a high visual contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
• There is no (or very little) background noise.
• Wayfinding signage is provided.
• Signage is clearly visible with high contrasting colours.
• The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout.
• Seating available in the walkways includes: chairs without armrests and benches.
• Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.

You are on Lift (Main Block Lifts A). Skip to the next section.

Lift (Main Block Lifts A)

• The lift surveyed is located along the corridor at the rear of the main hospital entrance foyer.
• The distance from the main hospital entrance is 35m.
• The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access and doors permanently held open.
• The ground and first floor are accessed by this lift.
• The lift door has a high 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 128cm.
• The internal dimensions of the lift are 149cm (width) x 265cm (depth).
• The internal lift control buttons have 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, a hearing assistance alarm system and a visual floor indicator.
• Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.

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

Lift (Main Block Lift B)

• The lift surveyed is located along the corridor on the left side of the Main Block.
• The distance from the main hospital entrance is 80m.
• 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 high 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 129cm.
• The internal dimensions of the lift are 150cm (width) x 264cm (depth).
• The internal lift control buttons have 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, a hearing assistance alarm system and a visual floor indicator.
• Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.

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

Lift (Main Block Lift C)

• The lift surveyed is located along the corridor on the right side of the Main Block.
• The distance from the main hospital entrance is 80m.
• 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 high 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 127cm.
• The internal dimensions of the lift are 149cm (width) x 265cm (depth).
• The internal lift control buttons have 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.

You are on Lift (Gainsborough Wing Lift 1). Skip to the next section.

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.

You are on Lift (Gainsborough Wing Lift 2). Skip to the next section.

Lift (Gainsborough Wing Lift 2)

• The lift surveyed is located at the end of the Gainsborough Wing corridor.
• The distance from the Gainsborough Wing entrance is 50m.
• 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 low 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 126cm.
• The internal dimensions of the lift are 156cm (width) x 269cm (depth).
• The internal lift control buttons have 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, a hearing assistance alarm system, a visual floor indicator and an audible announcer.
• Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.

You are on Lift (Constable Wing Lift 1). Skip to the next section.

Lift (Constable Wing Lift 1)

• The lift surveyed is located at the front of the Constable Wing corridor.
• The distance from the Constable Wing entrance is 20m.
• 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 high 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 128cm.
• The internal dimensions of the lift are 149cm (width) x 264cm (depth).
• The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings, Braille 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, a hearing assistance alarm system, a visual floor indicator and an audible announcer.
• Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.

You are on Lift (Constable Wing Lift 2). Skip to the next section.

Lift (Constable Wing Lift 2)

• The lift surveyed is located towards the end of the Constable Wing corridor.
• The distance from the Constable Wing entrance is 45m.
• 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 high 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 127cm.
• The internal dimensions of the lift are 149cm (width) x 264cm (depth).
• The internal lift control buttons have 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, a hearing assistance alarm system and a visual floor indicator.
• Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.

You are on Stairs (Main Block Stairwell 1). Skip to the next section.

Stairs (Main Block Stairwell 1)

• The stairs surveyed are located on the right side of the main hospital entrance foyer.
• There is a single manual door to access the stairwell.
• The ground and first floor can be accessed by these stairs.
• There are 20+ steps between floors.
• The steps have some clear markings and have handrails on both sides.
• The handrails are easy to grip.
• The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
• The handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
• The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
• The height of the highest step is 17cm.
• The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
• Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.

You are on Stairs (Main Block Stairwell 2). Skip to the next section.

Stairs (Main Block Stairwell 2)

• The stairs surveyed are located along the corridor at the rear of the main hospital entrance foyer.
• There is a single manual door to access the stairwell.
• The ground and first floor can be accessed by these stairs.
• There are 20+ steps between floors.
• The steps have some clear markings and have handrails on both sides.
• The handrails are easy to grip.
• The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
• The handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
• The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
• The height of the highest step is 17cm.
• The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
• Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.

You are on Stairs (Main Block Stairwell 3). Skip to the next section.

Stairs (Main Block Stairwell 3)

• The stairs surveyed are located along the corridor on the right side of the Main Block.
• There is a single manual door to access the stairwell.
• The ground, first and second floor can be accessed by these stairs.
• There are 20+ steps between floors.
• The steps have some clear markings and have handrails on both sides.
• The handrails are easy to grip.
• The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
• The handrails extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
• The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
• The height of the highest step is 16cm.
• The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
• Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.

You are on Stairs (Main Block Stairwell 4). Skip to the next section.

Stairs (Main Block Stairwell 4)

• The stairs surveyed are located along the corridor on the left side of the Main Block.
• There is a single manual door to access the stairwell.
• The ground, first and second floor can be accessed by these stairs.
• There are 20+ steps between floors.
• The steps have some clear markings and have handrails on both sides.
• The handrails are easy to grip.
• The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
• The handrails extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
• The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
• The height of the highest step is 17cm.
• The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
• Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.

You are on Stairs (Gainsborough Wing Stairs 1). Skip to the next section.

Stairs (Gainsborough Wing Stairs 1)

• The stairs surveyed are located to the left as you enter the hospital via the Gainsborough Wing entrance.
• There are permanently held open doors to access the stairwell.
• The ground, first and second floor can be accessed by these stairs.
• There are 20+ steps between floors.
• The steps are clearly marked and have handrails on both sides.
• The handrails are easy to grip.
• The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
• The handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
• The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
• The height of the highest step is 17cm.
• The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
• Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.

You are on Stairs (Gainsborough Wing Stairs 2). Skip to the next section.

Stairs (Gainsborough Wing Stairs 2)

• The stairs surveyed are located at the end of the Gainsborough Wing corridor.
• There are permanently held open doors to access the stairwell.
• The ground, first and second floor can be accessed by these stairs.
• There are 20+ steps between floors.
• The steps are clearly marked and have handrails on both sides.
• The handrails are easy to grip.
• The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
• The handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
• The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
• The height of the highest step is 18cm.
• The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
• Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.

You are on Stairs (Constable Wing Stairs 1). Skip to the next section.

Stairs (Constable Wing Stairs 1)

• The stairs surveyed are located at the front of the Constable Wing corridor.
• There are double manual doors to access the stairwell.
• The ground, first and second floor can be accessed by these stairs.
• There are 20+ steps between floors.
• The steps have some clear markings and have handrails on both sides.
• The handrails are easy to grip.
• The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
• The handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
• The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
• The height of the highest step is 17cm.
• The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
• Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.

You are on Stairs (Constable Wing Stairs 2). Skip to the next section.

Stairs (Constable Wing Stairs 2)

• The stairs surveyed are located towards the end of the Constable Wing corridor.
• There are double manual doors to access the stairwell.
• The ground, first and second floor can be accessed by these stairs.
• There are 20+ steps between floors.
• The steps have some clear markings and have handrails on both sides.
• The handrails are easy to grip.
• The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
• The handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
• The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
• The height of the highest step is 17cm.
• The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
• Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.