You are on Parking (Front Accessible Parking). Skip to the next section.

Parking (Front Accessible Parking)

Collapse all Expand all

• Car Park View
  • The car park is located on the left side of the front of the hospital grounds.
  • The car park is open air/surface.
  • The car park surface consists of block paving.
  • There are 10 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
  • The Blue Badge bays have faded markings.
  • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 232cm (width) x 490cm (depth).
  • There is a marked zone to both sides but not at the rear.
  • The width of the marked zone is 129cm.
  • The nearest designated bay is 125m from the main hospital 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
  • This car park is for Blue Badge holders only.
  • Parking is free for all users.
  • Clearly presented parking signs are available.
  • View information on parking policies/charges (opens new tab).
• Drop-off Point View
  • There is not a designated drop-off point available.

You are on Getting To (Outpatients Department). Skip to the next section.

Getting To (Outpatients Department)

• The Outpatients Department is/are located on the ground floor of the main hospital block.
• Access to the Outpatients Department is via the Main Hospital entrance.
• Enter via the Main Hospital entrance. Head down the corridor, passing reception and the Outpatients Department entrance will be on your left.
• There is step free access to the Outpatients Department.
• The Outpatients Department is approximately 29m 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 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.

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

Entrance (Main Hospital Entrance)

• This entrance is located at the front of the hospital building.
• 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 a very easy slope at the entrance.
• The height of the hand sanitiser is 118cm.
• There are double automatic doors at this entrance.
• The doors open by sliding.
• The width of the opening is 178cm.
• There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
• The doors have a medium visual contrast.
• There is a second set of double automatic doors.
• The second set of doors open by sliding.
• The width of the opening is 165cm.
• There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
• The second set of doors have a medium visual contrast.
• There is step-free level access as you enter.
• This entrance brings you into the ground floor of the Main Block.

You are on Entrance (Outpatients Department Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Entrance (Outpatients Department Entrance)

Collapse all Expand all

• Entrance Details View
  • This information is for the entrance located on the ground floor of the main hospital block.
  • 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 a hand sanitiser.
  • The height of the hand sanitiser is 144cm (4ft 9in).
  • There is a door release button when exiting.
  • The height of the door release button is 116cm (3ft 10in).
  • Standard manual wheelchairs are available for people to borrow at this entrance.
  • 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 195cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 1.5cm or below.

You are on Reception (Outpatients Department). Skip to the next section.

Reception (Outpatients Department)

Collapse all Expand all

• Reception View
  • The reception point is located off the main corridor.
  • The reception point is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the Outpatients Department entrance.
  • Clear signage for the reception area/desk is 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 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 bell to attract attention.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.
  • The hearing assistance system is signed.
  • Staff are trained to use the hearing system.
  • There is a touch screen.
  • Signs and universally accepted symbols or pictograms, indicating lifts, stairs, WCs, circulation routes and other parts of the building are 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 tiles.
  • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.
  • There is a mixture of seating with and without armrests.
  • Some 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 a television.
  • Subtitles are available.
  • Vending machines are not available.
  • A water dispenser is 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 medium.

You are on Inside Access (Outpatients Department). Skip to the next section.

Inside Access (Outpatients Department)

• There is level access once inside.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• This venue does not play background music.
• Motorised scooters are allowed in public parts of the venue.
• Wayfinding signage is available.
• Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
• The type of flooring in walkways and corridors is vinyl/laminate.
• 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.
• The lighting levels are medium.

You are on Waiting Room / Area (Outpatients Department Corridor). Skip to the next section.

Waiting Room / Area (Outpatients Department Corridor)

• There is a waiting room / area.
• The waiting room / area is approximately 13m from the Outpatients Department entrance.
• There is level access into the waiting room / area.
• There is not a/are not door(s) into the waiting room / area.
• The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
• There is a space for a wheelchair user to wait within the seating area.
• No chairs are permanently fixed.
• Some chairs with armrests are available.
• Some tables are permanently fixed.
• Announcements are in person.
• The waiting room / area does not 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 Consultation / Treatment Room (6). Skip to the next section.

Consultation / Treatment Room (6)

• There is / are 11 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
• The name / number of the room surveyed was; 6.
• 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 automatic door(s) is/are push pad activated.
• The door(s) is/are single width.
• The door(s) is/are heavy.
• The width of the door opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
• 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 is available.
• The hoist is electric.
• A sling is available.
• The sling is attached by hook and loop.
• There is sufficient space next to the bed/couch for a mobile hoist to operate.
• There is a chair.
• Some chairs are permanently fixed.
• The chair(s) is not/are not adjustable.
• There are some chairs with 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 Consultation / Treatment Room (Treatment). Skip to the next section.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Treatment)

• There is / are 1 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
• The name / number of the room surveyed was; Treatment.
• 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 88cm (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 is available.
• The hoist is electric.
• A sling is available.
• The sling is attached by hook and loop.
• 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.
• There are some chairs with 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 Consultation / Treatment Room (10). Skip to the next section.

Consultation / Treatment Room (10)

• There is / are 11 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
• The name / number of the room surveyed was; 10.
• 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.
• 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 room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• There is a bed / couch.
• The bed / couch is adjustable.
• A hoist is available.
• The hoist is electric.
• A sling is available.
• The sling is attached by hook and loop.
• 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.
• There are some chairs with 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 Consultation / Treatment Room (10 Exam Room). Skip to the next section.

Consultation / Treatment Room (10 Exam Room)

• There is / are 5 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
• The name / number of the room surveyed was; 10 Exam Room.
• 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.
• The door(s) is/are heavy.
• The width of the door opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
• 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 is available.
• The hoist is electric.
• A sling is available.
• The sling is attached by hook and loop.
• There is not 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.
• There are no chairs with 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 Consultation / Treatment Room (Weighing Area). Skip to the next section.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Weighing Area)

• There is / are 1 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
• The name / number of the room surveyed was; Weighing Area.
• There is level access to the consultation / treatment room.
• There is not a/are not door(s) into the consultation / treatment room.
• The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• There is not a bed / couch.
• A hoist is available.
• The hoist is electric.
• A sling is available.
• The sling is attached by hook and loop.
• There is not 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.
• 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 Toilet with Adaptations (Outpatients Department). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (Outpatients Department)

• Accessible toilet facilities are available.

Collapse all Expand all

• 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 to the left as you pass the reception desk.
  • This accessible toilet is approximately 12m (13yd 4in) from the Outpatients Department entrance.
  • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
• Features and Dimensions View
  • This is a unisex toilet.
  • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
  • The door opens inwards and outwards.
  • The door is locked by a lever twist.
  • The door is light.
  • The width of the accessible toilet door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
  • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 170cm x 220cm (5ft 7in x 7ft 3in).
  • 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 84cm (2ft 9in).
  • 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, however it is not 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 female sanitary and general domestic waste disposal units.
  • There is 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 both sides.
  • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
  • There is a mirror.
  • 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 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 can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The height of the soap dispenser is 100cm.
  • 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 low visual contrast between the internal door and wall.
  • The contrast between the external door and wall is poor.
  • 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 good.
  • The contrast between the walls and floor is fair.
  • The lighting levels are bright.

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

Standard Toilet(s) (Outpatients Department)

Collapse all Expand all

• 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 off the main corridor.
  • The shared toilet(s) is/are approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the Outpatients Department entrance.
  • Inside the venue, there is level access to the shared toilet(s).
  • An ambulant toilet with wall mounted grab rails is available.
  • Lighting levels are medium.

You are on Related Access Guides (Colchester General Hospital). Skip to the next section.

Related Access Guides (Colchester General Hospital)

• To view other Detailed Access Guides that are related to this one please use the links below.
• Parking at Colchester General Hospital link (new tab) - click here.
• Entrances at Colchester General Hospital link (new tab) - click here.
• Toilets at Colchester General Hospital link (new tab) - click here.
• Getting To and Around at Colchester General Hospital link (new tab) - click here.