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

Parking (Front Accessible Parking)

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• 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 (The Collingwood Centre). Skip to the next section.

Getting To (The Collingwood Centre)

• The Collingwood Centre is/are located on the first floor of the hospital.
• Access to The Collingwood Centre is via the main hospital entrance.
• Enter via the main hospital entrance and carry on down the main hospital corridor until you come to 2 lifts on your right. Take the lift to the first floor and on exiting the lift turn right down the corridor. At the junction turn right again down the corridor to the bottom where you will see the entrance to The Collingwood Centre directly in front of you.
• There is step free access to The Collingwood Centre.
• The Collingwood Centre is approximately 110m from the main lifts.
• 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 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 Opening Times (The Collingwood Centre). Skip to the next section.

Opening Times (The Collingwood Centre)

• Monday 08:00 - 17:30.
• Tuesday 08:00 - 17:30.
• Wednesday 08:00 - 17:30.
• Thursday 08:00 - 17:30.
• Friday 08:00 - 17:30.
• Saturday Closed.
• Sunday Closed.

You are on Department / Service (The Collingwood Centre). Skip to the next section.

Department / Service (The Collingwood Centre)

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• Department / Service Access View
  • The Collingwood Centre is located on the first floor of the hospital main building.
  • There is a/are door(s) leading into the department/service.
  • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
  • The door(s) is/are double width but one door is locked.
  • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 77cm .
  • There is a bell/buzzer.
  • The height of the bell/buzzer is 134cm (4ft 5in).
  • There is not an intercom.
  • There is a hand sanitiser.
  • The height of the hand sanitiser is 130cm (4ft 3in).
  • There is a door release button when exiting.
  • The height of the door release button is 107cm (3ft 6in).
  • There is level access throughout the department/service.
  • There is clear signage on the department/service.
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is some flooring in the department/service which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
  • The department/service does not play background music.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
• Department / Service Facilities View
  • This department/service has; a waiting room/area, consultation rooms, ambulant toilet facilities for everyone, a main reception, treatment rooms and standard toilet facilities.
  • There are 8 consultation/treatment rooms in this department/service.
  • A hearing assistance system is available.
  • The type of system is a portable loop.
  • Staff are not trained to use the system.
  • The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.
  • A mobile hoist is not available on the department/service.
  • There are not accessible toilet facilities within the department/service.
  • Accessible toilet facilities are located at the main entrance lobby on the ground floor.
  • There are standard toilet facilities within this department/service.
• Comments View
  • Access is via the intercom system.
  • Visitors are not currently allowed in the Collingwood Centre.

You are on Reception (The Collingwood Centre). Skip to the next section.

Reception (The Collingwood Centre)

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• Reception View
  • The reception point is located on the left as you enter the Collingwood Centre.
  • The reception point is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the Collingwood Centre 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 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 moderate to 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 a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a portable loop.
  • The hearing assistance system is not signed.
  • Staff are not trained to use the hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.
  • 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 are seats with armrests on both sides.
  • The waiting room / area does not have background music playing.
  • There is not a red 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 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 moderate to good.
• Comments View
  • There are currently no tables in use in the waiting area.

You are on Reception (Treatment Area Reception). Skip to the next section.

Reception (Treatment Area Reception)

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• Reception View
  • The reception point is located in front and to the right as you enter the treatment area.
  • The reception point is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the treatment area 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 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 moderate to 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 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.
• Comments View
  • Patients report to this reception desk to update their records.

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

Consultation / Treatment Room (Treatment Area)

• There is / are 1 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
• The name / number of the room surveyed was; Treatment Area.
• 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 double width.
• The door(s) may be difficult to open.
• The width of the door opening is 154cm (5ft 1in).
• The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• There is not a bed / couch.
• There is a chair.
• No chairs are permanently fixed.
• The chair(s) is/are adjustable.
• There are some chairs with armrests available.
• Some tables are permanently fixed.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• The room does not have background music playing.
• There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
• Lighting levels are moderate to good.

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• Comments View
  • The treatment area consists of 5 bayed areas with treatment chairs.?.

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

Consultation / Treatment Room (Bed Area)

• There is / are 1 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
• The name / number of the room surveyed was; Bed Area.
• 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 double width.
• The door(s) may be difficult to open.
• The width of the door opening is 158cm (5ft 2in).
• 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 not available.
• 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.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• The room does not have background music playing.
• There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
• Lighting levels are moderate to good.

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• Comments View
  • This is a single bed side room off the treatment area used for observation.

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

Consultation / Treatment Room (Treatment Room)

• There is / are 2 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
• The name / number of the room surveyed was; Treatment Room 2.
• 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) may be difficult to open.
• The width of the door opening is 88cm (2ft 11in).
• The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
• There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• There is a bed / couch.
• The bed / couch is adjustable.
• A hoist is not available.
• 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.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• The room does not have background music playing.
• There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
• Lighting levels are moderate to good.

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

Consultation / Treatment Room (Consulting Room)

• There is / are 4 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
• The name / number of the room surveyed was; Consulting 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) may be difficult to open.
• The width of the door opening is 88cm (2ft 11in).
• The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
• There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• There is a bed / couch.
• The bed / couch is adjustable.
• A hoist is not available.
• 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.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• The room does not have background music playing.
• There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
• Lighting levels are moderate to good.

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (Reception Area - Ambulant - No Transfer Space). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (Reception Area - Ambulant - No Transfer Space)

• There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.

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• Location and Access View
  • This accessible toilet is located in the main Collingwood Centre reception area.
  • This accessible toilet is approximately 10m from the Collingwood Centre entrance.
  • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
  • This is a shared toilet.
  • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
  • The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
  • The door opens inwards.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The door is locked by a twist lock.
  • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 86cm.
  • The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
  • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
• Toilet Features View
  • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 140cm x 246cm.
  • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • There is not a lateral transfer space.
  • There is a flush.
  • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
  • There is a push button flush.
  • There is a dropdown rail.
  • The visual contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is high.
  • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
  • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on the left.
  • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
  • The contrast between the walls and floor is medium.
  • There is an emergency alarm.
  • The emergency alarm is fully functional.
  • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
  • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
  • There is a/are sanitary disposal units.
  • There is a/are coat hook(s).
  • The height of the coat hook is 173cm from the floor.
• Additional Fixtures View
  • There is a mirror.
  • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
  • The toilet has a backrest.
  • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
  • The toilet seat colour contrast is 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).
  • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is high.
  • There is a wash basin.
  • The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
  • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
  • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
  • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
  • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The height of the soap dispenser is 126cm.
  • 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 124cm (4ft 1in).
  • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is high.
  • There is not a hand dryer.

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (Treatment Area - Ambulant - No Transfer Space). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (Treatment Area - Ambulant - No Transfer Space)

• There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.

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• Location and Access View
  • This accessible toilet is located in the treatment area.
  • This accessible toilet is approximately 3m from the treatment area entrance.
  • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
  • This is a shared toilet.
  • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
  • There is written text and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
  • The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
  • The door opens outwards.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The door is locked by a twist lock.
  • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 86cm.
  • The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
  • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
  • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is high.
• Toilet Features View
  • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 140cm x 210cm.
  • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • There is not a lateral transfer space.
  • There is a flush.
  • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
  • There is a push button flush.
  • There is a dropdown rail.
  • The visual contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is high.
  • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
  • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on the right.
  • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
  • The contrast between the walls and floor is medium.
  • There is an emergency alarm.
  • The emergency alarm is fully functional.
  • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
  • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
  • There is a/are sanitary, general waste (with lid) and clinical waste disposal units.
  • There is a/are coat hook(s).
  • The height of the coat hook is 173cm from the floor.
• Additional Fixtures View
  • There is a mirror.
  • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
  • The toilet has a backrest.
  • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
  • The toilet seat colour contrast is 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).
  • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is high.
  • There is a wash basin.
  • The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
  • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
  • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
  • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
  • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The height of the soap dispenser is 126cm.
  • There is a towel dispenser.
  • The towel dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The height of the towel dispenser is 124cm (4ft 1in).
  • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is high.
  • There is not a hand dryer.
• Comments View
  • There are 2 similar ambulant toilets in the treatment area.

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.