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Orwell Ward

Ipswich Hospital, Heath Road, Ipswich, IP4 5PD

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Access Guide

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Parking (Car Park G)

  • 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 9 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
    • The Blue Badge bays are signposted and have markings which are faded.
    • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 228cm (width) x 468cm (depth).
    • There is a marked zone to both sides and rear.
    • The width of the marked zone is 129cm.
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bays vary in size.
    • The nearest designated bay is 45m from the Maternity Zone - Entrance 7.
    • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has a very easy slope.
    • There is a dropped kerb without tactile paving from the designated Blue Badge parking.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park is for visitors and Blue Badge holders only.
    • Parking is not free for all users.
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
    • Clearly presented parking signs are available.
    • Payment machines are located on the left side of the car park.
    • There is not a payment machine with controls at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • View information on parking policies/charges (opens new tab).
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is a designated drop-off point available.
    • The designated drop-off point is located on the left side of the car park.
    • There is a dropped kerb without tactile paving from the drop-off point.

Getting To (Orwell Ward)

  • Orwell Ward is/are located on the third floor of the Central Zone Maternity Block.
  • Access to Orwell Ward is via the Maternity entrance.
  • Enter via the Maternity entrance and proceed past the Maternity reception and through the double doors into the lift lobby. Take the lift to the third floor and on exiting the Orwell Ward is located on the left.
  • There is step free access to Orwell Ward.
  • Orwell Ward is approximately 6m from the lift.
  • There is a/are manual, heavy, double door(s) between the Maternity entrance and the department/service.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • There is some flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.

Entrance (Maternity Zone - Entrance 8)

  • This entrance is located at the centre of 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 slope at the entrance.
  • The slope has a slight gradient.
  • There is an intercom at a height of 151cm.
  • The height of the hand sanitiser is 117cm.
  • There are double automatic doors at this entrance.
  • The doors open by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 168cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The doors have a low 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 173cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The second set of doors have a low visual contrast.
  • There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 125cm.
  • There is step-free level access as you enter.
  • This entrance brings you into the ground floor of the Maternity Zone.

Lift (Maternity Zone Lifts)

  • The lift surveyed is located ahead as you enter the hospital via Maternity Zone - Entrance 7.
  • The distance from the Maternity Zone - Entrance 7 is 30m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access and doors permanently held open.
  • The ground, first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth 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 tactile markings, Braille markings and a medium visual contrast.
  • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 116cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 151cm (width) x 232cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings, Braille markings and a medium visual contrast.
  • The majority of the internal controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • Internally the lift has: a hearing assistance alarm system, a visual floor indicator, an audible announcer and a list of floor services/facilities.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.
  • There are other lifts available at this location which vary in size.

Opening Times (Visiting Hours)

  • Monday 15:00 - 19:00.
  • Tuesday 15:00 - 19:00.
  • Wednesday 15:00 - 19:00.
  • Thursday 15:00 - 19:00.
  • Friday 15:00 - 19:00.
  • Saturday 15:00 - 19:00.
  • Sunday 15:00 - 19:00.

Reception

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located to the left of the main ward corridor.
    • The reception point is approximately 16m (17yd 1ft) from the Orwell 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 not 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.
    • There is not a clear knee recess beneath the low section of the desk.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • 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 system.

Ward

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a/an Post Natal/Antenatal ward.
    • This is a female ward.
    • There is/are 5 bay(s) available.
    • There is/are 6 side room(s) available.
    • There is/are 24 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 single width with a locked extension leaf.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • There is not an intercom/bell at/near this ward entrance which is in a suitable position for people who require access or assistance (between 95cm - 105cm).
    • The hand sanitiser is in a suitable position for wheelchair users.
    • The width of the door opening is 88cm (2ft 11in).
    • There is level access throughout the ward.
    • There is 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.
    • The lighting levels are medium.
  • Reception/Nurses' Station View
    • The height of the ward reception desk is 120cm.
    • There is a lowered section.
    • The height of the lowered section of the desk is 72cm.
    • There is a hearing assistance system available at the desk.
  • Example Side Room View
    • There are no side rooms available with an accessible ensuite.
    • The side room surveyed does not have an accessible ensuite.
    • The width of the door opening into the side room is over 75cm.
    • The side room surveyed does not have a ceiling track hoist.
    • There is sufficient space next to the bed for a mobile hoist to operate.
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre around the bed.
    • Bedside storage is available.
    • The visual contrast between the walls and the floor in the side room is high.
    • The lighting levels in the side room are medium.
  • 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 not 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 in the main outpatients entrance area.
    • There are standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.

Washroom (Bathroom)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a bath and a wash basin.
    • There is/are 1 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
    • There is/are also 2 washroom(s) which has/have a shower and a wash basin.
    • The washroom surveyed is located on the main ward corridor.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
    • This is a female washroom.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the washroom door.
    • The washroom door(s) open(s) inwards.
    • The door(s) is/are locked by a locking handle.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 88cm (2ft 11in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 252cm x 363cm (8ft 3in x 11ft 11in).
    • 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 a flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s) 160cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is not a tall mirror, with suitable specifications, for ease of use.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The height of the wash basin is 72cm.
    • There are no wall-mounted grab rails for the wash basin.
    • The tap type is lever. It is a mixer tap.
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 94cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 143cm.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • The washroom has a non-slip floor.
  • Bath Details View
    • There is a bath.
    • The height of the side of the bath from floor level is 59cm (1ft 11in).
    • The bath is not height adjustable.
    • The bath tap type is lever. It is a mixer tap.
    • There is not a shower over/for the bath.
    • There are wall-mounted grab rails available.
    • A bath hoist is not available.
  • 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 bath wall-mounted grab rails and wall is medium.
    • The visual contrast between the washroom floor and walls is high.
    • Lighting levels are medium.
  • Comments View
    • The bath is accessed by three deep steps.

Washroom (Shower Room)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a shower and a wash basin.
    • There is/are 2 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
    • There is/are also 1 washroom(s) which has/have a bath and a wash basin.
    • The washroom surveyed is located on the main ward corridor.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
    • This is a female washroom.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the washroom door.
    • The washroom door(s) open(s) inwards.
    • The door(s) is/are locked by a locking handle.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 110cm x 174cm (3ft 7in x 5ft 9in).
    • 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 out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor).
    • There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s) 160cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is not a tall mirror, with suitable specifications, for ease of use.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The height of the wash basin is 73cm.
    • There are no wall-mounted grab rails for the wash basin.
    • The tap type is lever. It is a mixer tap.
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 95cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 139cm.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • The washroom has a non-slip floor.
  • Shower Details View
    • There is not a wheel in shower.
    • The shower head is height adjustable.
    • The shower control type is lever.
    • There is a flip down/tip up seat for the shower.
    • The height of the flip down/tip up or fixed seat is 46cm (1ft 6in).
    • There are wall-mounted grab rails available.
    • The shower cubicle is accessed via a shallow 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 shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is high.
    • The visual contrast between the washroom floor and walls is high.
    • Lighting levels are medium.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • 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 throughout the ward.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female toilet(s).
    • An ambulant toilet with wall mounted grab rails is not available.
    • Lighting levels are medium.
  • Access to Standard Shared Toilet(s) View
    • The shared toilets that were surveyed are located just inside the Orwell Ward entrance.
    • The shared toilet(s) is/are approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the Orwell Ward entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the shared toilet(s).
    • An ambulant toilet with wall mounted grab rails is not available.
    • Lighting levels are medium.

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