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Stour Centre

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 (Stour Centre)

  • The Stour Centre is/are located on the fifth floor of the Central Zone Maternity Block.
  • Access to the Stour Centre 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 fifth floor and on exiting proceed through the door to the left and the Stour Centre is located directly ahead.
  • There is step free access, via lift, to the Stour Centre.
  • The Stour Centre is approximately 12m from the lift.
  • There is a/are manual, heavy, single door(s) between the lift 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.

Reception (Ward Reception)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located to the left on entering the Stour Centre.
    • The reception point is approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the Stour Centre 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 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 low (76cm or lower) .
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on 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.

Waiting Room / Area (Day Room)

  • There is a waiting room / area.
  • The waiting room / area is approximately 30m from the Stour Centre entrance.
  • There is level access into the waiting room / area.
  • There is a/are door(s) into the waiting room / area.
  • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) is/are single width with an open extension leaf.
  • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
  • The width of the door opening is 113cm (3ft 8in).
  • The type of flooring is carpet.
  • 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 a television.
  • Subtitles are available.
  • 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.

Opening Times (Visiting Hours)

  • Monday 11:00 - 20:00.
  • Tuesday 11:00 - 20:00.
  • Wednesday 11:00 - 20:00.
  • Thursday 11:00 - 20:00.
  • Friday 11:00 - 20:00.
  • Saturday 11:00 - 20:00.
  • Sunday 11:00 - 20:00.

Ward

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a/an gynaecology ward.
    • This is a female ward.
    • There is/are 3 bay(s) available.
    • There is/are 5 side room(s) available.
    • There is/are 17 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) is/are permanently held open.
    • 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 not in a suitable position for wheelchair users.
    • The width of the door opening is 170cm (5ft 7in).
    • 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 73cm.
    • 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 a clear turning space in the relatives' room.
    • There is a/are chair(s) with armrests available within the relatives' room.
  • 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.
    • The width of the door opening into the ensuite is over 75cm.
    • There is not a clear unobstructed turning space within the ensuite.
    • The fixtures/facilities available in the ensuite include; a toilet and a wash basin.
    • The visual contrast between the walls and the floor in the ensuite is high.
    • The lighting levels in the ensuite 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 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 Maternity entrance reception area.
    • There are no standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • Standard toilet facilities for visitors are located in the main Maternity entrance reception area.

Washroom (Bath and Shower Room)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower, a bath and a wash basin.
    • There is/are 1 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
    • 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 no additional signage on or near the washroom door.
    • The washroom door(s) open(s) inwards.
    • The door(s) is/are locked by a sliding bolt.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 77cm (2ft 6in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 244cm x 364cm (8ft x 11ft 11in).
    • The washroom does 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 not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s) 60cm 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 83cm.
    • 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 108cm.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • The washroom has a non-slip floor.
  • Shower Details View
    • There is 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.
  • Bath Details View
    • There is a bath.
    • The height of the side of the bath from floor level is 62cm (2ft).
    • 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 not wall-mounted grab rails available.
    • A bath hoist is available.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The colour contrast between the external washroom door and wall is medium.
    • The visual contrast between the internal washroom door and wall is medium.
    • The visual contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is high.
    • The visual contrast between the washroom floor and walls is medium.
    • Lighting levels are medium.

Toilet with Adaptations (Left Hand Transfer)

  • There are accessible toilet facilities within this venue.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is located on the main ward corridor.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the Stour Centre 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 outwards.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 162cm x 170cm (5ft 4in x 5ft 7in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm in front of the seat.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The lateral transfer space was obstructed at the time of the survey.
    • There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • 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 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 available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on the left.
    • There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The shelf is higher than 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • 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 118cm (3ft 10in).
    • 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 cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 90cm.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 78cm (2ft 7in).
  • 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 poor colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are medium.

Related Access Guides (Ipswich Hospital)