Skip to main content
The new name for DisabledGo

Search for accessible places to go

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Medical Assessment Unit - MAU

Weston General Hospital, Grange Road, Uphill, Weston-Super-Mare, BS23 4TQ

View Accessibility Symbols

Accessibility Symbols

For more information about what these symbols mean, view our Accessibility Symbols Guide.

Close this popup window.

Access Guide

Show Easy Read

Getting To The Hospital (Weston General Hospital)

  • By Road View
    • Weston General Hospital is located off Grange Road in Uphill, to the south of the town centre.
      It is easily accessed via the A370 from the north or the south of Weston-Super-Mare.
      The Postcode for the Sat-Nav is BS23 4TQ.
    • There are several car parks at Weston General Hospital, all car parks are open air.
      The main Accessible car park is outside of the main hospital entrance and is accessed by a service road to the right of the main visitor car park entrance.
  • By Bus View
    • The number 5 Badgerline, Route 4 and 20 Coaster bus services all stop at this hospital.
    • There is an onsite bus stop.
    • The bus stop is located to the left of the main hospital entrance, opposite the Blue Badge bays.
    • The onsite bus stop has a sheltered roof and is enclosed on three sides.
      There is a bench seat in the bus shelter which is set at 82cm from floor level.
      There is room for a wheelchair within the bus shelter.
    • The route from the bus shelter is via an uneven foot path.
      There are lamp posts on the pavement.
      There is a barrier rail between the pavement and the road.
      There is a crossing which takes you to the main entrance.
      There are tactile dropped kerbs at the crossing.
      The bus shelter is approximately 50 metres from the hospital entrance.
  • By Train View
    • The nearest train station is Weston-Super-Mare, which is approximately 2.2 miles (3.5 km) from the hospital.
      The services run at this station are by GWR.
      The bus service 20 Coaster runs from the station to the hospital.
      There are also taxi services available from the station to the hospital.
  • Useful Links View

Getting Help and Assistance (Weston General Hospital)

  • There is a Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) at the hospital.
  • The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is located to the left of the information desk at the main hospital entrance on the ground floor.
  • The telephone number for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is 01934 647 216.
  • The email address for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is wnt-tr.PALS@nhs.net.
  • There are volunteers available for help and assistance at the hospital.
  • Volunteers can be found at the main entrance.
  • There is not an assistance dog toilet or toileting area on the hospital site.
  • Water bowls for assistance dogs are available on request.
  • BSL interpreters can be provided on request.
  • Language interpreters can be provided on request.
  • A mobility scooter charging point is not available at the hospital.
  • Mobility aids are available to help patients move around and include; wheelchairs.
  • To obtain mobility aids please contact a member of staff.

Hospital Parking (Accessible Parking)

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car parking facilities are for Blue Badge holders only.
    • The car park is located outside the main entrance.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park does not have a barrier control system.
    • The car park surface is tarmac and block paving.
    • There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) markings are faded.
    • There is/are 10+ designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the hospital car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 235cm x 470cm.
    • There is a 120cm hatched zone around the Blue Badge parking bay(s).
    • The dimensions of other designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) vary in size.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is a designated drop-off point.
    • The drop-off point is located either side of the main entrance.
    • There is a dropped kerb from the drop-off point.
    • The dropped kerb does not have tactile paving.
  • Paying View
    • There are not parking charges for the hospital car park.
  • Access to the Hospital View
    • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
    • Assistance may be required because there is/are dropped kerbs.
    • The hospital entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
    • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the main entrance.

Hospital Parking (Visitor and Patient Parking)

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car park is located at the front of the hospital.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park does have a barrier control system.
    • There is a touchscreen at the barrier.
    • The barrier controls/touchscreen can be reached from the car.
    • The car park surface is tarmac and block paving.
    • There is not a/are not Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is a designated drop-off point.
    • The drop-off point is located either side of the main hospital entrance.
    • There is a dropped kerb from the drop-off point.
    • The dropped kerb does have tactile paving.
  • Paying View
    • There are parking charges for the hospital car park.
    • Payment signs are provided.
    • Payment signs are clearly presented.
    • Payment signs are located at the entrance to the car park and at the payment machines in the hospital building.
    • Payment machines are located outside the main hospital entrance.
    • There is not a payment machine at a convenient height for wheelchair users.
    • There is a level turning space (minimum 185cm x 210cm) in front of the payment machine(s).
    • To see the hospital parking charges please click here (opens new tab).
  • Access to the Hospital View
    • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
    • Assistance may be required because there is/are dropped kerbs.
    • The hospital entrance is clearly visible from the car park.

Getting To (Medical Assessment Unit - MAU)

  • The Medical Assessment Unit - MAU is/are located at the rear of the Accident and Emergency department.
  • Access to the Medical Assessment Unit - MAU is via the Accident and Emergency Department entrance.
  • Enter via the Accident and Emergency Department entrance and report to reception.
    You will then be shown the route through the waiting area to the hospital corridor.
    Turn right and follow the corridor.
    The entrance to the Medical Assessment Unit - MAU is located on the left, towards the end of the corridor.
  • There is step free access to the Medical Assessment Unit - MAU.
  • The Medical Assessment Unit - MAU is approximately 25m from the Accident and Emergency waiting room.
  • There is a/are manual, double door(s) which may be difficult to open between the Accident and Emergency department waiting room and the department/service.
  • There are not resting areas along the route.
  • 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.

Outside Access (Accident and Emergency Department)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the right of the main hospital entrance.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is a bell/buzzer.
    • The height of the bell/buzzer is 122cm (4ft).
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 122cm (4ft).
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 120cm (3ft 11in).
    • There is not a door release button when exiting.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 174cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 1.5cm or below.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 174cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 1.5cm or below.

Reception (Accident and Emergency Department)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located ahead as you enter the Accident and Emergency Department.
    • The reception point is approximately 9m (9yd 2ft) from the Accident and Emergency Department 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 low (76cm or lower).
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on 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 assistance system.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested on 15/09/2021.
    • The hearing assistance system was working at the time of testing.
    • 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 vinyl/laminate.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.
    • There is a mixture of seating with and without armrests.
    • No tables are permanently fixed.
    • 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 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.

Ward (Medical Assessment Unit (MAU))

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a/an Medical Assessment ward.
    • This is a shared ward.
    • There is/are 2 bay(s) available.
    • There is/are 2 side room(s) available.
    • There is/are 14 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) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 150cm (4ft 11in).
    • There is a bell/buzzer.
    • The height of the bell/buzzer is 133cm (4ft 4in).
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 133cm (4ft 4in).
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 111cm (3ft 8in).
    • There is a door release button when exiting.
    • The height of the door release button is 97cm (3ft 2in).
    • 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 moderate to good.
    • Patients are moved to this ward from the Accident and Emergency Majors area.
  • Reception/Nurses' Station View
    • The height of the Nurses' Station desk is 109cm.
    • There is not a lowered section.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system available at the desk.
  • Relatives' Room View
    • There is not a relatives' room for the ward.
  • Ward Features and Patient Facilities View
    • A hearing assistance system is not 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.
    • There are washroom facilities for patients on the ward.
    • There are toilet facilities for patients 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 emergency department waiting area.
    • There are no standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • Standard toilet facilities for visitors are located in the emergency department waiting area.
  • Visiting Times View
    • There are set visiting times for the ward.
    • Visiting times are 11:00 to 19:00.
    • The visiting times are the same for each day.
    • Protected meal times are between 8:00am-8:30am, 12:00pm-12:30pm, 5:50pm-6:00pm.
    • Only one visitor is allowed each day for a maximum of one hour.

Washroom (Transfer Both Sides)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • There is/are 3 washroom(s) of this type in the unit.
    • The washroom surveyed is located opposite the nurses station.
    • The washroom surveyed is approximately 8m from the Medical Assessment unit.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the unit.
    • This washroom is shared.
    • There is pictorial, written or text and dementia friendly signage on or near the washroom door.
    • The washroom door(s) open(s) outwards.
    • The door(s) is/are locked by a twist lock.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 250cm x 160cm (8ft 2in x 5ft 3in).
    • 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 tied up and out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor).
    • There is a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s) 150cm 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 wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the wash basin is 74cm.
    • As you face the wash basin the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • The tap type is push button. It is a mixer tap.
    • 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 towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 125cm.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • There is a/are nappy/incontinence items bin and pedal bin disposal units.
    • The washroom has a non-slip floor.
  • Toilet Details View
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet has a wall which can act as a back rest.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on both sides.
    • The lateral transfer space on the left is 98cm.
    • The lateral transfer space on the right is 116cm.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 95cm.
    • There is not a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
  • Shower Details View
    • There is a wheel in shower.
    • The shower does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The shower head is height adjustable.
    • The shower control type is push.
    • There is a flip-down/tip-up seat for the shower.
    • The height of the flip-down/tip-up or fixed seat is 44cm (1ft 5in).
    • There are wall-mounted grab rails available for the shower.
  • 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 dropdown rail(s) and wall is high.
    • The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall is high.
    • The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet and wall is high.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast 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 low to moderate.
  • Comments View
    • The push function for the hand basin is foot operated. This is shown in photographs 8 and 9.

Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities (Weston General Hospital)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are located on the ground floor to the left of the main entrance and to the right of the Rafter's Restaurant entrance.
    There is also an accessible toilet located on the first floor next to the Kewstoke Ward.
  • Shared standard toilet facilities are located on the ground floor to the left of the main entrance and to the right of the Rafter's Restaurant entrance.
    There is also a shared standard toilet on the second floor corridor.
  • Parent and baby changing facilities are located on the ground floor, in the standard toilets to the right of the Rafter's restaurant entrance.
    There is also baby changing facilities in the accessible and ambulant toilets in the main outpatient reception area.

Related Access Guides