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Erasmus Darwin Ward

Samuel Johnson Community Hospital, Trent Valley Road, Lichfield, WS13 6EF

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Access Guide

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Getting To The Hospital

Getting Help and Assistance

  • To see the hospital map please click here (opens new tab).
  • There is a Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) at the hospital.
  • The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is located in Queen's Hospital Burton. The PALS office also covers this hospital.
  • The telephone number for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is 01283 593 110.
  • The email address for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is uhdb.contactpalsburton@nhs.net.
  • There are volunteers available for help and assistance at the hospital.
  • Volunteers can be found at the main entrance.
  • Documents are available in an alternative format and can be provided to include: Braille on request and different languages on request.
  • 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.
  • There are telephone and face to face language interpreters available.
    Telephone interpretation services are available 24 hours a day.
    Patients should contact the ward or clinic that they will be attending to discuss interpreting needs.
    Virtual appointments are available via Attend Anywhere.
    Interpreters can be used during these virtual appointments.
    BSL interpreters are provided by Staffordshire (including for patients attending Attend Anywhere virtual appointments).
    Patients can pre-book face to face interpreting by contacting the ward/department with: Patient name, Appointment date & time, Clinic name & location and Hospital number (if known).
    Patients can also book directly with Staffordshire ASSIST at assist@staffordshire.gov.uk.
    Out of Hours face to face BSL interpreters can be requested by texting booking details to 07977 007 184.

Hospital Parking

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car park is located in 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 not have a barrier control system.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked and signposted.
    • 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 247cm x 470cm (8ft 1in x 15ft 5in).
    • 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 in front of the hospital main entrance.
    • There is a dropped kerb from the drop-off point.
    • The dropped kerb does not 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 payment machines in the car park and throughout the car park.
    • Payment signs do make it clear if parking charges apply to Blue Badge holders.
    • Payment machines are located inside the hospital building and at the front of the car park.
    • There is not a payment machine at a convenient height for wheelchair users.
    • 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 uneven surfaces.
    • The hospital entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
    • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 13m (14yd 8in) from the hospital main entrance.
  • Comments View
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge Holders, users must phone to register as per the below:
    • Blue Badge Holders can register for free car parking by telephoning the Car Parking Help Line (0333 456 1111). Callers will need to have their Blue Badge number, badge expiry date and vehicle registration when registering. Registration can be done in advance or up to 72 hours after your visit. Registration for free parking covers Queens, Samuel Johnson and Sir Robert Peel hospitals.

Getting To (Erasmus Darwin Ward)

  • Erasmus Darwin Ward is/are located on the first floor.
  • Access to Erasmus Darwin Ward is via the main entrance.
  • On entering the hospital turn left and continue ahead until you reach the lifts.
    Take a lift to the first floor.
    On exiting the lift, turn right and continue ahead.
    The Erasmus Darwin Ward is located at the end of the corridor on the left.
  • There is step free access, via lift, to Erasmus Darwin Ward.
  • Erasmus Darwin Ward is approximately 75m from the lift.
  • There are 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.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is 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 dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 120cm (3ft 11in).
    • There is not a door release button when exiting.
    • Standard manual wheelchairs are available for people to borrow at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 192cm.
    • 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 (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 174cm.
  • Ramp/Slope Details View
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the left as you enter, along the corridor and on the left.
  • Signs indicating the location of this lift are clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 28m (30yd 1ft) from the hospital main entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G and 1.
  • There are manual, single doors which may be difficult to open to access the lift lobby on all floors.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on lift lobby landings.
  • There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
  • Lift doors do contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
  • The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
  • The visual contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is low.
  • The visual contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is high.
  • The clear door width is 130cm (4ft 3in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 135cm x 237cm (4ft 5in x 7ft 9in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • There is a list of floor services available within the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is low to moderate.

Other Floors

  • Stairs View
    • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There are manual, single doors which may be difficult to open to exit the stairwell on the first floor.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G and 1.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • Handrails are not at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • There is a landing.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor of the building are provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Ward (Erasmus Darwin Ward)

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a/an rehabilitation and discharge ward.
    • This is a shared ward.
    • There is/are 5 bay(s) available.
    • There is/are 6 side room(s) available.
    • There is/are 26 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) 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 180cm (5ft 11in).
    • There is a bell/buzzer.
    • The height of the bell/buzzer is 132cm (4ft 4in).
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • There is a door release button when exiting.
    • The height of the door release button is 113cm (3ft 8in).
    • There is level access throughout the ward.
    • There is no 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.
  • Reception/Nurses' Station View
    • The height of the Nurses' Station desk is 120cm.
    • There is a lowered section.
    • The height of the lowered section of the desk is 75cm.
    • There is a hearing assistance system available at the desk.
    • The type of system is a portable loop.
    • The hearing assistance system is not signed.
    • Staff are trained to use the hearing assistance system.
    • The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.
  • 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 not 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 multiple side rooms available with accessible ensuites.
    • The side room surveyed does 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 not 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 moderate to good.
    • 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 wheel in shower, 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 moderate to good.
  • Ward Features and Patient Facilities View
    • A hearing assistance system is available on the ward.
    • The system is a portable loop.
    • Staff are trained to use the hearing assistance system.
    • The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.
    • 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 off the corridor leading to the ward.
    • There are no standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • Standard toilet facilities for visitors are located on the ground floor, to the right as you enter the hospital.
  • Visiting Times View
    • There are set visiting times for the ward.
    • Visiting times are 11:00 to 12:00, 13:00 to 17:00 and 18:00 to 20:00.
    • The visiting times are the same for each day.
    • Seating is located outside the ward entrance.

Reception (Ward Office)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located beyond the ward entrance doors.
    • The reception point is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the ward entrance doors.
    • 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 counter is staffed.
    • There is not a bell to attract attention.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Reception Waiting Area View
    • There is not a waiting area close to the reception point.
  • Comments View
    • This is an office where visitors speak to the receptionist through a window or via an open door.

Day Room / Lounge Area (Garden Café)

  • There is a day room/lounge area.
  • The day room/lounge area is approximately 28m from the ward entrance doors.
  • There is level access into the day room/lounge area.
  • The day room/lounge area is always open.
  • There is a/are door(s) into the day room/lounge area.
  • 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 84cm (2ft 9in).
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is not a space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There are seats with armrests on both sides.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 51cm (1ft 8in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 75cm (2ft 6in).
  • The room does not have background music playing.
  • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • There is a television.
  • Subtitles are 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 moderate to good.

Room / Area (Quiet Room)

  • There is / are 1 room(s) / area(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room / area surveyed was; Quiet Room.
  • The room / area is approximately 10m from the ward entrance doors.
  • There is level access to the room / area.
  • There is a/are door(s) into the room / area.
  • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) is/are single width.
  • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 87cm (2ft 10in).
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is not 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 not/are not height adjustable.
  • All chairs have armrests available.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • The room / area does not have background music playing.
  • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room / area.
  • Lighting levels are low to moderate.

Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities

  • Accessible toilet facilities are located to the right as you enter via the main entrance on the ground floor and on the first floor, next to the ward area.
  • Female and male standard toilet facilities are located on the ground floor, to the right as you enter via the main entrance.

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