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Alan Apley Ward

St Thomas' Hospital, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7EH

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Access Guide

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Getting To The Hospital

Getting Help and Assistance

  • There is a Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) at the hospital.
  • The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is located in the main hospital foyer.
  • The telephone number for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is 020 7188 8801.
  • The email address for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is [email protected].
  • There are volunteers available for help and assistance at the hospital.
  • Volunteers can be found at information points around the hospital.
  • There is an assistance dog toilet or toileting area on the hospital site.
  • The assistance dog toilet or toileting area is located outside the main entrance.
  • Water bowls for assistance dogs are available.
  • BSL interpreters can be provided on request.
  • Language interpreters can be provided on request.
  • Mobility aids are available to help patients move around and include; wheelchairs.
  • If you require any additional information or assistance, please speak to a member of staff.
  • Additional hospital services link (new tab) - click here.

Hospital Parking

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car park is located in front of the hospital, accessed via Lambeth Palace Road.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does have a height restriction barrier.
    • The maximum height is 280cm (9ft 2in).
    • The car park does 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.
    • 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 422cm x 547cm (13ft 10in x 17ft 11in).
    • 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 to the left before reaching the entrance barriers.
    • 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.
    • Payment signs do make it clear if parking charges apply to Blue Badge holders.
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
    • Payment machines are located outside the North Wing entrance, inside the Lambeth Wing Lower Ground floor entrance, and inside the Main entrance.
    • There is 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 unaided.
    • The hospital entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
    • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 16m (17yd 1ft) from the North Wing Lower Ground entrance.
  • Comments View
    • There is also sheltered parking available.
    • Parking at Guy's and St Thomas' hospitals and the community services is very limited.
    • Both of the hospitals and many of the services are located in the Congestion Charging zone. Please use public transport whenever possible.
    • Charging exceptions
    • If you're a disabled patient attending an appointment, you'll be given free parking in the main car park upon production of your Blue Badge (registered in your name) along with your appointment card/letter.
    • Please take your Blue Badge (leaving the clock on display if parked in a disabled bay), white entry ticket to the car park and appointment letter/card to the Knowledge and Information Centre (KIC), which is located on the ground floor of St Thomas', North Wing.
    • The KIC is open from 08:00 to 18:00. Outside these hours, please go to the security desk at the main reception.

Getting To (Alan Apley Ward)

  • The Alan Apley Ward is/are located on the eighth floor of the North Wing.
  • Access to the Alan Apley Ward is via the main entrance.
  • On entering the main entrance, continue directly ahead, bear right and continue along the corridor, then bear left. Take the North Wing lifts to the eighth floor. On exiting the lift follow the signs for the Alan Apley Ward. Proceed through the manual double doors and the Alan Apley Ward is located on the right.
  • There is step free access, via lift, to the Alan Apley Ward.
  • The Alan Apley Ward is approximately 4m from the North Wing lift.
  • There is a/are manual, heavy, double door(s) between the North Wing lift and the department/service.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • There is 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 (Main Hospital Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the hospital.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • There is step free 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.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 150cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm 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 149cm.

Outside Access (North Wing Car Park Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the Lower Ground floor.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • There is step free 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.
    • The intercom is not in a suitable position to allow wheelchair users to gain access.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 114cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm 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 176cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.

Other Floors (North Wing Stairs A)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are LG, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12.
    • The stairs are located within the North Wing.
    • The stairs are approximately 61m from the main hospital entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting levels are medium.

Lift (North Wing Lifts A)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located within the North Wing.
  • The lift is approximately 55m (60yd 5in) from the main hospital entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are LG, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 134cm (4ft 5in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 166cm x 256cm (5ft 5in x 8ft 5in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is medium.

Opening Times (Visiting Hours)

  • Monday 14:00 - 20:00.
  • Tuesday 14:00 - 20:00.
  • Wednesday 14:00 - 20:00.
  • Thursday 14:00 - 20:00.
  • Friday 14:00 - 20:00.
  • Saturday 14:00 - 20:00.
  • Sunday 14:00 - 20:00.

Waiting Room / Area

  • There is a waiting room / area.
  • The waiting room / area is approximately 10m from the Alan Apley Ward entrance.
  • There is level access into the waiting room / area.
  • There is not a/are not door(s) into the waiting room / area.
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • 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.
  • No 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 not a television.
  • 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 bright.

Ward

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a/an gastroenterology ward.
    • There is/are 4 bay(s) available.
    • There is/are 4 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 double width but one door is locked.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 81cm (2ft 8in).
    • There is level access throughout the ward.
    • There is clear signage on the ward.
    • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
    • There is 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 ward reception desk is 72cm.
    • There is not a lowered section.
    • There is a hearing assistance system available at the desk.
  • 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 within the Eye Day Care Unit corridor on the eighth floor of the North Wing.
    • There are no standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • Standard toilet facilities for visitors are located within the Eye Day Care Unit corridor on the eighth floor of the North Wing.

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 wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • The washroom surveyed is located opposite beds 5-8.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
    • This is an interchangeable between male and 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 twist lock.
    • The door(s) is/are light to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 88cm (2ft 11in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 229cm x 411cm (7ft 6in x 13ft 6in).
    • 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) 166cm 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 85cm.
    • There are no wall-mounted grab rails for the wash basin.
    • The tap type is lever. It is not a mixer tap.
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 105cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 151cm.
    • 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 56cm (1ft 10in).
    • The bath is not height adjustable.
    • The bath tap type is lever. It is a mixer tap.
    • There is a shower over/for the bath.
    • The shower head is hand held.
    • There are 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 poor.
    • The colour contrast between the internal washroom door and wall is poor.
    • The colour contrast between the bath wall-mounted grab rails and wall is fair.
    • The colour contrast between the washroom floor and walls is good.
    • Lighting levels are bright.

Washroom (Shower Room)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower.
    • There is/are 1 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
    • There is/are also 2 washroom(s) which has/have a wheel in shower, a bath and a wash basin.
    • The washroom surveyed is located opposite the waiting area.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
    • This is an interchangeable between male and female washroom.
    • There is pictorial 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(s) is/are light to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 89cm (2ft 11in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 203cm x 200cm (6ft 8in x 6ft 7in).
    • 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) 164cm from the floor.
    • There is not a mirror.
    • There is not a wash basin.
    • There is not a soap dispenser.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • 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 twist/turn.
    • A shower chair is available.
    • There are wall-mounted grab rails available.
    • The shower area is accessed via an easy slope.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The colour contrast between the external washroom door and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the internal washroom door and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is poor.
    • The colour contrast between the washroom floor and walls is good.
    • Lighting levels are medium.

Washroom (Shower Room & Accessible Toilet)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower, a toilet 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 wheel in shower, a bath and a wash basin.
    • The washroom surveyed is located opposite beds 16-19.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
    • This is an interchangeable between male and 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 twist lock.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 226cm x 270cm (7ft 5in x 8ft 10in).
    • 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 are coat hooks at 105cm and 141cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is 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 79cm.
    • As you face the wash basin the wall-mounted grab rails are on the left.
    • The tap type is lever. 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 119cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 140cm.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • The washroom has a non-slip floor.
  • Toilet Details View
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 46cm (1ft 6in).
    • The cistern is not close coupled and no padded back rest is provided.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 164cm.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • 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 87cm.
    • 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 head is height adjustable.
    • The shower control type is lever.
    • A shower chair is available.
    • There are wall-mounted grab rails available.
    • The shower area is accessed via an easy slope.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The colour contrast between the external washroom door and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the internal washroom door and wall is poor.
    • The colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet and wall is good.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The colour contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the washroom floor and walls is good.
    • Lighting levels are medium.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female toilet is located opposite beds 5-8.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Toilet Facilities 2 View
    • The male toilet is located opposite beds 9-12.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.

Related Access Guides

Sunflower Lanyard Scheme

  • Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust is part of the Sunflower Lanyard Scheme.
  • The Sunflower Lanyard Scheme helps people with hidden disabilities which aren’t always obvious – such as autism, dementia and visual or hearing impairments.
  • For more information on this scheme please click here.