You are on Getting To The Hospital. Skip to the next section.

Getting To The Hospital

Collapse all Expand all

• By Road View
  • Ipswich Hospital is located to the east of Ipswich town centre. It is within easy access of the A12 and A14. Access to the hospital is from Heath Road (A1198).
  • There are many onsite car parks at the front of the site and parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
• By Bus View
  • There are regular buses that serve the hospital. There are bus stops in both directions on Heath Road, within 150m of the hospital site.
• By Train View
  • The nearest train station to the hospital is Derby Road which is approximately 2.4 km away.
• Useful Links View
  • National Rail Enquiries.
  • To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
  • Travelling in Suffolk and East Anglia.
  • To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).

You are on Getting Help and Assistance. Skip to the next section.

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 South Zone.
• The telephone number for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is 01473 704 781.
• 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 throughout the hospital.
• Documents are available in an alternative format and can be provided to include: large print 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.
• 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.
• There is a Changing Places facility at this hospital which is located on the ground floor of the Central Zone.
• To view the Changing Places Accessibility Guide please click here.

You are on Hospital Parking (Car Park P - Staff, Blue Badge Holders and Renal Patients). Skip to the next section.

Hospital Parking (Car Park P - Staff, Blue Badge Holders and Renal Patients)

Collapse all Expand all

• Parking View
  • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
  • The car park is located at the rear of the site.
  • 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.
  • 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 330cm x 470cm (10ft 10in x 15ft 5in).
  • There is not a 120cm hatched zone around the Blue Badge parking bay(s).
  • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
• Drop-off Point View
  • There is not a designated drop-off point.
• 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 not make it clear if parking charges apply to Blue Badge holders.
  • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
  • Payment machines are located at the front of the car park.
  • There is not a payment machine at a convenient height for wheelchair users.
  • There is not 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 route from the car park to the hospital entrance is not clearly signposted.
  • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the Renal Unit Entrance.
• Comments View
  • This is the car park for the Renal Unit, but there are also footpaths leading to two corridor entrances which give access to the Central and South Zones.

You are on Outside Access (South Zone Main Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (South Zone Main Entrance)

Collapse all Expand all

• 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 or stepped 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 122cm (4ft).
  • 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 204cm.
  • 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 170cm.
• Ramp/Slope Details View
  • The ramp/slope is located to the left of the entrance as you face it.
  • The ramp/slope gradient is steep.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
  • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides going up the ramp.
  • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
• Step Details View
  • The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
  • There is/are 3 step(s).
  • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides going up the step(s).
• Comments View
  • There is a third set of doors that open towards you, are double width, permanently held open and 160cm wide.

You are on Reception. Skip to the next section.

Reception

Collapse all Expand all

• Reception View
  • The reception point is located to the left of the main entrance.
  • The reception point is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the south zone main 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 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.
  • The counter is staffed.
  • There is not a bell to attract attention.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • 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 bench seating and single seats with armrests.
  • 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 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 good.

You are on Getting Around (South Zone). Skip to the next section.

Getting Around (South Zone)

Collapse all Expand all

• Access View
  • There is step free access throughout the area.
• Circulation View
  • There are not doors in corridors which have to be opened manually.
  • The type of flooring in walkways and corridors is vinyl.
  • There is some flooring in corridors which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
  • There is some flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
  • Handrails are not provided in corridors.
  • Seating is provided in some corridors.
  • There is good colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
  • The lighting levels are varied.
• Signage and Wayfinding View
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the building.
  • The wayfinding signage includes pictograms.
  • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
  • Maps are provided at key intersections.
  • The main building is divided into 3 main areas; South Zone, Central Zone, and North Zone. Central Zone is colour coded yellow, South Zone is colour coded red, and North Zone is colour coded green. There are no wayfinding markings on the floor.
• Safe Place(s) View
  • There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
• Audio View
  • This venue does not play background music in public areas.

You are on Other Floors (All First Floor Wards and Endoscopy). Skip to the next section.

Other Floors (All First Floor Wards and Endoscopy)

Collapse all Expand all

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

You are on Other Floors (Wards and Endoscopy). Skip to the next section.

Other Floors (Wards and Endoscopy)

Collapse all Expand all

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

You are on Other Floors (Wards). Skip to the next section.

Other Floors (Wards)

Collapse all Expand all

• Stairs View
  • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not clearly visible from the entrance.
  • There are manual, double doors which may be difficult to open to enter and exit the stairwell on the ground floor.
  • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1.
  • There are 15+ steps between floors.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
  • The going 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 at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
  • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • Handrails are not easy to grip.
  • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
  • There is a second lower handrail.
  • There is a landing.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor of the building are not provided on landings.
  • The lighting levels are good.
• Comments View
  • The lowered handrail is on the right hand side going up only.

You are on Other Floors (Chest Physiotherapy Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Other Floors (Chest Physiotherapy Entrance)

Collapse all Expand all

• Stairs View
  • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
  • There are manual, double doors which may be difficult to open to enter and exit the stairwell on all floors.
  • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1.
  • There are 15+ steps between floors.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
  • The going 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 at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
  • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • Handrails are easy to grip.
  • Handrails do not 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 varied.

You are on Lift (2). Skip to the next section.

Lift (2)

• There is a lift for public use.
• The lift is located off the main corridor, in Area A.
• The lift is approximately 90m (98yd 1ft) from the South Zone 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, 1.
• Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not 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 colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is good.
• The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is good.
• The clear door width is 128cm.
• The dimensions of the lift are 150cm x 274cm.
• There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
• There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
• There is not 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 good.

You are on Lift (Chest Physiotherapy Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Lift (Chest Physiotherapy Entrance)

• There is a lift for public use.
• The lift is located in the Chest Physiotherapy corridor.
• Signs indicating the location of this lift are clearly visible from the entrance.
• The lift is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the Chest Physiotherapy 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, 1.
• Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not 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 colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is good.
• The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is fair.
• The clear door width is 130cm.
• The dimensions of the lift are 160cm x 280cm.
• There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
• There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
• There is not 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 a hearing assistance system.
• The lift does not have Braille markings.
• The lift does have tactile markings.
• The lighting level in the lift is good.

You are on Accessible Toilet (First Floor Corridor - Right Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Accessible Toilet (First Floor Corridor - Right Hand Transfer)

• There are accessible toilet facilities within this venue.

Collapse all Expand all

• Location and Access View
  • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
  • This accessible toilet is located on the first floor corridor next to the entrance for the Endoscopy Department.
  • This accessible toilet is approximately 55m (60yd 5in) from the lifts.
  • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • This is by lift.
• Features and Dimensions View
  • This is a unisex toilet.
  • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
  • The door opens inwards.
  • The door is locked by a locking handle.
  • The door is heavy.
  • The width of the accessible toilet door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
  • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 195cm x 270cm (6ft 5in x 8ft 10in).
  • The accessible toilet does 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 right.
  • The lateral transfer space is 126cm (4ft 2in).
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • 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 not fully functional.
  • The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
  • 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 a/are 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 both sides.
  • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
  • 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 48cm (1ft 7in).
  • 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 117cm (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 95cm.
  • There is a wash basin.
  • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
• Colour Contrast and Lighting View
  • There is a high colour 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 fair.
  • The lighting levels are medium.

You are on Accessible Toilet (Transfer Both Sides). Skip to the next section.

Accessible Toilet (Transfer Both Sides)

• There are accessible toilet facilities within this venue.

Collapse all Expand all

• Location and Access View
  • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
  • This accessible toilet is located in the South Therapy waiting area.
  • This accessible toilet is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the South Therapy Clinic 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 locking handle.
  • The door is light.
  • The width of the accessible toilet door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
  • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 196cm x 176cm (6ft 5in x 5ft 9in).
  • The accessible toilet does 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 both sides.
  • The lateral transfer space is 65cm (2ft 2in).
  • There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
  • There is a flush 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 not fully functional.
  • The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
  • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
  • There is a/are general domestic waste and clinical waste disposal units.
  • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the cubicle.
  • There is a/are coat hook(s).
• Position of Fixtures View
  • Wall-mounted grab rails are not available.
  • There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
  • The shelf is not 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 43cm (1ft 5in).
  • 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 not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • There is a toilet roll holder.
  • The toilet roll holder cannot 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 125cm.
  • 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 77cm (2ft 6in).
• Colour Contrast and Lighting View
  • There is a high colour 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 toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
  • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
  • The lighting levels are medium.

You are on Standard Toilet(s). Skip to the next section.

Standard Toilet(s)

Collapse all Expand all

• Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
• Access to Standard Shared Toilet(s) View
  • The shared toilets that were surveyed are located in the South Therapy Clinic waiting area.
  • The shared toilet(s) is/are approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the South Therapy Clinic 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.

You are on Related Access Guides. Skip to the next section.

Related Access Guides

• To view other Detailed Access Guides that are related to this one please use the links below.
• Central Zone link (new tab) - click here.
• Hospital Parking link (new tab) - click here.
• South Wards Entrance 2 link (new tab) - click here.
• South Therapy Clinic link (new tab) - click here.