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The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery Main Entrance

National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG

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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 Basil Samuel Outpatients Department.
  • The telephone number for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is 020 3448 3237.
  • 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 do not receive disability awareness / equality training.
  • Volunteers can be found in the reception area.
  • 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.

Public Parking (Queen Square Parking)

Opening Times (National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery Main Entrance)

  • The venue is open 24hrs.

Outside Access (Main Hospital Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located along Queen Square.
    • 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/do 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 a bell/buzzer.
    • The height of the bell/buzzer is 129cm (4ft 3in).
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 105cm (3ft 5in).
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 135cm (4ft 5in).
    • 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 155cm.
  • Ramp/Slope Details View
    • The ramp/slope is located to the left of the entrance.
    • 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 width of the ramp is 99cm.
    • 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 4 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are 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).

Outside Access (Chandler Wing/Powis Place Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the end of Powis Place.
    • 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 an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 142cm (4ft 8in).
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 125cm (4ft 1in).
    • There is not a door release button when exiting.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The automatic door(s) is/are push pad activated.
    • 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 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 180cm.
  • Ramp/Slope Details View
    • The ramp/slope is located along the path that leads to this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is not 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.

Reception (Albany Wing Reception)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located to the right as you enter through the main hospital entrance.
    • The reception point is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the main hospital 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 a hearing assistance system.
    • The type of system is a fixed loop.
    • The hearing assistance system is signed.
    • Staff are not trained to use the hearing assistance system.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested on 22/03/2023.
    • The hearing assistance system was not 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 bench seating and single seats without 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 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 good.

Getting Around (National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery Main Entrance)

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the building.
    • There is a steep ramp, with handrails on both sides, for access to Queen Mary Wing, Albany Wing and Exit.
    • The ramp or slope does bypass the step(s).
    • There is/are 5 clearly marked step(s), with handrails on both sides, for access to Queen Mary Wing, Albany Wing, and the Exit.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The first part of the ramp is easy with handrails on both sides and gives access to the Queen Mary Wing as shown in photographs 1 and 2. The second part of the ramp is steep with handrails on the right for access to Albany Wing and the Exit as shown in photograph 3.
  • 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 flooring in corridors which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
    • There is 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 not provided in corridors.
    • There is good colour contrast between the walls and floor in the majority of corridors.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Signage and Wayfinding View
    • Wayfinding signage is provided.
    • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the building.
    • The wayfinding signage does not include pictograms.
    • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
    • Maps are provided at key intersections.
  • 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.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system in the public areas of the building.

Waiting Room / Area (Chandler Wing)

  • There is a waiting room / area.
  • The waiting room / area is approximately 6m from the Chandler Wing/Powis Place 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.
  • The surface height of the lowest table is 74cm.
  • The surface height of the highest table is 87cm.
  • The tables do contrast visually with the floor.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Announcements are in person.
  • 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 not a television.
  • Vending machines are 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.

Amenities (National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery Main Entrance)

  • ATM Machines View
    • There is not an/are not ATM machine(s) available.
  • Pay Phones and Charging Points View
    • Pay phones are available.
    • The pay phone(s) is/are located within the Main Hospital entrance lobby.
    • A low level pay phone (controls between 75cm - 100cm from floor level) is not available.
    • Phone charging points are available.
    • The phone charging point(s) is/are located within the Main Hospital entrance lobby.
    • There is a charge for use of the phone charging point(s).
  • Public WiFi View
    • Free public WiFi is available.
    • Free public WiFi is available throughout the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery Main Entrance building.
  • TV Pre-Payment Machines View
    • There are no TV pre-pay machines for patients.
  • Additional Information View
    • There is an information point with free calls for minicabs and travel information located within the Main Hospital entrance lobby (shown in photograph 1).

Other Floors (Main Entrance - Albany Wing)

  • Stairs View
    • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not clearly visible from the entrance.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1, 2, 3, 4.
    • 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 at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do not 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 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.

Other Floors (Lower Ground)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are LG,G.
    • The stairs are located to the right from the entrance.
    • The stairs are approximately 23m from the entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The steps are not clearly marked.
    • The steps are deep (18cm+).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on the right going up.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Comments View
    • These stairs were not in use at the time of the survey (22/03/2023) due to refurbishments taking place on the lower ground floor.

Other Floors (Chandler Wing Stairs)

  • 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 LG, G, 1, 2, 3, 4.
    • 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 not 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 good.

Lift (Main Entrance - Albany Wing Lift)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located on the left side of the main hospital entrance lobby.
  • Signs indicating the location of this lift are clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the main hospital 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 LG, G, 1, 2, 3, 4.
  • 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 colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is fair.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is good.
  • The clear door width is 130cm (4ft 3in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 144cm x 266cm (4ft 9in x 8ft 9in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not 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 not within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The internal lift controls are between 107cm to 122cm high.
  • 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.

Lift (Chandler Wing Lift)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located directly in front as you enter the hospital via the Chandler Wing.
  • Signs indicating the location of this lift are clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 25m (27yd 1ft) from the Chandler Wing/Powis Place 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 LG, G, 1, 2, 3, 4.
  • There are manual, double 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 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 (4ft 2in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 148cm x 265cm (4ft 10in x 8ft 8in).
  • 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 not 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.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Main Corridor - Left Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located towards the end of the corridor that is on the right side of the main entrance lobby.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 25m from the main hospital entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 89cm (2ft 11in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is good.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 158cm x 165cm (5ft 2in x 5ft 5in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 106cm.
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a sanitary bin and a waste disposal bin.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a push button flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on the right.
    • There is not a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency alarm is fully functional.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are sanitary and pedal bin disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is not a mirror.
    • There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The shelf has the minimum dimensions of 12.5cm x 40cm.
    • The shelf is at a height of 100cm.
    • The shelf is located where it is reachable.
    • The toilet has a backrest.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
    • 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).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 89cm (2ft 11in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is poor.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) can 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).
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the left hand side of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 102cm.
    • 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).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 92cm (3ft).
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is poor.
    • There is not a hand dryer.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Ground Floor - Left Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located to the left as you enter the hospital via the Chandler Wing entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 5m from the Chandler Wing/Powis Place entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The door opens outwards (automatically).
    • The door is push pad or push button activated.
    • The push pad or push button is 95cm from floor level.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 84cm (2ft 9in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 212cm x 204cm (6ft 11in x 6ft 8in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 145cm.
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a sanitary bin.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a spatula type lever flush.
    • There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • There is not an emergency alarm.
    • There is a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are sanitary and pedal bin disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • There are coat hooks in the toilet at 107cm and 138cm from the floor.
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The toilet has a backrest.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 115cm (3ft 9in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is poor.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 73cm (2ft 5in).
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 87cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer requires hands to be inserted into the top.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 96cm (3ft 2in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is good.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a flip down baby change table available.
    • The height of the baby change table is 92cm.

Standard Toilet(s) (Main Corridor)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female and male toilets are located along the main corridor that is on the right side of the main entrance lobby.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 20m from the main hospital entrance.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • The colour contrast between the internal toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • Toilet seats do not have a good colour contrast.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 87cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The wall fixed soap dispenser is located above the wash basin.
    • Lighting levels are good.

Standard Toilet(s) (Chandler Wing)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female and male toilets are located to the left as you enter the hospital via the Chandler Wing entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 6m from the Chandler Wing/Powis Place entrance.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • The colour contrast between the internal toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The toilet seats have a good colour contrast.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 80cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The wall fixed soap dispenser is located above the wash basins.
    • Lighting levels are good.

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