Disabled Access Guide for Chaucer Ward

Chaucer Ward is located on the ground floor of the Ward Block.

There is a hopper shuttle bus which runs between Ashford and St Peter's hospital sites Monday - Friday, and is freely available to all staff, patients and visitors.

Wheelchairs, baby buggies, pushchairs and walking frames cannot be accepted on the hopper bus due to limited capacity and no secure storage available.

The venue is situated outside the centre of the town.

This venue is situated in Ashford.

The venue is not on a road with a steep gradient.

The nearest mainline Railway Station is Ashford.

There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.

This venue does have its own car park.

Parking is not free for all users.

Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.

The car park is at the front of the venue.

The car park type is open air/surface.

Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.

There are 13 designated parking bay(s) within the car park.

The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 3.8m x 5m (12ft 5in x 16ft 4in).

The nearest designated bay is 16m (17yd) from the main entrance.

The furthest designated bay is 45m (49yd) from the main entrance.

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 slopes/ramps.

The car park surface is tarmac.

There is a dropped kerb/non stepped access from the car park to the venue.

The patron does not have to cross a road.

The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.

There is not a designated drop off point.

The car park is pay and display.

This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.

There is not level access to the service.

The main doors open automatically.

The doors are double width.

The door opening is 186cm (6ft 1in) wide.

There is a second set of doors.

The doors open automatically.

The doors are double width.

The door opening is 186cm (6ft 1in) wide.

There is a ramp or slope to access this area/service.

The ramp or slope is located in front of the entrance.

The ramp or slope is easy.

The ramp or slope is permanent.

There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp.

This information is for the entrance located on the ground floor corridor.

There is level access to the service.

The main doors open towards you (pull).

The doors are double width.

The doors are heavy.

The door opening is 156cm (5ft 1in) wide.

The desk is 24m (26yd) from the ward entrance.

There is level access to reception from the entrance.

The reception desk is high.

The desk does not have a lowered section.

Lighting levels are bright.

There is not a hearing assistance system.

There is level access once inside the venue.

There is not a hearing assistance system.

This venue does play background music.

Music is played in some parts of the venue.

The lighting levels are bright.

Motorised scooters are allowed in public parts of the venue.

Customers can charge scooters or wheelchairs at the venue.

The type of flooring in walkways and corridors is vinyl.

There are 3 bays available.

There are 2 side rooms available.

The area/room/bay is 24m (26yd) from the ground ward.

There is level access to the ward.

There are not doors into the bay / side room.

The type of flooring is vinyl.

There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.

All beds are adjustable.

All beds have bedside storage.

The ward is unisex.

A hoist is available.

The hoist is powered overhead.

A sling is available.

The sling is attached by loop.

There is an adapted toilet for visitors to use on the ward.

There is not a standard toilet for visitors to use on the ward.

There is a standard toilet for visitors to use outside the ward.

There is not a bathroom on the ward.

There is not a bathroom outside the ward.

Lighting levels are adjustable.

A flashing alarm is available.

A vibrating alarm is not available.

Access to fitness suite

The fitness suite is located on the left as you enter.

The fitness suite is 10m (11yd) from the ward entrance.

There is level access to the fitness suite.

Fitness Suite (General)

Staff receive some training in assisting disabled people.

A portable hearing loop is not available for induction.

There is clear manoeuvring space between equipment.

There is level access to all of the equipment.

The gym is used by physiotherapists and occupational therapists.

The showers are located at the side of the ward.

There is an adjustable shower head.

There are handrails.

There is a flip down seat.

The height of the seat is 50cm (1ft 7in).

There is level access to the services from the shower facilities.

There are adapted toilets within this venue designated for public use.

Location of and access to adapted toilets

Features and dimensions of adapted toilets

Position of fixtures in adapted toilets

Colour contrast and lighting in adapted toilets

The adapted toilets are also used as the standard toilets.

The toilets are individually marked dependant on the number of male and female patients on the ward.

The adapted toilets are for patient use only.

Visitors should use the adapted toilet located in the corridor outside the ward.

Availability and Location of Standard Toilets

Standard toilets are not available.

The nearest standard male and female toilets for visitors are located in the lift lobby.

Staff do receive disability awareness training.

Registered assistance dogs are welcomed.

A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not generally on duty.

This service can be requested.

Staff are Text Relay aware.

Children are welcomed at the venue.

The photograph shows some of the mobile hoists, which at the time of surveying were stored in the roll in shower room.