Access Guide
Getting To The Hospital
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By Road
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- The Birmingham City Hospital is located on Dudley Road and can be accessed by the M5. Head north on M5, At junction 3, take the A456 exit to Birmingham (W & C) At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto Quinton Expy/A456 and then At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Hagley Road W/A456, Follow A4040 and Dudley Road/A457 to your destination in Birmingham. Turn left onto Barnsley Rd/A4040 and then turn right onto Sandon Road/A4040 Turn left onto City Road/A4040 and then turn right onto Dudley Rd/A457 and the Birmingham City Hospital is located on the left.
- Birmingham City Hospital has multiple car parks located near all main buildings.
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By Bus
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- The nearest bus stop is located on Dudley Road 0.2 miles from Birmingham City Hospital.
- There is not an onsite bus stop.
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By Train
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- The nearest train station is Jewellery Quarter 1.5 miles from Birmingham City 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 telephone number for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is 0121 553 1831.
- The email address for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is [email protected].
- Documents are available in an alternative format and can be provided to include: Braille on request, large print on request and Makaton on request.
- There is not an assistance dog toilet or toileting area on the hospital site.
- Water bowls for assistance dogs are not available.
- 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 and adjustable beds.
Hospital Parking (Main Hospital Car Park)
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Parking
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- The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
- The car parking facilities are for Blue Badge holders only.
- The car park is located at the rear of the hospital site.
- The car park type is open air/surface.
- The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
- The car park does have a barrier control system.
- There is a touchscreen at the barrier.
- The barrier controls/touchscreen can be reached from the car.
- The car park surface is concrete.
- 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 230cm x 470cm (7ft 7in 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.
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Drop-off Point
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- There is not a designated drop-off point.
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Paying
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- There are parking charges for the hospital car park.
- Payment signs are provided.
- Payment signs are clearly presented.
- Payment signs are located at the entrance to the car park and 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 throughout the car park.
- There is 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).
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Access to the Hospital
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- 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 not clearly visible from the car park.
- The route from the car park to the hospital entrance is not clearly signposted.
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Comments
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- The nearest designated blue badge bay is 100m+ from the hospital.
Hospital Parking (Maternity Block)
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Parking
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- The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
- The car parking facilities are for Blue Badge holders and staff only.
- The car park is located to the front of the building.
- The car park type is open air/surface.
- The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
- The car park does have a barrier control system.
- There is a touchscreen at the barrier.
- The barrier controls/touchscreen can be reached from the car.
- The car park surface is tarmac.
- There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
- The Blue Badge bay(s) markings are faded.
- There is/are 3 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the hospital car park.
- The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 347cm x 609cm (11ft 5in x 19ft 12in).
- 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.
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Drop-off Point
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- There is not a designated drop-off point.
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Paying
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- 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 hospital building.
- 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 inside the hospital building and throughout the car park.
- There is 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).
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Access to the Hospital
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- 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 hospital entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
- The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 17m (18yd 1ft) from the maternity block entrance.
Hospital Parking (Multi Storey)
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Parking
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- The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
- The car park is located to the left of the Birmingham Midland Eye Centre.
- The car park type is multi storey.
- The car park does have a height restriction barrier.
- The maximum height is 205cm (6ft 9in).
- The car park does have a barrier control system.
- There is a touchscreen at the barrier.
- The barrier controls/touchscreen can be reached from the car.
- The car park surface is tarmac.
- There is not a/are not Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
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Drop-off Point
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- There is not a designated drop-off point.
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Paying
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- There are parking charges for the hospital car park.
- Payment signs are provided.
- Payment signs are clearly presented.
- Payment signs are located at the entrance to 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 in the lift lobby of the car park.
- 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).
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Access to the Hospital
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- 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.
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Comments
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- There are 501 spaces including 22 electric power charging bays.
- There is ground floor parking plus 5 other floors which are accessed by 2 lifts or stairs.
- The lift dimensions are width 157cm x depth 137cm and the lift doors have a width of 90cm.
Opening Times (Maternity Block)
- Monday 08:30 - 17:00.
- Tuesday 08:30 - 17:00.
- Wednesday 08:30 - 17:00.
- Thursday 08:30 - 17:00.
- Friday 08:30 - 17:00.
- Saturday Closed.
- Sunday Closed.
Outside Access (Maternity Block Entrance)
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Entrance Details
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- This information is for the entrance located at the rear 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/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- There is not a bell/buzzer.
- There is an intercom.
- The height of the intercom is 126cm (4ft 2in).
- There is not a hand sanitiser.
- 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 130cm.
- 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 130cm.
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Ramp/Slope Details
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- The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
- The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
Reception
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Reception
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- The reception point is located straight ahead and to the left as you enter the Maternity Block entrance.
- The reception point is approximately 7m (7yd 1ft) from the Maternity Block entrance.
- The reception area/desk is clearly visible from the entrance.
- There is step free access to the reception point.
- There is not 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 low (76cm or lower).
- There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
- The counter is staffed.
- There is not a bell to attract attention.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- 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 not provided in the reception area.
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Reception Waiting Area
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- 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 a mixture of seating with and without armrests.
- No tables are permanently fixed.
- 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.
Getting Around (Maternity Block)
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Access
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- There is step free access throughout the building via lift(s).
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Circulation
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- There are 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 flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
- Handrails are provided in some corridors.
- Seating is provided in some corridors.
- There is good colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
- The lighting levels are good.
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Signage and Wayfinding
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- 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.
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Safe Place(s)
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- There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
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Audio
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- This venue does not play background music in public areas.
- There is not a hearing assistance system in the public areas of the building.
Other Floors
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Stairs
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- Signs indicating the location of the stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
- The floors which are accessible by stairs are G,1,2.
- 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 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
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located on the main corridor.
- Signs indicating the location of this lift are not clearly visible from the entrance.
- The lift is approximately 26m (28yd 1ft) from the Maternity Block 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,1,2.
- 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 108cm (3ft 7in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 125cm x 220cm (4ft 1in x 7ft 3in).
- 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 not 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.
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Comments
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- There are two lifts located on the maternity block main corridor.
Amenities (Maternity Block)
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Shops and Services
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- The shops/services available include; a coffee shop.
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ATM Machines
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- There is not an/are not ATM machine(s) available.
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Pay Phones and Charging Points
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- A pay phone is available.
- The pay phone(s) is/are located to the right as you enter the main entrance.
- The pay phone(s) is/are cash only payment.
- A low level pay phone (controls between 75cm - 100cm from floor level) is not available.
- Phone charging points are not available.
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Public WiFi
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- Free public WiFi is available.
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TV Pre-Payment Machines
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- There are no TV pre-pay machines for patients.
Accessible Toilet(s) (Left Hand Transfer)
- There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
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Location and Access
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- The accessible toilet was out of use at the time of the survey.
- This accessible toilet is located to the right as you enter the Maternity Block entrance.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 6m from the Maternity Block entrance.
- There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
- This is a gender neutral 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 inwards.
- The door is easy to open.
- The door is locked by a twist lock.
- The width of the accessible toilet opening is 88cm (2ft 11in).
- The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
- The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
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Toilet Features
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- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 202cm x 251cm (6ft 8in x 8ft 3in).
- The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- The height of the light switch/pull cord is 137cm from floor level.
- The lighting levels are moderate to 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 113cm.
- The transfer space is obstructed by 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 lever 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 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 poor.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
- There is an emergency alarm.
- The emergency alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
- There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
- Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
- There is a/are nappy/incontinence items bin and general waste (with lid) disposal units.
- There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
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Additional Fixtures
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- There is a mirror.
- The mirror is not 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 45cm (1ft 6in).
- 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 133cm (4ft 4in).
- The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is good.
- 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 72cm (2ft 4in).
- 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.
- 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 96cm.
- 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 131cm (4ft 4in).
- The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is poor.
- There is not a hand dryer.
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Baby Changing Facilities
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- 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 97cm.
Standard Toilet(s)
- Standard toilet facilities are available.
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Toilet Facilities
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- The female toilet is located on the ground floor to the right as you enter the Maternity Block entrance.
- There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
- The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 8m from the Maternity Block 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 fair.
- Toilet seats do not have a good colour contrast.
- An ambulant toilet cubicle is available.
- There is a/are horizontal wall mounted rail(s) on the right as you face the toilet.
- The colour contrast of the horizontal wall mounted grab rail(s) in the ambulant cubicle(s) is poor.
- There is a/are vertical wall mounted rail(s) on the left as you face the toilet.
- The colour contrast of the vertical wall mounted grab rails in the ambulant cubicle(s) is poor.
- There is a/are dropdown rail(s) on the left as you face the ambulant toilet(s).
- The colour contrast of the dropdown rail(s) in the ambulant cubicle(s) is poor.
- The height of the wash basin(s) is 83cm.
- The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
- There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
- The wall fixed soap dispenser is located to the left of the wash basin.
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.
Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities (Maternity Block)
- Accessible toilet facilities are located on the ground floor.
- Female and male standard toilet facilities are located on the ground floor.
- Parent and baby changing facilities are located in the accessible toilet on the ground floor.
Related Access Guides
- To view other Detailed Access Guides that are related to this one please use the links below.
- Birmingham City Main Hospital link (new tab) - click here.
- Birmingham City Hospital Parking Guide link (new tab) - click here.