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Eliot Ward / Enhanced Care Unit (ECU)

Ashford Hospital, London Road, Ashford, Middlesex, TW15 3AA

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Access Guide

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Getting To The Hospital (Ashford Hospital)

  • By Road View
    • Ashford Hospital is located near Heathrow Airport and is approximately 3 miles away from Junction 13 of the M25.
      From Junction 13 follow the A30 east until you reach a roundabout from where the hospital is signposted.
    • Parking Charges: Up to 20 minutes free for drop off. Up to 2 hours £4.50. 2-3 hours £5.50. 3-4 hours £6.50. 4-5 hours £7.50. 5-6 hours £8.00 Day rate (over 6 hours) £10.00 Weekly rate £25.00
      Blue Badge Parking: Blue Badge parking is free at our hospitals. Blue Badges must be displayed in your vehicle and can be shown or scanned on exit. All our disabled spaces are located close to the main hospital entrances and signs clearly direct the way for people with a disability. There is access on both sites for wheelchair users.
      At St Peter’s Hospital, disabled car parking is mainly located in the A and E car park. There is easy access into the corridor behind A and E. From here you can access the main reception area and the lift to other parts of the hospital. At Ashford, there are ramps at both the Main Entrance and the Outpatient Department entrances. Both sites have easy access to lifts.
      For those with mobility issues who find it difficult to reach our clinics or wards, wheelchairs are located at the main hospital entrances.
      Parking Concessions: We recognise that for some patients visiting our hospitals regularly car parking costs can be a burden. We therefore offer the following concessions which are applicable at both of our hospital sites: Frequent visitors: Weekly parking permit - £25.00 Patients attending Haematology / Oncology Day units: Free for period of treatment. Patients attending long term cardiac rehabilitation clinics: Free for period of treatment. Parents attending our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at St Peter’s Hospital: Three weekly permit - £20.00.
  • By Bus View
    • There are regular bus services operating to Ashford Hospital from Heathrow Airport, Hounslow and other surrounding areas.
      There is a White Bus 446 service that operates between the hospitals but this is only free for staff use.
  • By Train View
    • The nearest train stations to the hospital are in Ashford (approximately 1.6km away) or Staines (approximately 3.2km away).
      Both stations are on the main bus routes.
  • Useful Links View

Getting Help and Assistance

  • Documents are available in an alternative format and can be provided to include: Braille on request and large print on request.
  • BSL interpreters can be provided on request.
  • Language interpreters can be provided on request.

Parking (Main Visitors Car Park)

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Parking is not free for all users.
  • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
  • The car park type is open air/surface.
  • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders cannot booked in advance.
  • There is/are 11 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
  • The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 380cm x 500cm (12ft 6in x 16ft 5in).
  • The nearest Blue Badge bay is 16m (17yd 1ft) from the main hospital entrance.
  • The furthest Blue Badge bay is 45m (49yd 8in) from the main hospital entrance.
  • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user unaided.
  • The car park surface is block paving.
  • There is not a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
  • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • There is a designated drop off point.
  • The drop off point is located in front of the main entrance.

Getting To (Eliot Ward/ Enhanced Care Unit)

  • Eliot Ward/ Enhanced Care Unit is/are located on the first floor of the Ward Block.
  • Access to Eliot Ward/ Enhanced Care Unit is via the main hospital entrance.
  • Enter via the main hospital entrance.
    Upon entering, continue straight ahead through the automatic double doors and into the main entrance foyer.
    The lift is located to the left.
    Take the lift to the first floor.
    On exiting, go straight ahead to the left and follow the first floor corridor.
    Eliot Ward/ Enhanced Care Unit is located on the left.
  • There is step free access, via lift, to Eliot Ward/ Enhanced Care Unit.
  • Eliot Ward/ Enhanced Care Unit is approximately 19m from the first floor lift.
  • There are resting areas along the route.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
  • There is flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.

Outside Access (Ashford Hospital Main Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
  • There is level access into the venue.
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
  • The door(s) is / are double.
  • The width of the door opening is 186cm (6ft 1in).
  • Second set of doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 186cm (6ft 1in).
  • Comments View
    • There is a dark mat between both sets of entrance doors.
    • There are wheelchairs to borrow at this entrance.

Lift (Main Hospital Lift)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located on both sides as you enter the lift lobby.
  • The lift is approximately 12m (13yd 4in) from the main hospital entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1 and 2.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 110cm (3ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 280cm x 190cm (9ft 2in x 6ft 3in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not 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 good.

Other Floors (Main Hospital Stairs)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1 and 2.
    • The stairs are located in the main entrance foyer.
    • The stairs are approximately 15m from the main hospital entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are deep (18cm+).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Ward (Eliot Ward/ Enhanced Care Unit)

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a/an elective surgical ward.
    • This is a shared ward.
    • There is/are 4 bay(s) available.
    • There is/are 3 side room(s) available.
    • There is/are 20 bed(s) on this ward in total.
    • The Eliot Ward has 16 beds and the Enhanced Care Unit (ECU) has 4 beds.
      There are 4 bays: A, B, D and ECU bay.
      There are 3 washrooms along the ward corridor.
      There are 3 ensuite washrooms in the side rooms.
      There is 1 washroom in the Bariatric bay (A Bay).
  • Ward Access View
    • There is a/are door(s) leading into the ward.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 143cm (4ft 8in).
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 127cm (4ft 2in).
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 125cm (4ft 1in).
    • There is a door release button when exiting.
    • The height of the door release button is 117cm (3ft 10in).
    • 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.
    • There is some flooring on the ward which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Reception/Nurses' Station View
    • The height of the ward reception desk is 108cm.
    • There is not a lowered section.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system available at the desk.
  • Relatives' Room View
    • There is not a relatives' room for the ward.
  • Example Side Room View
    • There are multiple side rooms available with accessible ensuites.
    • The side room surveyed does have an accessible ensuite.
    • The width of the door opening into the side room is over 75cm.
    • The side room surveyed does not have a ceiling track hoist.
    • There is sufficient space next to the bed for a mobile hoist to operate.
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre around the bed.
    • Bedside storage is available.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and the floor in the side room is good.
    • The lighting levels in the side room are low to moderate.
    • The width of the door opening into the ensuite is over 75cm.
    • There is a clear unobstructed turning space within the ensuite.
    • The fixtures/facilities available in the ensuite include; a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and the floor in the ensuite is poor.
    • The lighting levels in the ensuite are good.
  • Ward Features and Patient Facilities View
    • A hearing assistance system is not available on the ward.
    • The ward does play background music.
    • There is a chair with armrests on both sides.
    • A mobile hoist is not available on the ward.
    • There are washroom facilities for patients on the ward.
    • There are toilet facilities for patients on the ward.
    • A mobile hoist can be brought in from another department/ward if needed.
  • Visitor Facilities View
    • There are no accessible toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • Accessible toilet facilities for visitors are located on the first floor corridor.
    • There are no standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • Standard toilet facilities for visitors are located on the first floor corridor.
  • Visiting Times View
    • There are set visiting times for the ward.
    • Visiting times are 14:00 to 20:00.
    • The visiting times are the same for each day.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Enhanced Care Unit)

  • There is / are 1 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Enhanced Care Unit.
  • There is level access to the consultation / treatment room.
  • There is a/are door(s) into the consultation / treatment room.
  • The door(s) open(s) by sliding.
  • The automatic door(s) is/are push pad activated.
  • The door(s) is/are double width.
  • The width of the door opening is 139cm (4ft 7in).
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is a bed / couch.
  • The bed / couch is adjustable.
  • A hoist can be brought in from another department.
  • There is sufficient space next to the bed/couch for a mobile hoist to operate.
  • There is a chair.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • The chair(s) is not/are not height adjustable.
  • All chairs have armrests available.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • The room does not have background music playing.
  • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • Lighting levels are moderate to good.

Washroom (Bay C)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • There is/are 7 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
    • The washroom surveyed is located along the ward corridor.
    • The washroom surveyed is approximately 21m from the ward entrance.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
    • This washroom is shared.
    • There is Braille, tactile, pictorial and written or text signage on or near the washroom door.
    • The washroom door(s) open(s) inwards.
    • The door(s) is/are locked by a locking handle.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 88cm (2ft 11in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 338cm x 197cm (11ft 1in x 6ft 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 was not working at the time of the survey.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
    • There are coat hooks at 157cm and 167cm 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 wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the wash basin is 81cm.
    • There are no wall-mounted grab rails for the wash basin.
    • 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 96cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 143cm.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • There is a/are pedal bin disposal units.
    • The washroom has a non-slip floor.
  • Toilet Details View
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 45cm (1ft 6in).
    • The toilet has a wall which can act as a back rest.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 258cm.
    • 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 the left.
    • 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 83cm.
    • There is a shelf next to the toilet.
    • The shelf has the minimum dimensions of 12.5cm x 40cm.
    • The shelf is at a height of 98cm.
    • The shelf is located where it is reachable.
    • There is a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
  • Shower Details View
    • There is a wheel in shower.
    • The shower does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The shower head is height adjustable.
    • The shower control type is lever.
    • A shower chair is available.
    • There are not wall-mounted grab rails available for the shower.
    • The shower tray is accessed via a steep 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 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 poor.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
    • The colour contrast between the washroom floor and walls is good.
    • Lighting levels are good.

Washroom (Bay A)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • There is/are 7 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
    • The washroom surveyed is located within the Bariatric Bay/Bay A.
    • The washroom surveyed is approximately 14m from the ward entrance.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
    • This washroom is shared.
    • There is no additional signage on or near the washroom door.
    • The washroom door(s) open(s) inwards.
    • The door(s) is/are locked by a locking handle.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 253cm x 224cm (8ft 4in x 7ft 4in).
    • 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 was not working at the time of the survey.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
    • There are coat hooks at 170cm and 184cm from the floor.
    • There is not a mirror.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the wash basin is 74cm.
    • As you face the wash basin the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • 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 84cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 87cm.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • There is a/are pedal bin disposal units.
    • The washroom has a non-slip floor.
  • Toilet Details View
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 50cm (1ft 8in).
    • The toilet has a lid obstructing the back rest/cistern/wall.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 107cm.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • There are no wall-mounted grab rails for the toilet.
    • 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 97cm.
    • There is a shelf next to the toilet.
    • The shelf does not have the minimum dimensions of 12.5cm x 40cm.
    • The shelf is at a height of 98cm.
    • The shelf is not located where it is reachable.
    • 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 does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The shower head is height adjustable.
    • The shower control type is lever.
    • A shower chair is available.
    • There are wall-mounted grab rails available for the shower.
  • 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 dropdown rail(s) 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 poor.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Left Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located along the ward corridor opposite B bay.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 19m from the ward entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a female toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is Braille, tactile, 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 may be difficult to open.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • 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 152cm x 223cm (4ft 12in x 7ft 4in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The height of the light switch/pull cord is 105cm from floor level.
    • 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 87cm.
    • 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 fair.
    • 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 fair.
    • 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 pedal bin disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • There are coat hooks in the toilet at 171cm and 182cm from the floor.
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • 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 52cm.
    • The shelf is not located where it is reachable.
    • The toilet has a backrest.
    • There is a lid attached to the toilet seat.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 42cm (1ft 5in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • 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 97cm (3ft 2in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is fair.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) 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 81cm (2ft 8in).
    • There are no vertical wall-mounted grab rails at the wash basin.
    • 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 90cm.
    • 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 125cm (4ft 1in).
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is poor.
    • There is not a hand dryer.

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