Access Guide
Getting To The Hospital
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By Road
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- 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.
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By Bus
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- There are regular buses that serve the hospital. There are bus stops in both directions on Heath Road, within 150m of the hospital site.
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By Train
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- The nearest train station to the hospital is Derby Road which is approximately 2.4 km away.
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Useful Links
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- 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).
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.
Opening Times (Visiting Hours)
- Monday 10:00 - 20:00.
- Tuesday 10:00 - 20:00.
- Wednesday 10:00 - 20:00.
- Thursday 10:00 - 20:00.
- Friday 10:00 - 20:00.
- Saturday 10:00 - 20:00.
- Sunday 10:00 - 20:00.
Entrance (Brantham Emergency Assessment Unit and Capel Short Stay Unit)
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Entrance Details
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- This information is for the entrance located on the ground floor of the South Zone of the hospital.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
- There is step free access at this entrance.
- There is no hand sanitiser at this entrance.
- The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
- The width of the door opening is 169cm.
Reception (Ward Reception)
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Reception
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- The reception point is located to the right on entering the Brantham Emergency Assessment Unit entrance.
- The reception point is approximately 2m (2yd 7in) from the Brantham Emergency Assessment Unit 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 no 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 medium height (77cm - 109cm) .
- There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
- There is not a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
- The counter is staffed.
- There is not a bell to attract attention.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
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Reception Waiting Area
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- There is not a waiting area close to the reception point.
Waiting Room / Area (Quiet Room)
- There is a waiting room / area.
- The waiting room / area is approximately 15m from the Brantham Emergency Assessment Unit entrance.
- There is level access into the waiting room / area.
- There is a/are door(s) into the waiting room / area.
- The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
- The door(s) is/are single width.
- The door(s) may be difficult to open.
- The width of the door opening is 87cm (2ft 10in).
- 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.
- All chairs have armrests.
- No tables are permanently fixed.
- The tables do not 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 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 moderate to good.
Room / Area (Patient and Visitor Lounge)
- There is / are 1 room(s) / area(s) available.
- The name / number of the room / area surveyed was; Patient and Visitor Lounge.
- The room / area is approximately 7m from the Wards Entrance.
- There is level access to the room / area.
- There is a/are door(s) into the room / area.
- The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
- The door(s) is/are single width with a locked extension leaf.
- The door(s) may be difficult to open.
- The width of the door opening is 87cm (2ft 10in).
- The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- There is not a bed / couch.
- There is a chair.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- The chair(s) is not/are not height adjustable.
- All chairs have armrests available.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- The room / area does not have background music playing.
- There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room / area.
- Lighting levels are good.
Consultation / Treatment Room (Assessment Bay)
- There is / are 1 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
- The name / number of the room surveyed was; Assessment Bay.
- There is level access to the consultation / treatment room.
- There is not a/are not door(s) into the consultation / treatment room.
- The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- There is not a bed / couch.
- There is a chair.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- The chair(s) is not/are not adjustable.
- All chairs have armrests available.
- No tables are permanently fixed.
- The room does not have background music playing.
- There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
- Lighting levels are medium.
Consultation / Treatment Room (Consultation Room)
- There is / are 2 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
- The name / number of the room surveyed was; Consultation Room.
- 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) away from you (push).
- The door(s) is/are single width.
- The door(s) is/are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 84cm (2ft 9in).
- 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 is not available.
- There is not 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 adjustable.
- There are some chairs with armrests available.
- All tables are permanently fixed.
- The room does not have background music playing.
- There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
- Lighting levels are medium.
Ward (Brantham Ward and Emergency Assessment Unit)
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Ward Information
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- This is a/an Emergency Assessment ward.
- This is a shared ward.
- There is/are 4 bay(s) available.
- There is/are 4 side room(s) available.
- There is/are 36 bed(s) on this ward in total.
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Ward Access
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- There is a/are door(s) leading into the ward.
- The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
- The width of the door opening is 170cm (5ft 7in).
- The hand sanitiser is in a suitable position for wheelchair users.
- There is level access throughout the ward.
- There is clear signage on the ward.
- The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
- There is some flooring on the ward which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
- The lighting levels are medium.
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Reception/Nurses' Station
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- The height of the Nurses' Station desk is 76cm.
- There is not a lowered section.
- There is not a hearing assistance system available at the desk.
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Relatives' Room
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- There is a relatives' room for the ward.
- The width of the door opening into the relatives' room is over 75cm.
- There is not a clear turning space in the relatives' room.
- There is a/are chair(s) with armrests available within the relatives' room.
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Ward Features and Patient Facilities
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- A hearing assistance system is not available on the ward.
- The ward does not play background music.
- There is a chair with armrests on both sides.
- A mobile hoist is not available on the ward.
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Visitor Facilities
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- There are accessible toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
- There are standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
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Visiting Times
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- There are set visiting times for the ward.
- Visiting times are 10.00 to 20.00.
- The visiting times are the same for each day.
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Comments
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- The Emergency Assessment Unit is located in the 16 Bed Bay Area within the Ward and shares the facilities with the Brantham Ward.
- Patients not being discharged are moved to the Brantham Ward Area until a bed is found within another Ward.
Washroom (Shower Room)
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Washroom Details
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- The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
- There is/are 2 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
- The washroom surveyed is located on the main ward corridor.
- There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
- This washroom is interchangeable between male and female.
- There is 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(s) is/are heavy to open.
- The width of the door opening is 73cm (2ft 5in).
- The dimensions of the washroom are 233cm x 175cm (7ft 8in x 5ft 9in).
- The washroom does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- There is an emergency pull cord alarm.
- The emergency pull cord alarm is tied up and out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor).
- There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
- There is a/are coat hook(s) 145cm 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 74cm.
- As you face the wash basin the wall-mounted grab rails are on the left.
- The tap type is twist/turn. It is not 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 130cm.
- There is a towel dispenser.
- The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the towel dispenser is 134cm.
- There is not a hand dryer.
- Disposal facilities are available.
- The washroom has a non-slip floor.
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Toilet Details
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- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 49cm (1ft 7in).
- The toilet has a lid obstructing the back rest/cistern/wall.
- There is not a lateral transfer space.
- There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
- There is a dropdown rail, however it is not on the transfer side.
- As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on the right.
- 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 95cm.
- There is not a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
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Shower Details
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- There is a wheel in shower.
- The shower head is height adjustable.
- The shower control type is twist/turn.
- There is no seat for the shower.
- There are wall-mounted grab rails available.
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- 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 right of the toilet and wall is good.
- The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
- The colour contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is good.
- The colour contrast between the washroom floor and walls is fair.
- Lighting levels are medium.
Accessible Toilet (Assessment Bay - Right Hand Transfer)
- Accessible toilet facilities are available.
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Location and Access
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- The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
- There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is located next to the Assessment Bay.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
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Features and Dimensions
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- 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 heavy.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 152cm x 222cm (4ft 12in x 7ft 3in).
- The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
- The lateral transfer space is 83cm (2ft 9in).
- The lateral transfer space was obstructed at the time of the survey.
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- 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 fully functional.
- 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 not a/are not coat hook(s).
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Position of Fixtures
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- 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 50cm (1ft 8in).
- 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 114cm (3ft 9in).
- 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 can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the soap dispenser is 94cm.
- 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).
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- 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 good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
- The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is poor.
- The lighting levels are medium.
Standard Toilet(s)
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Availability and Location of Standard Toilets
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- Standard toilet facilities are available.
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Access to Standard Shared Toilet(s)
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- The shared toilets that were surveyed are located throughout the ward.
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the shared toilet(s).
- An ambulant toilet with wall mounted grab rails is available.
- Lighting levels are medium.
Standard Toilet(s) (Visitors Toilet)
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Availability and Location of Standard Toilets
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- Standard toilet facilities are available.
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Access to Standard Female Toilet(s)
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- The female toilet facilities that were surveyed are located ahead of you as you enter.
- The female toilet(s) is/are approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the Unit Entrance.
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Access to Standard Shared Toilet(s)
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- The shared toilets that were surveyed are located opposite the ward 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 in the shared toilets are moderate to good.
Related Access Guides
- To view other 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 link (new tab) - click here.