People with disabilities

Parking for blue badge holders

• Parking for blue badge holders is free, if you are:

  • parking in disabled bays outside the Emergency Department - display your blue badge in the window

  • using the disabled car parking spaces in any of the other car parks on the site - leave the clock section of your blue badge on display, but take the photographic part to the main reception to have your ticket validated

• Blue Badge Holders can also park in any other barrier controlled car park at no charge                     

Parking bays for disabled patients and visitors can be found: 

• Adjacent to Emergency Department entrance - Disabled car park
• Outside the Cavell Centre (Near Car Park A)
• Bays in front of Emergency Department entrance
• Bays in front of the Women's and Children’s unit
• Car park E  - haemodialysis unit (renal unit) car park
• Car park F - haematology/oncology car park
• Car park G - can be found by turning off to the left before you reach the main entrance building. Car park G is directly next to car park F (haematology/ oncology)
   

Wheelchair users

We have wheelchair access and wheelchairs are available for any patient who needs to use one on arrival, they are located near to the front entrance of the hospital. 

Disabled access toilets

A number of disabled access toilets are available.
  

Patients and visitors who have a visual impairment

• If you would like someone to accompany you to your appointment location when you arrive, please ask for a volunteer ‘way finder’ at the reception desk. Our team of volunteers will be happy to assist you.

• Our public lifts are fitted with voice information systems that announce all floors and wards.

• Talking books are available for patients to borrow during their stay in hospital - available from the library trolleys .
  

• Guide dogs and assisting dogs can accompany you while you are in the Trust. You can exercise your dog on the ground floor near the bereavement centre
   

Patients and visitors who have a hearing impairment

• Posters are displayed in most outpatient areas asking patients to tell clinic staff if they have a hearing impairment. Most of our reception areas are fitted with induction loops.

• Guide dogs and assisting dogs are allowed to accompany you while you are in the Trust.
  An area to exercise your dog is located on the ground floor near the bereavement centre

Other ways we can assist you

Hospital staff can learn a lot from patients and carers, so don't be afraid to tell staff how they can assist you.

• Your appointment letter -  will ask you if you have any additional access needs because of a disability. It will provide you with a contact name, telephone or text number so that you can tell us about your requirements

• If your GP is referring you to the hospital - ask them to flag up any special requirements

• If you have a physical disability - we have equipment available to support you, just contact the ward in advance to let them know what you will need during your stay with us

• The Disability and Equality Team support patients with any disability or equality issue through appointments and hospital stays, contact 01733 673832 or 01733 677523

• A number of patient leaflets can be provided in Easy Read, a number of different languages and in audio format on request

Feedback to us

We welcome feedback and suggestions about our services, including access for patients and visitors who have a disability.

• In the first instance - patients and carers should discuss any immediate problems, concerns or suggestions with the ward, clinic staff or ward manager

• The Patient Advice and Liaison service (PALS) will be happy to hear your comments and will help to resolve any concerns you have

• Click here to access a British Sign Language introduction to the PALS Service