Access in Summary
Transport
There are bus stops located on either side of Kempston Road, both of which have shelters and seating and are a short distance from the hospital main entrance. There is also a taxi rank located near to the main entrance in the main visitor and patient car park. There is step free access from both of these transport points to the Main Entrance.
Car Park and Drop Off
There are numerous car parks located on the Bedford Hospital Site. The main visitor and patient car park has plenty of accessible parking bays. All of the accessible parking bays have step free access to the entrances. Blue badge holders can park for free within this Car Park.
Access at Entrance
There are numerous entrances to different departments at Bedford Hospital. The main entrance has automatic double sliding doors. All entrances have step free access to them and are suitable to allow wheelchair users to pass through.
Reception
The main reception for the hospital is located on the left as you enter the building from the main entrance. All departments within the hospital have their own reception area, some of which have low counters and induction loops. Access to all reception desks is suitable for wheelchair users.
Facilities
The hospital has male and female toilets and there are also accessible toilets available. There are also two restaurants available to visitors which are the Swannery and the Bistro. Both restaurants are located just beyond the main reception area. There is also a shop located in the reception area which sells gifts, newspapers and snacks. Entry into both restaurants is suitable for wheelchair users.
Access to All Areas
The corridors and internal doors within the hospital are wide enough to allow wheelchair users to move around with ease. There are also lifts to all floors in the main block as well as in the Cygnet Wing, Beeden House and the Macmillan Primrose Unit. All of the lifts within the hospital are large enough to allow a wheelchair user to use them.