Accessibility

I am a wheelchair user. How accessible is my maternity unit?

Most units responded that their hospital was wheelchair friendly (all departments) with only two units stating that some departments were not because of very old buildings.

Most, but not all, units have wheelchair-accessible toilets on every ward.

Most, but not all, maternity units have wheelchair-accessible showers on every ward and wheelchair-accessible baby-care areas. All maternity units have either wheelchair-accessible parking available in the hospital car park or on-street designated-disabled public parking spaces in the vicinity.

Is the hospital (all departments) wheelchair-accessible?

I am visually impaired. Can my maternity unit cater for my needs?

Generally, maternity units assess each individual mother's needs and care is tailored to suit the person. Only a few units provided details as to how they would meet the needs of parents who are visually impaired; some units provided no information at all. The responses ranged from links with associations for visually impaired people, to extra support people welcome, to one-to-one care and single-room accommodation.

I am hearing impaired. Can my maternity unit cater for my needs?

Generally, maternity units assess each individual mother's needs and care is tailored to suit the person. Several units specifically mentioned sign language. Responses to our question ranged from providing a pad and paper, to use of sign language, to one-to-one care and single-room accommodation.