Access Guide
Introduction - Florence Nightingale Museum
- The Florence Nightingale Museum is situated in the grounds of St Thomas' Hospital.
- The museum examines Florence’s legacy, her influence on nursing today and the continuing relevance of her work.
- The Florence Nightingale Museum runs a learning programme for schools and family activities. There is an events programme with regular afternoon talks.
- The venue is now open to the public Wednesdays to Sundays.
- Tickets can be pre-booked and the venue also accepts walk ins.
Getting Here
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By Air
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- The nearest airports to central London are London City Airport, London Gatwick and London Heathrow.
London City Airport is connected to the centre by the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to Bank or Tower Gateway with interchanges to the rail and underground network at Canning Town and Stratford.
From Gatwick airport there are fast trains connecting to London Bridge Station.
Heathrow Airport is connected by fast trains to Paddington Station and is also on the Piccadilly underground line. - For more information on travelling to London by air please click here (opens new tab).
- The nearest airports to central London are London City Airport, London Gatwick and London Heathrow.
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By Road
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- The museum is located in the grounds of St Thomas' Hospital, at parking level.
The hospital is located in central London in the congestion zone and is accessed from Lambeth Palace Road which runs between Lambeth and Westminster bridges. - Public parking is limited at St Thomas' Hospital.
Please see the London South Bank Public Parking section in this access guide for more information on other public car parks in the area. - For more information on London traffic please click here (opens new tab).
- The museum is located in the grounds of St Thomas' Hospital, at parking level.
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By Bus
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- There is a bus stop within 150 metres of the venue.
- Bus routes that serve the hospital include; 12, 53, 76, 77, 148, 159, 211, 341, 363, 381, 543, 507, C10 and RV1.
- For more information on the nearest bus stop location please click here (opens new tab).
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By Train
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- The nearest Railway Station is Waterloo.
- Waterloo and Waterloo East Stations are approximately 800 metres from the museum.
The stations are linked and there is step-free access throughout the stations, although there are steep ramps to access the platforms in Waterloo East.
Step-free access to both stations is from the service road known as Cab Road or Taxi Road. - For more information on Waterloo Station (National Rail) please click here (opens new tab).
- For more information on Waterloo Station (AccessAble) please click here (opens new tab).
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By Underground
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- The nearest underground station is Westminster.
- Westminster Underground Station (Circle and District Lines) is approximately 600 metres from the museum on the north side of Westminster Bridge.
Westminster Underground Station has step free access to platforms.
Waterloo Underground Station (Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern and Waterloo & City Lines) is approximately 800 metres from the museum.
Of these lines, only the Jubilee Line has step-free access. - For more information on London Underground (Transport for London) please click here (opens new tab).
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By River
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- Six TFL River Bus routes run from 22 piers between Putney and Woolwich.
Queen's Walk is served by the London Eye Millennium Pier, between Westminster Bridge and the Golden Jubilee Bridges and also Bankside Pier, to the east of Blackfriars Bridge.
There is step-free access onto the river buses except at three piers: please see the TFL website for details. - For more information on London River Bus services please click here (opens new tab).
- Six TFL River Bus routes run from 22 piers between Putney and Woolwich.
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Useful Links
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- Please use the TFL journey planner for details of the most suitable route.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
- The TFL website has links to the TFL accessibility guides, including large print maps and audio guides to order or download.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
Getting Help and Assistance
- There is a member of staff available for help and assistance.
- There is not a member of staff trained in British Sign Language.
- The alternative formats documents can be provided in include: large print.
- There is not an assistance dog toilet or toileting area at the venue/nearby.
- Water bowls for assistance dogs are available.
- There are not mobility aids available.
South Bank Public Car Parks
- This section provides information about a number of public cars parks around South Bank.
For more information about access and parking charges please visit the individual car parks.
South Bank is located in the congestion charging zone.
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National Theatre Car Park
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- The National Theatre Car Park Car Park is located off Upper Ground.
- The car park type is underground.
- The car park does have Blue Badge parking.
- Parking is not free for Blue Badge holders.
- The car park surface is concrete.
- When the National Theatre building is closed there is no step-free access from the car park.
This applies all day on Sundays, and before 09.30 and after 23:00 on most other days.
Free parking is available in the NT Car Park for Blue Badge holders attending a performance or eating at the National.
Photographs 1 and 2 show the National Theatre Car Park. - To view the National Theatre car park location please click here (opens new tab).
- For more information on the National Theatre Car Park please click here (opens new tab).
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Cornwall Road Car Park
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- The Cornwall Road Car Park Car Park is located off Cornwall Road.
- The car park type is underground.
- The car park does have Blue Badge parking.
- Parking is not free for Blue Badge holders.
- The car park surface is concrete.
- There is step free access from the car park via a lift.
The car park is used as a car park for South Bank Centre Venues.
Photographs 3 and 4 Show the Cornwall Road Car Park. - To view the Cornwall Road car park location please click here (opens new tab).
- For more information on the Cornwall Road Car Park please click here (opens new tab).
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Doon Street Car Park
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- The Doon Street Car Park Car Park is located off Upper Ground.
- The car park type is open air/surface.
- The car park does not have Blue Badge parking.
- Parking is not free for Blue Badge holders.
- The car park surface is compacted gravel.
- Photographs 5 and 6 show the Doon Street Car Park.
- To view the Doon Street car park location please click here (opens new tab).
- For more information on the Doon Street Car Park please click here (opens new tab).
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Waterloo – York Road Car Park
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- The Waterloo York Road Car Park Car Park is located off York Road.
- The car park type is open air/surface.
- The car park does not have Blue Badge parking.
- Parking is not free for Blue Badge holders.
- The car park surface is tarmac.
- Photographs 7 and 8 show the Waterloo York Road Car Park.
- To view the Waterloo York Road car park location please click here (opens new tab).
- For more information on the Waterloo York Road Car Park please click here (opens new tab).
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Waterloo – Upper Marsh Car Park
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- The Waterloo Upper Marsh Car Park Car Park is located off Upper Marsh.
- The car park type is open air/surface.
- The car park does have Blue Badge parking.
- Parking is not free for Blue Badge holders.
- The car park surface is tarmac.
- Photographs 9 and 10 show the Waterloo Upper Marsh Car Park.
- To view the Waterloo Upper Marsh car park location please click here (opens new tab).
- For more information on the Waterloo Upper Marsh Car Park please click here (opens new tab).
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London Waterloo Station Car Park
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- The London Waterloo Station Car Park Car Park is located on Station Approach.
- The car park type is open air/surface.
- The car park does have Blue Badge parking.
- Parking is not free for Blue Badge holders.
- The car park surface is tarmac.
- Photographs 11 and 12 show the London Waterloo Station Car Park.
- To view the London Waterloo Station car park location please click here (opens new tab).
- For more information on the London Waterloo Station Car Park please click here (opens new tab).
Approach
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Approach
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- The surface of the approach is stone/concrete tiles.
- There is step-free access on the approach.
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Ramp/Slope
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- The ramp/slope is permanent, has a slight gradient.
Outside Access
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located on Lambeth Palace Road.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
- There is step-free access at this entrance.
- There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
- The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is/are single width.
- The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
- The width of the door opening is 95cm.
- There is a second set of doors.
- The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The automatic door(s) is/are push pad or push button activated.
- The push pad or push button is 110cm from floor level.
- The door(s) is/are single width.
- The width of the door opening is 95cm.
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Comments
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- At the time of the surveying the push pad wasn't functioning.
Reception
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Reception
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- The reception point is located to the left after you enter.
- The reception point is approximately 1m (3ft 3in) from the 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 windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
- The counter is placed in front of a plain background.
- The lighting levels at the reception point are good.
- The height of the reception counter is 110cm.
- There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
- There is a lowered section of the counter.
- The height of the lowered section at the counter is 73cm.
- There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the lowered section of the counter.
- There is not a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered section of the counter.
- The counter is staffed.
- There is not a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
- The type of flooring in the reception area is vinyl.
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Reception Seating Area
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- There is not a seating area close to the reception point.
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Comments
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- There are information boards located around the reception area.
Shop (Gift Shop)
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Inside Access
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- There is step-free access throughout the aisles.
- The majority of aisles have a clear width of 100cm+ and are clear of obstructions.
- The flooring throughout the aisles is vinyl.
- There is good colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
- Background music is not played.
- The lighting levels are good.
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Till(s)/Counter(s)
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- Gifts from the shop are purchased from the ticket counter.
Accessible Toilet(s)
- There is an/are accessible toilet(s) for public use.
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Location and Access
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- This accessible toilet is located to the right of the reception area.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the entrance.
- There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
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Features and Dimensions
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- This is a shared toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is light.
- The door is locked by a locking handle.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 100cm.
- The door has a horizontal grab rail.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 165cm x 240cm (5ft 5in x 7ft 10in).
- The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- The toilet has a non-slip floor.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
- The lateral transfer space is 95cm.
- The transfer space is obstructed by a sanitary bin.
- There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
- There is not a spatula type lever flush.
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- There is an emergency alarm.
- The emergency pull cord alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
- There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
- Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
- There is a/are female sanitary and general waste (with no lid) disposal units.
- There is a/are coat hook(s).
- The height of the coat hook is 190cm from the floor.
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Position of Fixtures
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- There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
- As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
- There is 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.
- There is a mirror.
- The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- There is not a shelf next to the toilet.
- The toilet has a lid.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 46cm (1ft 6in).
- 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 wash basin.
- The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
- There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
- The wash basin tap type is lever.
- There is a mixer tap.
- Taps do not have clear markings to indicate hot and cold settings.
- There is a soap dispenser.
- The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the soap dispenser is 90cm.
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- There is a hand dryer.
- The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- The contrast between the external door and wall is poor.
- The contrast between the internal door and wall is poor.
- The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
- The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
- The lighting levels are good.
Standard Toilet(s)
- 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 to the right after you enter.
- The female toilet(s) is/are approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the entrance.
- There is step-free access into the female toilet(s).
- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- An ambulant toilet with wall-mounted grab rails is not available.
- There is not a lowered wash basin.
- The wash basin(s) tap type is sensor.
- There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilets.
- Lighting levels are good.
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Access to Standard Male Toilet(s)
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- The male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located at the rear of the reception area.
- The male toilet(s) is/are approximately 7m (7yd 1ft) from the entrance.
- There is step-free access into the male toilet(s).
- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- There is not a lowered urinal.
- An ambulant toilet with wall-mounted grab rails is not available.
- There is not a lowered wash basin.
- The wash basin(s) tap type is sensor.
- There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilets.
- Lighting levels are good.
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Baby Change Facilities
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- Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
- Baby change facilities are located in the standard female and male toilets.
- There is step-free access into the baby change facilities.
- The baby change table is not set against the wall, permanently fixed at 75cm from the floor.
- The baby change table is not height adjustable.
- The height of the baby change table once extended is 95cm (3ft 1in).
Entrance (Museum Exhibitions)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the reception area to the left.
- The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
- There is step-free access at this entrance.
- The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The width of the door opening is 120cm.
Getting Around (Museum Exhibitions)
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Access
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- There is step-free access throughout the area.
- There are photographs of Florence Nightingale around the edge of the Museum Exhibitions.
There are television screens with subtitles.
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Circulation
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- The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is vinyl.
- There is some flooring in corridors/walkways which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
- Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in corridors/walkways.
- There is a mixture of seating with and without armrests at regular intervals.
- The lighting levels are varied.
Attraction / Exhibit (Gilded Cage)
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Entrance / Opening
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- There are no doors, however there is an open width of 75cm+ for access to this area/attraction.
- The entrance/opening is not clearly signed.
- There is step-free access at this entrance/opening.
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Attraction / Exhibit
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- There is step-free level access throughout this area.
- During busy periods this area can become congested.
- The type of flooring in this area is vinyl.
- There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
- Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in this area.
- This area does play background music/sound.
- There is some flash photography within this area.
- There are resting/seating areas within this area.
- Explanations for the exhibit(s) is/are in information board format.
- No exhibits can be audio described.
- There are some exhibits which start from the floor level.
- The distance between the lowest exhibit and the floor is 45cm.
- There are headsets available.
The headsets are 100cm from the floor.
There are peepholes which show photographs about Florence Nightingale.
The height of the peepholes are between 70cm and 150cm from the floor.
There is an activity chalkboard available. - There is a good colour contrast between the walls and the floor in this area.
- The lighting levels in this area are varied.
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Exit
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- Visitors exit via a separate set of doors/opening.
- The exit is not clearly signed internally.
- There are no doors, however there is an open width of 75cm+ when exiting this area/attraction.
- The exit is step-free.
Attraction / Exhibit (The Calling)
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Entrance / Opening
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- There are no doors, however there is an open width of 75cm+ for access to this area/attraction.
- The entrance/opening is not clearly signed.
- There is step-free access at this entrance/opening.
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Attraction / Exhibit
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- There is step-free level access throughout this area.
- Clear directional signage is not provided in this area.
- The type of flooring in this area is vinyl.
- There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
- Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in this area.
- This area does play background music/sound.
- There is some flash photography within this area.
- There are resting/seating areas within this area.
- Explanations for the exhibit(s) is/are in information board format.
- No exhibits can be audio described.
- There are no exhibits which start from the floor level.
- The distance between the lowest exhibit and the floor is 50cm.
- There are peepholes showing photographs of Florence Nightingales life.
The height of the peepholes are between 80cm to 140cm from the floor.
There are two touchscreens available.
The height of one of the touchscreens is between 85cm to 100cm from the floor with clear manoeuvring space beneath.
The height of the other touchscreen is between 105cm to 130cm from the floor. This touchscreen is wall mounted. - There is a good colour contrast between the walls and the floor in this area.
- The lighting levels in this area are good.
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Exit
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- Visitors exit via a separate set of doors/opening.
- The exit is clearly signed internally.
- There are no doors, however there is an open width of 75cm+ when exiting this area/attraction.
- The exit is step-free.
Attraction / Exhibit (200 Objects, People and Places)
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Entrance / Opening
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- There are no doors, however there is an open width of 75cm+ for access to this area/attraction.
- The entrance/opening is clearly signed.
- There is step-free access at this entrance/opening.
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Attraction / Exhibit
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- There is step-free level access throughout this area.
- During busy periods this area can become congested.
- The type of flooring in this area is vinyl.
- There is some flooring which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
- Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in this area.
- This area does play background music/sound.
- Strobe lighting/flashing lights are used in this area.
- There are not resting/seating areas within this area.
- Explanations for the exhibit(s) is/are in pictorial, information board and television/screen format.
- No exhibits can be audio described.
- There are some exhibits which start from the floor level.
- The distance between the lowest exhibit and the floor is 4cm.
- The first area of this temporary exhibition contains a bed and a gramophone to the left of the bed.
The floor area near to the gramophone is pressure sensitive and when activated will cause a commentary by Florence Nightingale to begin.
There are table displays in this area which have a clear knee recess.
The table displays and information boards in this area range from 50cm to 150cm from the floor.
On the bed at various stages a visual image is displayed.
The second area of this exhibitions is a room surrounded by glass displays.
The displays contain a selection of objects, people and places which highlight interesting stories from Nightingale's life.
In the middle of this area is a large lamp.
The lamps and the displays cases around the room light up at various stages.
This exhibition area contains flashing lights and sound.
A timeline highlighting important dates in Nightingale's life is displayed on the floor.
There are interactive touchscreens along one side of the room.
The height of the touchscreens are between 86cm and 103cm from the floor with clear manoeuvring space beneath.
The area also contains a audio visual screen where videos are played at certain times.
This screen is at the height of 140cm from the floor. - There is a good colour contrast between the walls and the floor in this area.
- The lighting levels in this area are varied.
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Exit
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- Visitors exit via the entrance/opening.
- The exit is not clearly signed internally.
- There are no doors, however there is an open width of 75cm+ when exiting this area/attraction.
Attraction / Exhibit (Reform and Inspire)
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Entrance / Opening
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- There are no doors, however there is an open width of 75cm+ for access to this area/attraction.
- The entrance/opening is not clearly signed.
- There is step-free access at this entrance/opening.
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Attraction / Exhibit
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- There is step-free level access throughout this area.
- Clear directional signage is provided in this area.
- The type of flooring in this area is vinyl.
- There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
- Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in this area.
- This area does not play background music/sound.
- There are resting/seating areas within this area.
- Explanations for the exhibit(s) is/are in information board format.
- No exhibits can be audio described.
- There are some exhibits which start from the floor level.
- The distance between the lowest exhibit and the floor is 60cm.
- There are headsets attached to some exhibits.
The headsets are 100cm from the floor.
There are peepholes showing exhibits.
The height of the peepholes is 75m.
There are draws that can be pulled out to show exhibits.
The draws are between 69cm and 80cm from the floor. - There is a good colour contrast between the walls and the floor in this area.
- The lighting levels in this area are good.
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Exit
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- Visitors exit via the entrance/opening.
Attraction / Exhibit (Family Corner)
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Entrance / Opening
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- There are no doors, however there is an open width of 75cm+ for access to this area/attraction.
- The entrance/opening is not clearly signed.
- There is step-free access at this entrance/opening.
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Attraction / Exhibit
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- There is step-free level access throughout this area.
- During busy periods this area can become congested.
- The type of flooring in this area is carpet and vinyl.
- There is some flooring which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
- Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in this area.
- This area does play background music/sound.
- There are not resting/seating areas within this area.
- Explanations for the exhibit(s) is/are in pictorial, information board and television/screen format.
- No exhibits can be audio described.
- There are some exhibits which start from the floor level.
- The distance between the lowest exhibit and the floor is 40cm.
- There are headsets available.
The headsets are 100cm from the floor with the button to activate the audio commentary being 117cm from the floor.
The area contains an interactive pressure board with footsteps which lights up the information board situated above it.
This board has a small lip.
This area contains an activity monitor which is located within a side table.
The screen is between 82cm and 93cm from the floor.
There is a dress up clothes rack in this area. - There is a good colour contrast between the walls and the floor in this area.
- The lighting levels in this area are varied.
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Exit
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- Visitors exit via the entrance/opening.
- There are no doors, however there is an open width of 75cm+ when exiting this area/attraction.
- The exit is step-free.
Attraction / Exhibit (Legacy)
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Entrance / Opening
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- There are no doors, however there is an open width of 75cm+ for access to this area/attraction.
- The entrance/opening is not clearly signed.
- There is step-free access at this entrance/opening.
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Attraction / Exhibit
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- There is step-free level access throughout this area.
- Clear directional signage is not provided in this area.
- The type of flooring in this area is vinyl.
- Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in this area.
- This area does not play background music/sound.
- There are not resting/seating areas within this area.
- Explanations for the exhibit(s) is/are in information board format.
- No exhibits can be audio described.
- There are no exhibits which start from the floor level.
- The distance between the lowest exhibit and the floor is 65cm.
- There is a good colour contrast between the walls and the floor in this area.
- The lighting levels in this area are good.
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Exit
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- Visitors exit via the entrance/opening.