Finding our way around Kings' College Hospital

This report summarised a walkabout of King’s College Hospital undertaken by people with learning disabilities to assess how easy the hospital was to navigate. Participants found public transport links generally good, with clear directions from Denmark Hill station and bus services. However, taxi drop-off points were busy and felt unsafe for some visitors. External building signage was mostly clear, although inconsistent use of "A&E" and "Emergency", limited signs for toilets and accessible facilities, and concerns about pedestrian safety made navigation more difficult. 

Inside the hospital, participants felt most directional signage was colourful, visible and easy to follow, and staff at information points were described as helpful and approachable. However, main reception areas and help desks were difficult to locate, toilet signs were sometimes unclear, and hospital maps could be confusing because of the volume of information and inconsistent colour coding. Participants also reported problems finding lifts, ward receptions and accessible facilities, while moving between different wards and wings was often complicated. 

The assessment highlighted that most participants were already familiar with the hospital but usually relied on carers or support workers when attending appointments. The participant with no previous experience reported feeling lost for much of the visit, suggesting that many people with learning disabilities would struggle to navigate independently, particularly when required to remember detailed verbal directions or move through multiple buildings and corridors. 

Recommendations focused on improving consistency and accessibility of signage throughout the hospital. Suggested improvements included clearer reception and help desk signs, colour-coded routes, pictorial symbols on toilet doors, lift announcements identifying ward locations, better information in appointment letters, clearer signage between wards and buildings, and additional signs reassuring visitors that they are following the correct route. The report also recommended improving pedestrian safety around entrances and making hospital maps and naming conventions easier to understand.