Overview

The Wellcome Collection is a free museum which specialises in health and health related sciences. I'm a big fan of Wellcome who have worked hard to make their building and events accessible to everyone. This was my first visit since they have re-opened with their covid precautions. I've previously written Euan's Guide reviews about Wellcome, but this one is going to focus on covid safety measures. As someone who is slowly coming out of shielding I felt safe at Wellcome and the measures in place while re-assuring, didn't de-track from the fun of visiting.

Transport & Parking

The Wellcome Collection is centrally located on Euston Road and almost opposite Euston Station. Also nearby are Euston Square and Warren Street Tube Stations. The nearest step free tube station is King's Cross. There are a number of buses that stop very close by. I travelled on public transport to get there and it was only a 2 minute walk from getting off the bus.

Access

Admission is still free to visit Wellcome but you must to pre-book. On their website there is a link to the Eventbrite booking page. The bookings are in 15 minute time slots, however once you arrive you can move about the building freely and stay as long as you want. When you book via Eventbrite there is a question about access needs and there is the option to reply on Eventbrite or by email. Alternatively you can telephone and book a slot. Nearer the time I was due to visit, I got a reminder email and it included a helpful checklist of things to bring, such as they ask you to bring your own headphones. I booked a 11 - 11.15am slot for the first Thursday of their re-opening. When I arrived I was able to walk straight in and there wasn't a queue. The middle entrance door is push button. Directly in front are a short flight of stairs with a handrail. At the bottom of the stairs is hand sanitiser and a sign saying check in and keep to the right. There is also a platform lift. Next to it is a container which has hand sanitiser wipes at the top and a bin below. There is another one when you exit the lift. At the top of the stairs is the main foyer. There is a check in point with clear screen and a bag search table. The information desk is still there and that also has a clear screen. Previously to the left of the stairs has been a seating area. Most of the seats have been removed and when I visited there was only one low bench without back support or arms in the far corner. When I stood up after sitting I struggled with my transfers and it took a couple of goes before I was upright. There was also low, no back bench seating downstairs, at ground floor level, and some on the first floor between the Being Human and the Medical Man galleries. Please can you provide alternative seating in these area which is higher and with a supportive back rest which would make it easier for people with a mobility impairment to transfer safely. Thank you. The cafe is open and all the food on offer is pre-packed but the food is still of the good, high quality it was before. They have extended the seating area in the cafe. The free standing table and chairs are well spaced out. Sadly the book shop and restaurant are currently closed. There is still step free access around the building. There are notices saying if you can use the stairs please do so. There are floor signs for where to stand for the lift and hand sanitiser. They ask that you only use the lift with your group. The gallery next to the information desk, which houses temporary exhibitions, is currently closed. The Being Human and Medical Man exhibitions are on the first floor. The audio description guides, BSL interpretation, large print guides and magnifiers are still available at the entrance to both galleries. Also too are the fold up stools. The objects are cleaned between users. Also there are 2 separate areas with videos, with captions, of people talking about how covid has impacted on their lives. I found these very interesting and very moving too. Where "What does it mean to be human now? Four views by CYP x CALLY" exhibition in the Forum had some wonderfully accessible and comfortably designed wooden chairs with built in headphone socket, to enable you to listen to the audio.

Toilets

The accessible and Changing Places toilets are open on each level. They were extremely clean and tidy. They are spacious, with grab rails and emergency cords which reach to the floor. In the Changing Places toilet there is a sign saying that toilet can be flushed manually or operating the touchless controls you can activate the wash/ dry mechanism. While I was there I couldn't get it to work (and I did report this). There should be a mechanism to squirt water to wash you and then a drier comes on. This maybe really useful for people who find it difficult to wipe their bottom.

Staff

Nice, friendly welcome from staff when I arrived. I had a chat with Daniela Vasco about Wellcome's ongoing commitment to improving disabled access. Wellcome appreciate that people might be feeling anxious about going out and she suggested that people could contact them to discuss their access needs.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

The building is very clean. I saw staff cleaning in all areas. In the cafe when a customer leaves the table is sanitised. Likewise with toilet areas. In the galleries it was clear which access equipment was clean and ready to use and where to leave items you have finished with. Hand sanitiser is located throughout the building. Staff and public wear masks, unless exempt. People seemed good at social distancing. The limited numbers also meant it was easier to go round and enjoy the exhibition. If you are feeling a bit nervous about going out and about again, I would suggest the Wellcome as a good place to go. I felt safe and it's helped me with getting my confidence back after staying at home for well over a year. On going round I noticed posters featuring wheelchair users, video installations included disabled people talking and after a year of shielding I felt seen and my access needs were met. Representation really matters. Thank you Wellcome.

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