You are on Getting To The Hospital. Skip to the next section.

Getting To The Hospital

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• By Road View
  • Turn off the M1/A12 and follow the signs for the Royal Victoria Hospital.
    After leaving the large roundabout, turn right and continue along the road for approximately 1 mile.
    The main hospital car park will then be observed on the left.
• By Bus View
  • The 646a Metro bus service runs from Belfast Grand Central Station to the hospital Monday - Friday.
  • The G1 Glider service runs from Belfast City Centre to the Falls Road.
  • If alighting at the Glider bus stop you may have to walk down Grosvenor Road to get into the hospital via the main entrance, if the Falls Road entrance is locked.
  • There is an onsite bus stop.
  • The nearest bus stop is located along the road from the main hospital entrance.
  • The bus stop has a sheltered waiting area with backless bench seating and sufficient space for a wheelchair user to wait.
  • The onsite bus stop is approximately 140 metres from the main hospital entrance.
    The route from the bus stop is level. Some of the route is sheltered.
    There are some access roads to cross all with dropped kerbs and tactile paving.
• By Train View
  • The nearest railway station is Belfast Grand Central Station, located approximately 0.6 miles away on Grosvenor Road.
• Useful Links View
  • Bus and train fares and timetables.
  • To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
  • Bus and train accessibility advice.
  • To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
  • Hospital website with further details on getting to the hospital .
  • To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).

You are on Getting Help and Assistance. Skip to the next section.

Getting Help and Assistance

• To see the hospital map please click here (opens new tab).
• There is a Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) at the hospital.
• The telephone number for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is 028 96 157 777 / 028 90 240 503.
• There are volunteers available for help and assistance at the hospital.
• Volunteers can be found in the main foyer of the hospital, adjacent to the main reception area.
• Documents are available in an alternative format and can be provided to include: Braille on request, large print on request, different languages on request, voice recognition CD on request and audio on request.
• There is not an assistance dog toilet or toileting area on the hospital site.
• Water bowls for assistance dogs are available on request.
• BSL interpreters can be provided on request.
• Language interpreters can be provided on request.
• Language interpreters can be provided in the following languages; Albanian, Amharic, Arabic, Bengali, Bulgarian, Chinese - Cantonese, Chinese - Hakka, Chinese - Mandarin, Czech, Estonian, Farsi, French, Hindi, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Kurdish Kurmanji, Kurdish Sorani, Latvian, Lithuanian, Malayalam, Moldovan, Pashto, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Romanian, Russian, Slovak, Somali, Spanish, Tagalog, Tetum, Thai, Tigrinya, Turkish, Urdu.
• A mobility scooter charging point is not available at the hospital.
• Mobility aids are available to help patients move around and include; wheelchairs, motorised wheelchairs and mobility scooter.
• To obtain mobility aids please contact Shopmobility on 028 9080 8090.

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• Useful Links View
  • Patient and Visitor Facilities link (new tab) - click here.
  • Visitors Information link (new tab) - click here.
• Comments View
  • PALS is available via telephone only.

You are on Hospital Parking (Main Entrance - Blue Badge Parking and Drop Off Point). Skip to the next section.

Hospital Parking (Main Entrance - Blue Badge Parking and Drop Off Point)

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• Parking View
  • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
  • The car parking facilities are for Blue Badge holders only.
  • The car park is located directly opposite the main entrance of the new building.
  • The car park type is open air/surface.
  • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • The car park does have a barrier control system.
  • The car park surface is tarmac.
  • There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
  • The Blue Badge bay(s) markings are faded.
  • There is/are 4 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the hospital car park.
  • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 270cm x 720cm (8ft 10in x 23ft 7in).
  • There is not a 120cm hatched zone around the Blue Badge parking bay(s).
  • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
• Drop-off Point View
  • There is a designated drop-off point.
  • The drop-off point is located directly in front of the new building hospital entrance.
  • There is not a dropped kerb from the drop-off point.
• Paying View
  • There are not parking charges for the hospital car park.
• Access to the Hospital View
  • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user unaided.
  • The hospital entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
  • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 11m (12yd 1in) from the new building main accessible entrance.

You are on Hospital Parking (Multi Storey Car Park). Skip to the next section.

Hospital Parking (Multi Storey Car Park)

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• Parking View
  • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
  • The car park is located across the road from the main hospital entrance.
  • The car park type is multi storey.
  • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • The car park does have a barrier control system.
  • There is a push button control at the barrier.
  • The barrier controls/touchscreen can be reached from the car.
  • The car park surface is tarmac.
  • There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
  • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • There is/are 10+ designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the hospital car park.
  • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 240cm x 469cm (7ft 10in x 15ft 5in).
  • There is not a 120cm hatched zone around the Blue Badge parking bay(s).
  • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
• Drop-off Point View
  • There is not a designated drop-off point.
• Paying View
  • There are parking charges for the hospital car park.
  • Payment signs are provided.
  • Payment signs are clearly presented.
  • Payment signs are located at the entrance to the car park and at the payment machines in the car park.
  • Payment signs do make it clear if parking charges apply to Blue Badge holders.
  • Parking is not free for Blue Badge holders.
  • Payment machines are located throughout the car park.
  • There is not a payment machine at a convenient height for wheelchair users.
• Access to the Hospital View
  • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
  • Assistance may be required because there is/are slopes/ramps.
  • The hospital entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
  • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 54m (59yd 2in) from the hospital underpass entrance.
• Comments View
  • The car park is part multi storey and part open-air.
  • The height of the pay station controls range from 64cm to 170cm.
  • The best way of accessing the hospital from the car park is via an underpass that goes under the road and allows direct access to the hospital via stairs or lift.
  • Parking charges for visitors are as follows:
  • 0-4hrs - £1.60
  • 4-6hrs - £2.50
  • 6-24hrs - £5.00.

You are on Getting To (Children's Eye Unit). Skip to the next section.

Getting To (Children's Eye Unit)

• The Children's Eye Unit is/are located on level 8 of the Outpatients building.
• Access to the Children's Eye Unit is via the main accessible entrance.
• After entering the hospital proceed straight ahead past the main reception desk.
  When you get to the escalator turn left and continue along the corridor to the end. You will arrive at the entrance to the Outpatients building.
  Facing you will be the lifts of the Outpatients department.
  Take a lift to level 8.
  On exiting the lift turn right in to corridor 8A.
  The Children's Eye Unit entrance is directly ahead.
• There is step free access, via lift, to the Children's Eye Unit.
• The Children's Eye Unit is approximately 10m from the Outpatients lift.
• There are not resting areas along the route.
• Wayfinding signage is provided.
• Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
• There is some flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
• There is some flooring in corridors which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.

You are on Outside Access (Main Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

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• Entrance Details View
  • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
  • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
  • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
  • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
  • There are bollards outside this entrance.
  • The minimum width between the bollards/wall is 163cm.
  • The bollard(s) has/have a high visual contrast to prevent them being hazardous to visually impaired people.
  • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
  • There is an intercom.
  • The height of the intercom is 134cm (4ft 5in).
  • There is a hand sanitiser.
  • The height of the hand sanitiser is 101cm (3ft 4in).
  • There is not a door release button when exiting.
  • The main door(s) open(s) by revolving.
  • The width of the door opening is 161cm.
• Ramp/Slope Details View
  • The ramp/slope is located on the approach to the entrance.
  • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
  • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides going up the ramp.
  • The width of the ramp is 101cm.

You are on Outside Access (Main Accessible Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Main Accessible Entrance)

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• Entrance Details View
  • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the main building.
  • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
  • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
  • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
  • There are bollards outside this entrance.
  • The minimum width between the bollards/wall is 164cm.
  • The bollard(s) has/have a high visual contrast to prevent them being hazardous to visually impaired people.
  • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
  • There is an intercom.
  • The height of the intercom is 134cm (4ft 5in).
  • There is a hand sanitiser.
  • The height of the hand sanitiser is 115cm (3ft 9in).
  • There is not a door release button when exiting.
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
  • The door(s) is/are double width.
  • The width of the door opening is 166cm.
  • There is a second set of doors.
  • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
  • The door(s) is/are double width.
  • The width of the door opening is 138cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 1.5cm or below.
• Ramp/Slope Details View
  • The ramp/slope is located on the approach to the entrance.
  • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
  • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides going up the ramp.
  • The width of the ramp is 102cm.

You are on Entrance (Level 1 - to Outpatients Building from New Building). Skip to the next section.

Entrance (Level 1 - to Outpatients Building from New Building)

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• Entrance Details View
  • This information is for the entrance located at the end of the level 1 corridor in the new building.
  • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
  • There is step free access at this entrance.
  • There is not a hand sanitiser.
  • There is not a door release button when exiting.
  • The main door(s) open(s) both ways.
  • The door(s) is/are double width.
  • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
  • The width of the door opening is 172cm.

You are on Lift (Outpatients Building). Skip to the next section.

Lift (Outpatients Building)

• There is a lift for public use.
• The lift is located ahead as you enter Outpatients from the new building.
• The lift is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the level 1 Outpatients Building entrance.
• The lift is a standard lift.
• Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
• The floors which are accessible by this lift are level 1, level 2, level 3, level 4, level 5, level 6, level 7, level 8 and level 9.
• Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on lift lobby landings.
• There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
• Lift doors do contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
• The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
• The visual contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is high.
• The visual contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is high.
• The clear door width is 143cm (4ft 8in).
• The dimensions of the lift are 159cm x 279cm (5ft 3in x 9ft 2in).
• There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
• There is not a list of floor services available within the lift.
• The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
• The lift does have an audible announcer.
• The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• The lift does have Braille markings.
• The lift does have tactile markings.
• The lighting level in the lift is moderate to good.

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• Comments View
  • There is an identical lift to the right of the one surveyed.

You are on Other Floors (Outpatients Building). Skip to the next section.

Other Floors (Outpatients Building)

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• Stairs View
  • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not clearly visible from the entrance.
  • There are manual, single doors which may be difficult to open to enter and exit the stairwell on all floors.
  • The floors which are accessible by stairs are level 1, level 2, level 3, level 5, level 6, level 7, level 8 and level 9.
  • There are 15+ steps between floors.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
  • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
  • The steps are not clearly marked.
  • The steps do have handrails.
  • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
  • Handrails are not at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
  • Handrails do not cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • Handrails are easy to grip.
  • Handrails do extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
  • There is a landing.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor of the building are provided on landings.
  • The lighting levels are good.

You are on Opening Times (Children's Eye Unit). Skip to the next section.

Opening Times (Children's Eye Unit)

• Monday 08:30 - 17:00.
• Tuesday 08:30 - 17:00.
• Wednesday 08:30 - 17:00.
• Thursday 08:30 - 17:00.
• Friday 08:30 - 17:00.
• Saturday Closed.
• Sunday Closed.

You are on Department / Service (Children's Eye Unit). Skip to the next section.

Department / Service (Children's Eye Unit)

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• Department / Service Access View
  • Children's Eye Unit is located on level 8 of the Outpatients building.
  • There is a/are door(s) leading into the department/service.
  • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) is/are single width with a locked extension leaf.
  • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
  • The width of the door opening is 89cm.
  • There is a hand sanitiser.
  • The height of the hand sanitiser is 129cm (4ft 3in).
  • There is not a door release button when exiting.
  • There is level access throughout the department/service.
  • There is clear signage on the department/service.
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is some flooring in the department/service which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
  • There is some flooring in the department/service which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
  • The department/service does not play background music.
  • The lighting levels are varied.
• Department / Service Facilities View
  • This department/service has; a main reception, consultation rooms, treatment rooms and standard toilet facilities.
  • There are 10 consultation/treatment rooms in this department/service.
  • A hearing assistance system is not available in the department/service.
  • A mobile hoist is not available on the department/service.
  • There are not accessible toilet facilities within the department/service.
  • Accessible toilet facilities are located on corridor 8C.
  • There are standard toilet facilities within this department/service.

You are on Reception (Children's Eye Unit Reception). Skip to the next section.

Reception (Children's Eye Unit Reception)

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• Reception View
  • The reception point is located on the department corridor.
  • The reception point is approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the Children's Eye Unit entrance.
  • Clear signage for the reception area/desk is 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 no windows, glazed screens or mirrors behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
  • The reception counter is not placed in front of a background which is patterned.
  • The lighting levels at the reception point are good.
  • The height of the reception counter is high (110cm+).
  • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
  • There is not a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
  • The counter is staffed.
  • There is not a bell to attract attention.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Signs and universally accepted symbols or pictograms, indicating lifts, stairs, WCs, circulation routes and other parts of the building are provided in the reception area.
• Reception Waiting Area View
  • There is not a waiting area close to the reception point.
• Comments View
  • The door to access the reception is 78cm wide.
  • There are seats outside the entrance to the ward (as shown in photograph 4). Staff may ask patients to wait in this area at certain times.

You are on Consultation / Treatment Room (Clinical Room). Skip to the next section.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Clinical Room)

• There is / are 9 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
• The name / number of the room surveyed was; Clinical Room 2.
• There is level access to the consultation / treatment room.
• There is a/are door(s) into the consultation / treatment room.
• The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
• The door(s) is/are single width.
• The door(s) is/are easy to open.
• The width of the door opening is 76cm (2ft 6in).
• The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• There is not a bed / couch.
• A hoist is not available.
• There is a chair.
• No chairs are permanently fixed.
• The chair(s) is not/are not height adjustable.
• There are no chairs with armrests available.
• Some tables are permanently fixed.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• The room does not have background music playing.
• There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
• Lighting levels are good.

You are on Consultation / Treatment Room (Orthoptics Room). Skip to the next section.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Orthoptics Room)

• There is / are 1 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
• The name / number of the room surveyed was; Orthoptics Room 1.
• There is level access to the consultation / treatment room.
• There is a/are door(s) into the consultation / treatment room.
• The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
• The door(s) is/are single width.
• The door(s) may be difficult to open.
• The width of the door opening is 87cm (2ft 10in).
• The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• There is not a bed / couch.
• There is a chair.
• No chairs are permanently fixed.
• The chair(s) is not/are not height adjustable.
• There are some chairs with armrests available.
• No tables are permanently fixed.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• The room does not have background music playing.
• There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
• Lighting levels are good.

You are on Consultation / Treatment Room (Refraction). Skip to the next section.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Refraction)

• There is / are 1 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
• The name / number of the room surveyed was; Refraction.
• There is level access to the consultation / treatment room.
• There is a/are door(s) into the consultation / treatment room.
• The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
• The door(s) is/are single width.
• The door(s) may be difficult to open.
• The width of the door opening is 76cm (2ft 6in).
• The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• There is not a bed / couch.
• There is a chair.
• No chairs are permanently fixed.
• The chair(s) is not/are not height adjustable.
• There are no chairs with armrests available.
• All tables are permanently fixed.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• The room does not have background music playing.
• There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
• Lighting levels are good.

You are on Consultation / Treatment Room (Imaging Suite). Skip to the next section.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Imaging Suite)

• There is / are 1 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
• The name / number of the room surveyed was; Imaging Suite.
• There is level access to the consultation / treatment room.
• There is a/are door(s) into the consultation / treatment room.
• The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
• The door(s) is/are single width.
• The door(s) may be difficult to open.
• The width of the door opening is 76cm (2ft 6in).
• The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• There is not a bed / couch.
• There is a chair.
• No chairs are permanently fixed.
• The chair(s) is/are height adjustable.
• There are some chairs with armrests available.
• Some tables are permanently fixed.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• The room does not have background music playing.
• There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
• Lighting levels are adjustable.

You are on Room / Area (Play Area). Skip to the next section.

Room / Area (Play Area)

• There is / are 1 room(s) / area(s) available.
• The name / number of the room / area surveyed was; Play Area.
• The room / area is approximately 15m from the Children's Eye Unit.
• There is level access to the room / area.
• There is not a/are not door(s) into the room / area.
• The width of the door opening is 80cm (2ft 7in).
• The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
• There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• There is not a bed / couch.
• There is a chair.
• No chairs are permanently fixed.
• The chair(s) is not/are not height adjustable.
• There are no chairs with armrests available.
• No tables are permanently fixed.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• The room / area does not have background music playing.
• There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room / area.
• Lighting levels are moderate to good.

You are on Standard Toilet(s) (Shared Toilets). Skip to the next section.

Standard Toilet(s) (Shared Toilets)

• Standard toilet facilities are available.

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• Toilet Facilities View
  • The shared toilet is located on the department corridor next to reception.
  • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
  • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 4m from the Children's Eye Unit entrance.
  • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
  • The visual contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
  • The colour contrast between the internal toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
  • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is medium.
  • Toilet seats do not have a high visual contrast.
  • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
  • The height of the wash basin(s) is 79cm.
  • The wash basin(s) tap type is sensor.
  • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
  • The wall fixed soap dispenser is located above and to the right of the wash basin.
  • Lighting levels are moderate to good.
• Baby Changing Facilities View
  • Baby change facilities are available in the shared toilets.
  • There is a flip down baby change table available.
  • The height of the baby change table is 88cm.

You are on Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities (New Building). Skip to the next section.

Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities (New Building)

• Accessible toilet facilities are located on level 1 of the new building, across the foyer from the reception desk, on level 2 of the new building, in the Spoons restaurant near the escalator, on level 2 of the Outpatients building, in the Coffee Doc Café, on level 7 of the Outpatients building, on level 9 of the Critical Care building and on the Old Victorian corridor.
• Female and male standard toilet facilities are located on level 1 of the new building, across the foyer from the reception desk, on level 2 of the Outpatients building in the Coffee Doc Café, on level 7 of the Outpatients building and on the ground floor of the ENT building.
• Shared standard toilet facilities are located on level 2 of the new building, in the Spoons restaurant near the escalator.
• Shared standard toilet facilities are located on level 9 of the Critical Care building.
• Parent and baby changing facilities are located on level 1, across the foyer from the reception desk.

You are on Related Access Guides. Skip to the next section.

Related Access Guides

• To view other Detailed Access Guides that are related to this one please use the links below.
• New Building - Building Guide link (new tab) - click here.
• Hospital Parking Guide link (new tab) - click here.
• Outpatients - Building Guide link (new tab) - click here.