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 Opening Times (Urgent Care Centre). Skip to the next section.

Opening Times (Urgent Care Centre)

• The venue is open 24hrs.

You are on Outside Access (Urgent Care Centre). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Urgent Care Centre)

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• Entrance Details View
  • This information is for the entrance located to the right of the main hospital entrance, at the front of the Urgent Care Centre building.
  • 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 not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
  • There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
  • There is a hand sanitiser.
  • The height of the hand sanitiser is 99cm (3ft 3in).
  • There is a door release button when exiting.
  • The height of the door release button is 115cm (3ft 9in).
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
  • The door(s) is/are double width.
  • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
  • The width of the door opening is 144cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 1.5cm or below.
  • 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 126cm.

You are on Reception (Urgent Care Centre). Skip to the next section.

Reception (Urgent Care Centre)

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• Reception View
  • The reception point is located ahead as you enter the Urgent Care Centre.
  • The reception point is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the Urgent Care Centre 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, 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 medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
  • There is a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
  • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the low section of the counter.
  • The counter is staffed.
  • There is not a bell to attract attention.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.
  • The hearing assistance system is signed.
  • Staff are not trained to use the hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested on 19/01/2023.
  • The hearing assistance system was not working at the time of testing.
  • Signs and universally accepted symbols or pictograms, indicating lifts, stairs, WCs, circulation routes and other parts of the building are not provided in the reception area.
• Reception Waiting Area View
  • There is a waiting area close to the reception point.
  • Access to the waiting area is unobstructed.
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.
  • There is bench seating only.
  • The waiting room / area does not have background music playing.
  • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the waiting room / area.
  • There is not a television.
  • Vending machines are available.
  • A water dispenser is not available.
  • There is not a play area or toys/books for a child to play with.
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest within the seating area.
  • Lighting levels are moderate to good.

You are on Entrance (Treatment Corridor). Skip to the next section.

Entrance (Treatment Corridor)

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• Entrance Details View
  • This information is for the entrance located to the right of the reception desk.
  • 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 a hand sanitiser.
  • The height of the hand sanitiser is 140cm (4ft 7in).
  • There is a door release button when exiting.
  • The height of the door release button is 134cm (4ft 5in).
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
  • The door(s) is/are double width.
  • The width of the door opening is 144cm.

You are on Department / Service (Urgent Care Centre). Skip to the next section.

Department / Service (Urgent Care Centre)

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• Department / Service Access View
  • The Urgent Care Centre is located to the right of the main hospital entrance.
  • 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.
  • The department/service does not play background music.
  • The lighting levels are good.
• Department / Service Facilities View
  • This department/service has; a main reception, a waiting room/area, treatment rooms and standard toilet facilities.
  • There are 9 consultation/treatment rooms in this department/service.
  • A hearing assistance system is available.
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.
  • Staff are not trained to use the system.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested on 19/01/2023.
  • The hearing assistance system was not working at the time of testing.
  • 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 in the reception area, near the main entrance of the new building.
  • There are standard toilet facilities within this department/service.

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

Consultation / Treatment Room (Investigation Room)

• There is / are 3 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
• The name / number of the room surveyed was; Investigation Room.
• 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.
• A hoist is not available.
• There is a chair.
• Some chairs are permanently fixed.
• Some chairs are height adjustable.
• There are some 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.

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• Comments View
  • This is used as one of three triage rooms.

You are on Consultation / Treatment Room (Room 4). Skip to the next section.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Room 4)

• There is / are 6 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
• The name / number of the room surveyed was; Room 4.
• 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 with a locked extension leaf.
• The door(s) may be difficult to open.
• The width of the door opening is 88cm (2ft 11in).
• The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• There is a bed / couch.
• The bed / couch is adjustable.
• 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.
• 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 (Room 5). Skip to the next section.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Room 5)

• There is / are 6 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
• The name / number of the room surveyed was; Room 5.
• 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 with a locked extension leaf.
• The door(s) may be difficult to open.
• The width of the door opening is 91cm (2ft 12in).
• The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• There is a bed / couch.
• The bed / couch is adjustable.
• A hoist is not available.
• There is not a chair.
• 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 (ECG Room). Skip to the next section.

Consultation / Treatment Room (ECG Room)

• There is / are 1 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
• The name / number of the room surveyed was; ECG Room.
• 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 with a locked extension leaf.
• The door(s) may be difficult to open.
• The width of the door opening is 89cm (2ft 11in).
• The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• There is a bed / couch.
• The bed / couch is adjustable.
• A hoist is not available.
• There is not a chair.
• 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 Standard Toilet(s) (Reception Area). Skip to the next section.

Standard Toilet(s) (Reception Area)

• Standard toilet facilities are available.

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• Toilet Facilities View
  • The female and male toilets are located on the right as you enter the Urgent Care Centre.
  • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
  • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 3m from the Urgent Care Centre 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 high.
  • Toilet seats do not have a high visual contrast.
  • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
  • The height of the wash basin(s) is 84cm.
  • The wash basin(s) tap type is sensor.
  • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
  • The wall fixed soap dispenser is located to the sides of the wash basins.
  • Lighting levels are good.

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.