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Changing Places (Victoria Wing)

Royal Victoria Infirmary, Queen Victoria Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4LP

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Access Guide

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Overview (Royal Victoria Infirmary)

  • About View
    • This is a large hospital with multiple services available.
    • Services available in the venue include: Cafes, restaurants, a pharmacy and a convenience store.
  • Parking and Public Transport View
  • Getting In and Around View
    • There is step-free level access at the most accessible entrance.
    • There is step-free level access throughout, this may include the use of a lift.
    • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: There are slight slopes in the Claremont Wing, which are used to access the hospital from the multi storey car park.
    • Access throughout may include doors permanently held open and automatic doors.
    • Level G, Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, Level 4 Level 5 and Level 6 can be accessed via a standard lift and stairs.
  • Getting Help and Assistance View
    • There is seating available.
    • There is no hearing assistance system.
    • You can borrow or hire the following equipment: a manual wheelchair and walking aids.
    • There is a designated safe space which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
    • The designated safe space is located on Level 1 of the New Victoria Wing.
    • British Sign Language interpreters can be provided on request.
    • Documents are available in the following formats: large print (on request) and different languages (on request).
    • There is not a water bowl available for assistance dogs.
    • There is not a designated assistance dog spending area.
    • Additional facilities/services include: Wi-Fi and TV pre-pay machines for patients.

Parking (New Victoria Wing Car Park)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located at the front of the hospital site.
    • The car park is open air/surface.
    • The car park surface consists of tarmac.
    • There are 15+ designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
    • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked.
    • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 239cm (width) x 467cm (depth).
    • There is a marked zone to both sides and rear.
    • The width of the marked zone is 116cm.
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bays vary in size.
    • The nearest designated bay is 58m from the main entrance.
    • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has step-free level access, uneven surfaces and bollards.
    • There is a dropped kerb without tactile paving from the designated Blue Badge parking.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park is for visitors only.
    • Parking is not free for all users.
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
    • Clearly presented parking signs are available.
    • Payment machines are located at the car park entrance.
    • There is not a payment machine with controls at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • View information on parking policies/charges (opens new tab).
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is a designated drop-off point available.
    • The designated drop-off point is located to the left of the car park entrance.
    • There is no dropped kerb from the drop-off point.

Getting To (Changing Places - Victoria Wing)

  • Changing Places - Victoria Wing is/are located on Level 3 of the Victoria Wing.
  • Access to Changing Places - Victoria Wing is via the Victoria Wing main entrance.
  • Enter via the Victoria Wing main entrance and turn right to the lifts. Take the lift to Level 3. Exit the lift, turn right and right again. Cross the link bridge (following the signs 'Link to Claremont Wing'). Turn left and continue along the corridor, approximately halfway along, turn right through the double doors. The Changing Places facility is located on the right.
  • There is step free access, via lift, to Changing Places - Victoria Wing.
  • Changing Places - Victoria Wing is approximately 90m from the lift.
  • There is a/are manual, heavy, double door(s) between the Victoria Wing main entrance and the department/service.
  • Wayfinding 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.

Entrance (Main Entrance)

  • This entrance is located on the south side of the hospital site.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is step-free level access at the entrance.
  • There is a single automatic door at this entrance.
  • The door opens by revolving.
  • The width of the opening is 226cm.
  • There is step-free level access as you enter.

Lift (New Victoria Wing - Lifts 9, 10 and 11)

  • The lift surveyed is located in the New Victoria Wing, off the main lobby.
  • The distance from the main entrance is 9m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
  • Level 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 are accessed by this lift.
  • The lift door has a high visual contrast.
  • The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
  • The external lift control buttons have tactile markings and a medium visual contrast.
  • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 110cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 150cm (width) x 132cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings and a high visual contrast.
  • The majority of the internal controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • Internally the lift has: a mirror to aid reversing, a hearing assistance alarm system, a visual floor indicator, an audible announcer and a list of floor services/facilities.
  • Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.
  • There are other lifts available at this location which vary in size.

Changing Places (Victoria Wing)

  • Location and Access View
    • The facility is located on Level 3 of the Victoria Wing.
    • The facility is approximately 90m (98yd 1ft) from the lift.
    • There is level access into the facility, via lift.
    • The facility surveyed is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • The visual contrast between the external door and wall is high.
    • The visual contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • You do not need a key for the facility.
    • The door opens inwards and outwards.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The width of the door is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The dimensions of the facility are 310cm x 360cm.
    • There is not a clear 200cm x 180cm manoeuvring space in the facility.
    • The facility has a non-slip floor.
    • The visual contrast between the walls and floor is medium.
  • Toilet Details View
    • The facility toilet has a transfer space on one side only.
    • The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 60cm (1ft 12in).
    • Drop down rails are provided.
    • As you face the toilet the drop down rail(s) is/are on the right.
    • The visual contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is medium.
    • As you face the toilet there vertical grab rails on both sides .
    • The visual contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall is medium.
    • The visual contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet and wall is medium.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a spatula flush.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 103cm.
    • The toilet has a backrest.
    • The toilet seat visual contrast is low.
    • There is an emergency alarm for the toilet.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor).
  • Changing Bench and Hoist Details View
    • The facility changing bench is free standing.
    • The facility changing bench height is adjustable.
    • The length of the facility changing bench is 190cm (6ft 3in).
    • The facility hoist is powered overhead.
    • The overhead hoist covers all areas in the cubicle.
  • Other Facilities View
    • A privacy screen is available.
    • The type of wash basin is fixed.
    • The height of the wash basin is 75cm.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available at the wash basin.
    • As you face the wash basin, the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • The visual contrast between the wash basin grab rail(s) and wall is medium.
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 86cm.
    • Wide tear off paper roll is available.
    • The wide paper roll dispenser is not at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser is not at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is a/are non-infectious waste and general domestic waste disposal units.
    • There is not an emergency alarm for the facility.
    • There is not a coat hook.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • The lighting levels are good.