Access Guide
Overview (Royal Victoria Infirmary)
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About
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- This is a large hospital with multiple services available.
- Services available in the venue include: Cafes, restaurants, a pharmacy and a convenience store.
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Parking and Public Transport
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- The venue has its own car park.
- The nearest bus station is Newcastle Bus Station.
- The nearest train station is Newcastle Train Station.
- For the latest travel options and information you can plan your travel using Traveline.info (opens new tab).
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Getting In and Around
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- 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.
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Getting Help and Assistance
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- 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)
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Car Park
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- 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.
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Charges and Restrictions
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- 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).
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Drop-off Point
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- 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 (The Children's and Young Peoples Clinic)
- The Children's and Young Peoples Clinic is/are located on level 3.
- Access to the Children's and Young Peoples Clinic is via the main hospital entrance.
- After entering the main Hospital entrance, continue ahead to the lifts on your right. Take the lift to level 3 and on exiting cross the walkway and the Clinic is on your left.
- There is step free access, via lift, to the Children's and Young Peoples Clinic.
- The Children's and Young Peoples Clinic is approximately 40m from the lift.
- 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.
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.
Opening Times
- Access is by appointment only.
Entrance
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Entrance Details
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- This information is for the entrance located on level 3 of the Royal Victoria Infirmary.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
- There is step free access at this entrance, via lift.
- The bell is not in a suitable position to allow wheelchair users to gain access.
- The intercom is not in a suitable position to allow wheelchair users to gain access.
- The hand sanitiser is not in a suitable position for wheelchair users.
- The main door(s) open(s) both ways.
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The door(s) is/are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 158cm.
Inside Access
- There is level access once inside.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- This venue does not play background music.
- Motorised scooters are allowed in public parts of the venue.
- Wayfinding signage is not available.
- Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
- The type of flooring in walkways and corridors is vinyl/laminate.
- There is some flooring in corridors with a very shiny finish which could cause issues with glare or be perceived as slippery.
- The lighting levels are medium.
Waiting Room / Area (Waiting Room)
- There is a waiting room / area.
- The waiting room / area is approximately 20m from the unit entrance.
- There is level access into the waiting room / area.
- There is a/are door(s) into the waiting room / area.
- The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
- The door(s) is/are single width.
- The door(s) is/are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 87cm (2ft 10in).
- The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
- There is not a space for a wheelchair user to wait within the seating area.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- Some chairs with armrests are available.
- No tables are permanently fixed.
- Announcements are in person.
- The waiting room / area does not have background music playing.
- There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the waiting room / area.
- There is a television.
- Subtitles are available.
- Vending machines are not available.
- A water dispenser is available.
- There is 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 medium.
Waiting Room / Area (Waiting Area)
- There is a waiting room / area.
- The waiting room / area is approximately 14m from the unit entrance.
- There is level access into the waiting room / area.
- There is not a/are not door(s) into the waiting room / area.
- The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
- There is a space for a wheelchair user to wait within the seating area.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- Some chairs with armrests are available.
- No tables are permanently fixed.
- Announcements are in person.
- The waiting room / area does not have background music playing.
- There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the waiting room / area.
- There is a television.
- Subtitles are available.
- Vending machines are not available.
- A water dispenser is available.
- There is 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 medium.
Consultation / Treatment Room (Treatment Room)
- There is / are 2 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
- The name / number of the room surveyed was; Treatment 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) is/are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
- 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 can be brought in from another department.
- There is sufficient space next to the bed/couch for a mobile hoist to operate.
- There is a chair.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- The chair(s) is not/are not adjustable.
- There are some chairs with armrests available.
- Some tables are permanently fixed.
- The room does not have background music playing.
- There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
- Lighting levels are medium.
Consultation / Treatment Room (Weighing Room)
- There is / are 1 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
- The name / number of the room surveyed was; Weighing 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) is/are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 87cm (2ft 10in).
- The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
- There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- There is not a bed / couch.
- A hoist can be brought in from another department.
- There is a chair.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- The chair(s) is not/are not adjustable.
- There are no chairs with armrests available.
- Some tables are permanently fixed.
- The room does not have background music playing.
- There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
- Lighting levels are medium.
Washroom
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Washroom Details
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- The accessible washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
- There is/are 1 accessible washroom(s) of this type in the unit.
- The accessible washroom surveyed is located as you enter the unit to your left.
- The accessible washroom surveyed is approximately 7m from the unit entrance.
- There is step free access to the accessible washroom surveyed once inside the unit.
- This is a shared accessible washroom.
- The accessible washroom is not for the sole use of disabled people.
- There is written or text signage on or near the accessible washroom door.
- The accessible washroom door(s) open(s) inwards.
- The door(s) is/are locked by a twist lock.
- The door(s) is/are heavy to open.
- The width of the door opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
- The dimensions of the accessible washroom are 280cm x 340cm (9ft 2in x 11ft 2in).
- The accessible washroom does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- There is an emergency pull cord alarm.
- The emergency pull cord alarm is tied up and out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor).
- There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the accessible washroom.
- There is a/are coat hook(s) 134cm from the floor.
- There is a mirror.
- There is a tall mirror, with suitable specifictions, for ease of use.
- There is a wash basin.
- The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the wash basin is 74cm.
- As you face the wash basin the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
- The tap type is lever. It is a mixer tap.
- There is a soap dispenser.
- The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the soap dispenser is 86cm.
- There is a towel dispenser.
- The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the towel dispenser is 105cm.
- There is not a hand dryer.
- Disposal facilities are available.
- The accessible washroom has a non-slip floor.
- The accessible washroom surveyed does not have a ceiling tracking hoist.
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Toilet Details
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- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
- The lateral transfer space is 190cm.
- There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
- There is a toilet roll holder.
- The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the toilet roll holder is 103cm.
- There is not a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
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Shower Details
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- There is a wheel in shower.
- The shower head is height adjustable.
- The shower control type is lever.
- There is a flip down/tip up seat for the shower.
- The height of the flip down/tip up or fixed seat is 49cm (1ft 7in).
- There are wall-mounted grab rails available.
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- The colour contrast between the external accessible washroom door and wall is good.
- The colour contrast between the internal accessible washroom door and wall is good.
- The colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
- The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall is good.
- The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet and wall is good.
- The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
- The colour contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is good.
- The colour contrast between the accessible washroom floor and walls is good.
- Lighting levels are medium.
Toilet with Adaptations (Level 2 Left Hand Transfer)
- Accessible toilet facilities are available.
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Location and Access
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- The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is located on level 2.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 22m (24yd 2in) from the multi storey car park level 4 entrance.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
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Features and Dimensions
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- This is a shared toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- The door opens by sliding (Bi-Fold).
- The door is locked by a twist lock.
- The door is heavy.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 90cm (2ft 11in).
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 144cm x 253cm (4ft 9in x 8ft 4in).
- The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
- The lateral transfer space is 77cm (2ft 6in).
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- There is a flush on the transfer side.
- The tap type is lever.
- There is a mixer tap.
- There is an emergency alarm.
- The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional.
- The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
- Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
- There is a/are non-infectious waste and general domestic waste disposal units.
- There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the cubicle.
- There is a/are coat hook(s).
- The height of the coat hook is 138cm from the floor.
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Position of Fixtures
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- Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
- As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
- There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
- There is a mirror.
- Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (1ft 7in).
- There is not a hand dryer.
- There is a towel dispenser.
- The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the towel dispenser is 104cm (3ft 5in).
- There is a toilet roll holder.
- The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- There is a soap dispenser.
- The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the soap dispenser is 121cm.
- There is a wash basin.
- The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
- The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
- There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
- The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
- The lighting levels are medium.
Standard Toilet(s)
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Availability and Location of Standard Toilets
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- Standard toilet facilities are available.
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Access to Standard Female and Male Toilet(s)
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- The female and male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located towards the rear left of the hospital.
- The female and male toilets are approximately 58m (63yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilets.
- An ambulant toilet with wall mounted grab rails is available.
- Lighting levels in the female and male toilets are moderate to good.
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Comments
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- There are also standard male and female toilets located on level 2.
