Access Guide
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
- 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).
-
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 (Children's Intensive Care & High Dependency)
- Children's Intensive Care & High Dependency is/are located on the fourth floor.
- Access to Children's Intensive Care & High Dependency is via the main hospital entrance.
- When entering the main hospital entrance continue ahead. The main lifts are located on the right. Take a lift to the fourth floor and on exiting turn right and then right again. Turn left on to the walk way, continue ahead and the Children's Intensive Care & High Dependency is on the left.
- There is step free access, via lift, to Children's Intensive Care & High Dependency .
- Children's Intensive Care & High Dependency is approximately 41m from the lift.
- Wayfinding signage is provided.
- Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
- There is 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
- Please contact the venue for details of opening times.
-
Comments
View
- Visiting by arrangement with Unit Sister.
Ward
-
Ward Information
View
- This is a/an Children's Intensive Care & High Dependency ward.
- This is a shared ward.
- There is/are 1 bay(s) available.
- There is/are 6 side room(s) available.
- There is/are 10 bed(s) on this ward in total.
-
Ward Access
View
- There is a/are door(s) leading into the ward.
- The door(s) open(s) both ways.
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The door(s) is/are heavy.
- There is not an intercom/bell at/near this ward entrance which is in a suitable position for people who require access or assistance (between 95cm - 105cm).
- The width of the door opening is 170cm (5ft 7in).
- There is level access throughout the ward.
- There is clear signage on the ward.
- The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
- There is some flooring on the ward with a very shiny finish which could cause issues with glare or be perceived as slippery.
- The lighting levels are medium.
-
Reception/Nurses' Station
View
- The height of the Nurses' Station desk is 103cm.
- There is not a lowered section.
- There is a hearing assistance system available at the desk.
-
Relatives' Room
View
- There is a relatives room for the ward.
- The width of the door opening into the relatives room is over 75cm.
- There is a clear turning space in the relatives room.
- There is a/are chair(s) with armrests available within the relatives room.
-
Example Side Room
View
- There are multiple side rooms available with accessible ensuites.
- The side room surveyed does not have an accessible ensuite.
- The width of the door opening into the side room is over 75cm.
- The side room surveyed does have a ceiling track hoist.
- The hoist covers the bed.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre around the bed.
- Bedside storage is not available.
- The visual contrast between the walls and the floor in the side room is high.
- The lighting levels in the side room are medium.
-
Ward Features and Patient Facilities
View
- A hearing assistance system can be brought in from another department/ward.
- The ward does not play background music.
- There is a chair with armrests on both sides.
- A mobile hoist is available on the ward.
-
Visitor Facilities
View
- There are accessible toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
- There are standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
Waiting Room / Area (Parent's Sitting Room)
- There is a waiting room / area.
- The waiting room / area is approximately 4m from the ward 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 a space for a wheelchair user to wait within the seating area.
- Some chairs are permanently fixed.
- Some chairs with armrests are available.
- Some 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.
Washroom (Staff)
-
Washroom Details
View
- 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 ward.
- The accessible washroom surveyed is located at the rear of the ward.
- The accessible washroom surveyed is approximately 38m from the ward entrance.
- There is step free access to the accessible washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
- This is a shared accessible washroom.
- The accessible washroom is not for the sole use of disabled people.
- There is pictorial signage on or near the accessible washroom door.
- The accessible washroom door(s) open(s) sliding.
- 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 92cm (3ft).
- The dimensions of the accessible washroom are 236cm x 266cm (7ft 9in x 8ft 9in).
- 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 out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor).
- There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the accessible washroom.
- There are coat hooks at 104cm and 160cm from the floor.
- There is a mirror.
- There is not 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 the right.
- 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 106cm.
- 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.
-
Toilet Details
View
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
- The cistern is close coupled and can act as a back rest.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
- The lateral transfer space is 153cm.
- There is a flush on the transfer side.
- There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
- 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 95cm.
- There is a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
-
Shower Details
View
- 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 48cm (1ft 7in).
- There are wall-mounted grab rails available.
-
Colour Contrast and Lighting
View
- 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 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
- There is an/are accessible toilet(s) within this venue designated for public use.
-
Location and Access
View
- 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 to the left as you enter.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the ward entrance.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
-
Features and Dimensions
View
- This is a unisex toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- The door opens by sliding.
- The door is locked by a twist lock.
- The door is heavy.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 88cm (2ft 11in).
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 221cm x 184cm (7ft 3in x 6ft).
- The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm in front of the seat.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
- The lateral transfer space is 117cm (3ft 10in).
- 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 flashing fire alarm beacon within the cubicle.
- There is a/are coat hook(s).
-
Position of Fixtures
View
- Wall-mounted grab rails are available.
- As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
- There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
- The shelf is not higher than 95cm (3ft 1in).
- There is a mirror.
- Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (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 110cm (3ft 7in).
- 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 can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the soap dispenser is 87cm.
- 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).
-
Colour Contrast and Lighting
View
- There is a high visual 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 contrast between the walls and floor is good.
- The lighting levels are medium.
-
Baby Changing Facilities
View
- Baby changing facilities are available within this accessible toilet.
- The height of the baby change table once extended is 99cm (3ft 3in).
Standard Toilet(s)
-
Availability and Location of Standard Toilets
View
- Standard toilet facilities are available.
-
Access to Standard Shared Toilet(s)
View
- The unisex toilets that were surveyed are located to the right as you enter.
- The unisex toilet(s) is/are 11m (12yd 1in) from the ward entrance.
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the unisex toilet(s).
- An ambulant toilet with wall mounted grab rails is not available.
- Lighting levels are medium.
