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 (Multi-Storey Car Park)
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Car Park
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- The car park is located on the north-east side of the hospital site.
- The car park is multi-storey.
- The car park surface consists of tarmac and concrete.
- The height of the restriction barrier is 200cm.
- There are 15+ designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
- The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked.
- The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 234cm (width) x 467cm (depth).
- There is a marked zone to one side but not at the rear.
- The width of the marked zone is 131cm.
- The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bays vary in size.
- The nearest designated bay is 5m from the external entrance.
- The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has step-free level access and uneven surfaces.
- There is no dropped kerb from the designated Blue Badge parking.
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Charges and Restrictions
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- This car park is for visitors and Blue Badge holders 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 inside the hospital in the Claremont Wing.
- 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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Electric Vehicle Charging Points
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- There are 4 electric vehicle charging points.
- The dimensions of the surveyed electric vehicle charging bay are 233cm (width) x 480cm (depth).
- The controls are not at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- The nozzle holster is not at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- The charging points require an app.
- There are no electric vehicle charging points designated for Blue Badge holders.
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Drop-off Point
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- There is not a designated drop-off point available.
Getting To (Eye Outpatient Department)
- Eye Outpatient Department is/are located on level 2.
- Access to Eye Outpatient Department is via the Multi-Storey Car Park Level 4 Entrance.
- After entering the Multi-Storey Car Park Level 4 Entrance, turn right and take the ramp/slope down into the Claremont Wing. Once in the Claremont Wing continue ahead and the eye outpatients is located to the right.
- There is ramped/sloped or stepped access to Eye Outpatient Department .
- Eye Outpatient Department is approximately 46m from the Multi-Storey Car Park Level 4 Entrance.
- There is a/are manual, heavy, double door(s) between the Multi-Storey Car Park Level 4 Entrance and the department/service.
- 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.
- There is some flooring in corridors which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
Entrance (Level 4 Entrance To Corridors And Wards)
- This entrance is located on level 2 of the Claremont Wing (floor 4 of the multi-storey car park).
- The entrance area is clearly signed.
- There is step-free access via ramp at the entrance.
- The ramp has a steep gradient.
- The ramp is between 75cm and 150cm wide with no handrails.
- There is a single automatic door at this entrance.
- The door opens away from you.
- There is a push pad at a height of 88cm.
- The width of the opening is 83cm.
- The door has a high visual contrast.
- There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 83cm.
- There is a second single automatic door.
- The second door opens away from you.
- The push pad for the automatic doors is at a height of 84cm.
- The width of the opening is 86cm.
- The second door has a high visual contrast.
- There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 83cm.
- There is step-free access via ramp as you enter.
- The ramp has a slight gradient.
- The ramp is over 150cm wide with handrails on both sides.
Opening Times
- 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.
Entrance (Eye Outpatients Department)
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Entrance Details
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- This information is for the entrance located on the ground floor of the Claremont building.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
- There is step free access at this entrance.
- The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
- The width of the door opening is 166cm.
Reception (Clinic A)
- The Clinic A Reception is located to the right as you enter the outpatients department.
- The reception area/desk is approximately 18m (19yd 2ft) from the eye outpatients department entrance.
- Clear signage for the reception area/desk is visible from the entrance.
- There is step free access to the reception area/desk.
- The lighting levels at the reception area/desk are medium.
- The height of the reception desk is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
- There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the desk.
- There is a low section of the desk (76cm or below) available.
- There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the low section of the desk.
- There is not a clear knee recess beneath the low section of the desk.
- The desk is staffed.
- 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 system.
Inside Access
- There is level access once inside.
- This venue does not play background music.
- Motorised scooters are allowed in public parts of the venue.
- Wayfinding signage is available.
- Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
- The type of flooring in walkways and corridors is vinyl/laminate.
- There is 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
- There is a waiting room / area.
- The waiting room / area is approximately 11m from the eye outpatients 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.
- All chairs are permanently fixed.
- Chairs with armrests are not available.
- Announcements are in person.
- The waiting room / area does not have background music playing.
- There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the waiting room / area.
- There is a television.
- Subtitles are available.
- 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 medium.
Consultation / Treatment Room (Clinic A Vision Room)
- There is / are 2 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
- The name / number of the room surveyed was; Clinic A Vision 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.
- A hoist is not available.
- There is a chair.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- The chair(s) is not/are not adjustable.
- There are some chairs with armrests available.
- No tables are permanently fixed.
- The room does not have background music playing.
- There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
- Lighting levels are medium.
Consultation / Treatment Room (Examination Room 1)
- There is / are 7 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
- The name / number of the room surveyed was; Examination 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 not 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.
- The chair(s) is/are adjustable.
- There are some chairs with armrests available.
- Some tables are permanently fixed.
- The room does not have background music playing.
- There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
- Lighting levels are medium.
Consultation / Treatment Room (Laser)
- There is / are 3 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
- The name / number of the room surveyed was; Laser 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 86cm (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 is not available.
- There is a chair.
- Some chairs are permanently fixed.
- The chair(s) is/are adjustable.
- There are some chairs with armrests available.
- All tables are permanently fixed.
- The room does not have background music playing.
- There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
- Lighting levels are medium.
Consultation / Treatment Room (Ultrasound)
- There is / are 1 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
- The name / number of the room surveyed was; Ultrasound.
- 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 is not available.
- There is a chair.
- Some chairs are permanently fixed.
- The chair(s) is/are adjustable.
- There are some chairs with armrests available.
- Some tables are permanently fixed.
- The room does not have background music playing.
- There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
- Lighting levels are medium.
Toilet with Adaptations (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 written text and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is located within clinic A waiting area.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 7m (7yd 1ft) from the eye outpatients 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 inwards.
- The door is locked by a locking handle.
- The door is heavy.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 90cm (2ft 11in).
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 190cm x 265cm (6ft 3in x 8ft 8in).
- 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 122cm (4ft).
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- There is a flush on the transfer side.
- There is not a spatula type lever flush.
- The tap type is lever.
- There is a mixer tap.
- There is an emergency alarm.
- The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
- Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
- There is a/are general domestic waste and open waste paper bin disposal units.
- There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the cubicle.
- There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
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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 not a mirror.
- 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 108cm (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 placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the toilet roll holder is 108cm (3ft 7in).
- There is a soap dispenser.
- The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the soap dispenser is 90cm.
- There is a wash basin.
- The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
- The height of the wash basin is 79cm (2ft 7in).
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- 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 fair colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is fair.
- The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
- 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 within clinic A waiting area.
- The female and male toilets are approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the eye outpatients entrance.
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilets.
- An ambulant toilet with wall mounted grab rails is not available.
- Lighting levels are medium.
