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Newcastle Birthing Centre

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 (Leazes Wing Accessible Parking)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located off Richardson Road.
    • The car park is open air/surface.
    • The car park surface consists of tarmac.
    • There are 6 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
    • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked.
    • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 237cm (width) x 467cm (depth).
    • There is a marked zone to both sides and 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 32m from the Leazes Wing Entrance.
    • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has step-free level access.
    • There is no dropped kerb from the designated Blue Badge parking.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point available.

Getting To (Newcastle Birthing Centre)

  • Newcastle Birthing Centre is/are located to the left as you enter the Leazes Wing entrance.
  • Access to Newcastle Birthing Centre is via the Leazes Wing entrance.
  • When entering the Leazes Wing entrance turn left before reaching the reception. Newcastle Birthing Centre is located ahead of you.
  • There is step free access to Newcastle Birthing Centre.
  • Newcastle Birthing Centre is approximately 16m from the Leazes Wing entrance.
  • 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 (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.

Opening Times

  • The Birthing Centre is open 24 hours.

Entrance (Centre)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the left as you enter the Leazes Wing entrance.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • 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) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 170cm.

Reception

  • The centre reception is located ahead as you enter the centre entrance.
  • The reception area/desk is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the centre entrance.
  • The reception area/desk is clearly 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 high (110cm+).
  • 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 not a hearing assistance system.

Inside Access

  • There is level access once inside.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • This venue does not play background music.
  • 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 varied.

Waiting Room / Area

  • There is a waiting room / area.
  • The waiting room / area is approximately 10m from the centre 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.
  • All chairs have armrests.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • 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 not a television.
  • Vending machines are not available.
  • A water dispenser is 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.

Ward

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a/an birthing ward.
    • This is a female ward.
    • There is/are 0 bay(s) available.
    • There is/are 12 side room(s) available.
    • There is/are 12 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) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • 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 door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 150cm (4ft 11in).
    • There is level access throughout the ward.
    • There is clear signage on the ward.
    • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
    • There is 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 110cm.
    • There is a lowered section.
    • The height of the lowered section of the desk is 75cm.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system available at the desk.
  • Example Side Room View
    • There is one side room available with an accessible ensuite.
    • 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 not have a ceiling track hoist.
    • There is sufficient space next to the bed for a mobile hoist to operate.
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre around the bed.
    • Bedside storage is 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.
    • The width of the door opening into the ensuite is over 75cm.
    • There is a clear unobstructed turning space within the ensuite.
    • The fixtures/facilities available in the ensuite include; a shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • The visual contrast between the walls and the floor in the ensuite is high.
    • The lighting levels in the ensuite are medium.
  • Ward Features and Patient Facilities View
    • A hearing assistance system is not available on the ward.
    • The ward does not play background music.
    • There is a chair with armrests on both sides.
    • A mobile hoist is not available on the ward.
  • Visitor Facilities View
    • There are no accessible toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • Accessible toilet facilities for visitors are located in the Birthing Centre reception area.
    • There are no standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • Standard toilet facilities for visitors are located on the level 3 corridor of the Leazes Wing.

Washroom (Side Room)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
    • This is a female washroom.
    • There is no additional signage on or near the washroom door.
    • The washroom door(s) open(s) outwards.
    • The door(s) is/are locked by a twist lock.
    • The door(s) is/are light to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 239cm x 204cm (7ft 10in x 6ft 8in).
    • The 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 within reach and fully functional.
    • There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s) 155cm 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 cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the wash basin is 79cm.
    • There are no wall-mounted grab rails for the wash basin.
    • The tap type is lever. It is a mixer tap.
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 135cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 130cm.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • The washroom has a non-slip floor.
  • Toilet Details View
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 43cm (1ft 5in).
    • The cistern is not close coupled and no back rest is provided.
    • There is not a lateral transfer space.
    • There are no wall-mounted grab rails for the toilet.
    • 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 84cm.
    • There is a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
  • Shower Details View
    • There is not a wheel in shower.
    • The shower head is height adjustable.
    • The shower control type is twist/turn.
    • There is no seat for the shower.
    • There are not wall-mounted grab rails available.
    • The shower tray is accessed via a deep step.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The colour contrast between the external washroom door and wall is high.
    • The visual contrast between the internal washroom door and wall is high.
    • The visual contrast between the washroom floor and walls is high.
    • Lighting levels are medium.

Consultation / Treatment Room

  • There is / are 2 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Consulting 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 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 some chairs with armrests available.
  • 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

  • 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 opposite the waiting area.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 16m (17yd 1ft) from the centre 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 outwards.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 170cm x 194cm (5ft 7in x 6ft 4in).
    • The accessible toilet does not 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 left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush, however it is not 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 fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the cubicle.
    • There is not a/are not 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 not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is not a mirror.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 46cm (1ft 6in).
    • 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 not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • 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 104cm.
    • 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 94cm (3ft 1in).

Standard Toilet(s)

  • The nearest standard toilets are located on the level 3 corridor of the Leazes Wing.