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Ward 15

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 (Ward 15)

  • Ward 15 is/are located on level 5 of the Royal Victoria Infirmary.
  • Access to Ward 15 is via the Royal Victoria Infirmary main hospital entrance.
  • After entering the Royal Victoria Infirmary main hospital entrance, continue ahead to the main lifts on the right. Take the lift to level 5, on exiting turn right and then left. Continue ahead to the rear of the corridor where Ward 15 is located.
  • There is step free access, via lift, to Ward 15.
  • Ward 15 is approximately 30m from the Royal Victoria Infirmary main hospital 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.

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 (Visiting Hours)

  • Monday 14:00 - 16:00.
  • Monday 18:00 - 20:00.
  • Tuesday 18:00 - 20:00.
  • Tuesday 14:00 - 16:00.
  • Wednesday 18:00 - 20:00.
  • Wednesday 14:00 - 16:00.
  • Thursday 18:00 - 20:00.
  • Thursday 14:00 - 16:00.
  • Friday 18:00 - 20:00.
  • Friday 14:00 - 16:00.
  • Saturday 18:00 - 20:00.
  • Saturday 14:00 - 16:00.
  • Sunday 14:00 - 16:00.
  • Sunday 18:00 - 20:00.

Ward

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a/an adult neurosurgical ward.
    • This is a shared ward.
    • There is/are 4 bay(s) available.
    • There is/are 10 side room(s) available.
    • There is/are 26 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 160cm (5ft 3in).
    • There is level access throughout the ward.
    • There is no 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 varied.
  • Reception/Nurses' Station View
    • The height of the ward reception desk is 104cm.
    • There is a lowered section.
    • The height of the lowered section of the desk is 74cm.
    • There is a hearing assistance system available at the desk.
  • Example Side Room View
    • There are multiple side rooms available with accessible ensuites.
    • The side room surveyed does 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 not a clear unobstructed turning space within the ensuite.
    • The fixtures/facilities available in the ensuite include; a wheel in 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 low.
  • 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 no accessible toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • Accessible toilet facilities for visitors are located in the main foyer.
    • There are no standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • Standard toilet facilities for visitors are located outside the ward entrance.

Room / Area (Day Room)

  • There is / are 1 room(s) / area(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room / area surveyed was; Day Room.
  • There is step free access to the room / area.
  • There is a/are door(s) into the room / area.
  • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) is/are single width with a locked extension leaf.
  • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
  • The width of the door opening is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • 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/are height adjustable.
  • All chairs have armrests available.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • The room / area does not have background music playing.
  • There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room / area.
  • Lighting levels are medium.

Washroom (Ensuite)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • There is/are also 1 washroom(s) which has/have a height adjustable bath, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • The washroom surveyed is located within the side room.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
    • This is a shared 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 heavy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 88cm (2ft 11in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 153cm x 234cm (5ft x 7ft 8in).
    • The washroom does not 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 washroom.
    • There is not a coat hook in the washroom.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is not a tall mirror, with suitable specifications, 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 85cm.
    • 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 cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 119cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 134cm.
    • 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 47cm (1ft 7in).
    • The cistern is close coupled and can act as a back rest.
    • There is not a lateral transfer space.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is no dropdown rail for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on the left.
    • 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 104cm.
    • 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 47cm (1ft 7in).
    • There are wall-mounted grab rails available.
  • 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 colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall is high.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
    • The visual contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is high.
    • The visual contrast between the washroom floor and walls is high.
    • Lighting levels are low.

Washroom

  • Washroom Details View
    • The accessible washroom surveyed has a height adjustable bath, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • There is/are 1 accessible washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
    • There is step free access to the accessible washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
    • This is an interchangeable between male and female 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) 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 88cm (2ft 11in).
    • The dimensions of the accessible washroom are 346cm x 413cm (11ft 4in x 13ft 7in).
    • 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 within reach and fully functional.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the accessible washroom.
    • There is not a coat hook in the accessible washroom.
    • 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 cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the wash basin is 72cm.
    • 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 cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 108cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 110cm.
    • 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 112cm.
    • There is a flush 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 98cm.
    • There is not a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
  • Bath Details View
    • The height of the side of the bath from floor level is 113cm (3ft 8in).
    • The bath is height adjustable.
    • The bath tap type is twist/turn. It is a mixer tap.
    • There is a shower over/for the bath.
    • The shower head is hand held.
    • There are not wall-mounted grab rails available.
    • A bath hoist is 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 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 accessible washroom floor and walls is good.
    • Lighting levels are medium.

Toilet with Adaptations

  • There are not accessible toilet facilities within this venue.
  • Comments View
    • The nearest accessible toilet is located in the main foyer.

Standard Toilet(s)