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 (Ward 20 Ophthalmology and Day Care Unit)
- Ward 20 Ophthalmology and Day Care Unit is/are located On level 3 of the Claremont Wing.
- Access to Ward 20 Ophthalmology and Day Care Unit is via the Claremont Wing Entrance.
- After entering the Claremont Wing main entrance, follow the corridor to the lifts. Take the lift to level 3 and turn left. Ward 20 is directly ahead.
- There is step free access, via lift, to Ward 20 Ophthalmology and Day Care Unit.
- Ward 20 Ophthalmology and Day Care Unit is approximately 30m from the Lifts.
- There is a/are manual, heavy, double door(s) between the lifts and the department/service.
- Wayfinding signage is provided.
- Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
- There is flooring in corridors with a very shiny finish which could cause issues with glare or be perceived as slippery.
- There is some flooring in corridors with large, repeating patterns that incorporate bold contrasting colours or simulate steps.
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.
Lift (Claremont Wing - Lifts 15 and 16)
- The lift surveyed is located off the Claremont Wing main corridor.
- The distance from the multi-storey car park external entrance is 23m.
- The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access and doors permanently held open.
- Levels 2, 3 and 4 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, Braille markings and a low visual contrast.
- All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- The lift door opening width is 130cm.
- The internal dimensions of the lift are 129cm (width) x 276cm (depth).
- The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings, Braille markings and a low 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 and an audible announcer.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
- There are other lifts available at this location which vary in size.
Waiting Room / Area
- There is a waiting room / area.
- The waiting room / area is approximately 43m 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 with a locked extension leaf.
- The door(s) is/are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 88cm (2ft 11in).
- 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 not 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 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.
Opening Times
- Monday 08:00 - 16:00.
- Tuesday 08:00 - 16:00.
- Wednesday 08:00 - 16:00.
- Thursday 08:00 - 16:00.
- Friday 08:00 - 16:00.
- Saturday Closed.
- Sunday Closed.
Ward (Ward 20 (Ophthalmology and Day care))
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Ward Information
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- This is a/an Ophthalmology ward.
- This is a shared ward.
- There is/are 7 bay(s) available.
- There is/are 6 side room(s) available.
- There is/are 34 bed(s) on this ward in total.
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Ward Access
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- 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.
- 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 hand sanitiser is not in a suitable position for wheelchair users.
- The width of the door opening is 166cm (5ft 5in).
- 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.
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Reception/Nurses' Station
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- The height of the Nurses' Station desk is 114cm.
- There is not a lowered section.
- There is not a hearing assistance system available at the desk.
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Relatives' Room
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- There is not a relatives room for the ward.
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Ward Features and Patient Facilities
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- 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 not available on the ward.
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Visitor Facilities
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- There are accessible toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
- There are standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
Consultation / Treatment Room (Treatment Room 1 Day Unit)
- There is / are 2 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
- The name / number of the room surveyed was; Treatment Room 1 Day Unit.
- 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 with a locked extension leaf.
- The door(s) is/are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 88cm (2ft 11in).
- 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 not sufficient space next to the bed/couch for a mobile hoist to operate.
- There is not a chair.
- 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 (Examination Room 1 Day Care)
- There is / are 2 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
- The name / number of the room surveyed was; Examination Room 1 Day Care.
- 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 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.
- 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
- There is an/are accessible toilet(s) within this venue designated for public use.
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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 the day care corridor.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 44m (48yd 4in) from the ward entrance.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
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Features and Dimensions
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- This is a unisex toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- The door opens inwards.
- The door is locked by a twist lock.
- The door is heavy.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 87cm (2ft 10in).
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 220cm x 242cm (7ft 3in x 7ft 11in).
- 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 165cm (5ft 5in).
- 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 fully functional.
- Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
- There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the cubicle.
- There is a/are coat hook(s).
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Position of Fixtures
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- 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 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 45cm (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 placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the toilet roll holder is 115cm (3ft 9in).
- There is a soap dispenser.
- The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the soap dispenser is 81cm.
- 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 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.
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 on the main corridor.
- The female and male toilets are 43m (47yd 1in) from the ward 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 are medium.
