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Ward 33

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 (Ward 33)

  • Ward 33 is/are located on level 4 of the Leazes Wing.
  • Access to Ward 33 is via the Leazes Wing main entrance.
  • After entering the Leazes Wing main entrance, continue ahead to the rear of the foyer. Turn left into the main corridor and follow signage to the West Block lifts. Take the lift to level 4, on exiting turn left through the Maternity Unit Entrance. Staff at the desk will need to unlock the Wards 32-35 Entrance which is immediately to your left. Go through that entrance and proceed ahead, towards Ward 32. There is a corridor to the left at the end of which Ward 33 is to the right, next to Ward 34.
  • There is step free access, via lift, to Ward 33.
  • Ward 33 is approximately 80m from the Leazes Wing West Block lifts.
  • There is a/are manual, heavy, double door(s) between the West Block lift and the department/service.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • There is flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.

Entrance (Leazes Wing Entrance - Level 3)

  • This entrance is located on the south side of the hospital site.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is step-free level access at the entrance.
  • There are double automatic doors at this entrance.
  • The doors open by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 157cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The doors have a low visual contrast.
  • There is a second set of double automatic doors .
  • The second set of doors open by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 148cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The second set of doors have a low visual contrast.
  • There is step-free level access as you enter.

Lift (Leazes Wing West Block Lifts 4, 5 and 6)

  • The lift surveyed is located in the Leazes Wing, off the West Block main corridor.
  • The distance from the Leazes Wing entrance is 24m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access and doors permanently held open.
  • Levels 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, Braille markings and a high 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 139cm (width) x 266cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings, Braille 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 visual floor indicator and an audible announcer.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
  • There are other lifts available at this location which are of a similar size.

Entrance (Maternity Unit Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located on level 4 of Leazes Wing.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
    • There is step free access at this entrance, via lift.
    • 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.

Ward

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a/an Post Natal Transitional ward.
    • This is a female ward.
    • There is/are 6 bay(s) available.
    • There is/are 2 side room(s) available.
    • There is/are 24 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.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 170cm (5ft 6in) .
    • 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 which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Reception/Nurses' Station View
    • The height of the Nurses' Station desk is 94cm.
    • There is not a lowered section.
    • There is not 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 no side rooms 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 good.
    • 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 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 good.
  • 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.
  • Visitor Facilities View
    • There are no accessible toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • Accessible toilet facilities for visitors are located outside Ward 32.
    • There are no standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • Standard toilet facilities for visitors are located outside Ward 32.
  • Visiting Times View
    • There are set visiting times for the ward.
    • Visiting times are
    • 06:00 - 08:00 One adult visitor.
    • 08:00 - 20:00 The maximum number of visitors is your birthing partner, plus two people over 12 years old, and the baby's siblings.
    • 20:00 - 22:00 One adult visitor.
    • The visiting times are the same for each day.
    • View information on visiting times (opens new tab).

Washroom (Bath)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a bath and a wash basin.
    • There is/are 1 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
    • There is/are also 2 washroom(s) which has/have a shower.
    • The washroom surveyed is located at the end of the main ward corridor.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
    • This is a female washroom.
    • There is pictorial and written or text signage on or near the washroom door.
    • The 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 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 160cm x 156cm (5ft 3in x 5ft 1in).
    • There is an emergency pull cord alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is within reach and fully functional.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s) 162cm 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 height of the wash basin is 86cm.
    • There are no wall-mounted grab rails for the wash basin.
    • The tap type is lever. It is not a mixer tap.
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 90cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 130cm.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • The washroom does not have a non-slip floor.
  • Bath Details View
    • The height of the side of the bath from floor level is 60cm (1ft 12in).
    • The bath is not height adjustable.
    • The bath tap type is twist/turn. It is not a mixer tap.
    • There are not wall-mounted grab rails available.
    • A bath hoist is not 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 visual contrast between the washroom floor and walls is high.
    • Lighting levels are bright.

Washroom (Shower)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a shower and a wash basin.
    • There is/are 2 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
    • There is/are also 1 washroom(s) which has/have a bath.
    • The washroom surveyed is located off the man corridor, between bays 1 and 2.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
    • This is a female washroom.
    • There is pictorial and written or text signage on or near the washroom door.
    • The 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 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 165cm x 108cm (5ft 5in x 3ft 7in).
    • 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 a/are coat hook(s) 172cm 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 height of the wash basin is 85cm.
    • There are no wall-mounted grab rails for the wash basin.
    • The tap type is lever. It is not a mixer tap.
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 102cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 125cm.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • The washroom has a non-slip floor.
  • 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 a flip down/tip up seat for the shower.
    • The height of the flip down/tip up or fixed seat is 49cm (1ft 7in).
    • There are wall-mounted grab rails available.
    • The shower cubicle 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 shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is low.
    • The visual contrast between the washroom floor and walls is high.
    • Lighting levels are bright.

Standard Toilet(s)