Access Guide
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
- 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).
-
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
- This car park is for Blue Badge holders only.
- Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
- Clearly presented parking signs are available.
- View information on parking policies/charges (opens new tab).
-
Drop-off Point
View
- There is not a designated drop-off point available.
Getting To (Ward 39)
- Ward 39 is/are located on the Leazes Wing corridor (East Side).
- Access to Ward 39 is via the Leazes Wing entrance.
- When entering the Leazes Wing entrance pass reception and turn right. Continue ahead towards the East side of the Wing and take a left towards Blood Sciences. The ward is located on the left before the first set of double doors.
- There is step free access to Ward 39.
- Ward 39 is approximately 110m from the Leazes Wing entrance.
- There is a/are manual, heavy, double door(s) between the Leazes Wing 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 (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.
Opening Times
- Monday 08:00 - 18:00.
- Tuesday 08:00 - 18:00.
- Wednesday 08:00 - 18:00.
- Thursday 08:00 - 18:00.
- Friday 08:00 - 18:00.
- Saturday Closed.
- Sunday Closed.
Reception (Ward Reception)
- The ward reception is located to the left as you enter the ward entrance.
- The reception area/desk is approximately 2m (2yd 7in) from the ward 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 low (76cm or lower).
- There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the desk.
- There is not a clear knee recess beneath the low section of the desk.
- The desk is not staffed.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
Waiting Room / Area
- There is a waiting room / area.
- The waiting room / area is approximately 4m from the ward 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 not a space for a wheelchair user to wait within the seating area.
- All chairs are permanently fixed.
- All chairs have armrests.
- 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 not available.
- There is not a play area or toys/books for a child to play with.
- There is not space for an assistance dog to rest within the seating area.
- Lighting levels are medium.
Consultation / Treatment Room (Examinations)
- There is / are 2 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
- The name / number of the room surveyed was; Examination Room 2.
- 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 84cm (2ft 9in).
- 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.
- All chairs have 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.
Ward
-
Ward Information
View
- This is a/an multi-speciality ward.
- This is a shared ward.
- There is/are 3 bay(s) available.
- There is/are 1 side room(s) available.
- There is/are 15 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) away from you (push).
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The door(s) is/are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 150cm (4ft 11in).
- The hand sanitiser is not in a suitable position for wheelchair users.
- 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.
- There is some flooring on the ward with large, repeating patterns that incorporate bold contrasting colours or simulate steps.
- The lighting levels are medium.
-
Reception/Nurses' Station
View
- The height of the Nurses' Station desk is 100cm.
- There is a lowered section.
- The height of the lowered section of the desk is 72cm.
- There is not a hearing assistance system available at the desk.
-
Example Side Room
View
- There are no side rooms available with 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 not 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.
-
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 at the front of the ward entrance.
- 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.
Standard Changing Room
- There is a/are standard changing room(s) available.
- The standard changing room(s) surveyed is/are located to the left and right as you enter the ward entrance.
- There is level access to the standard changing room(s).
Washroom
-
Washroom Details
View
- The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower.
- There is/are 1 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
- There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
- This is a shared washroom.
- There is written or text signage on or near the washroom door.
- The washroom door(s) open(s) inwards.
- The door(s) is/are heavy to open.
- The width of the door opening is 83cm (2ft 9in).
- 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 not a coat hook in the washroom.
- There is a mirror.
- There is a tall mirror, with suitable specifictions, for ease of use.
- There is not a wash basin.
- There is not a soap dispenser.
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- There is not a hand dryer.
- Disposal facilities are available.
- The washroom has a non-slip floor.
-
Shower Details
View
- There is 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 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 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 medium.
Toilet with Adaptations (Visitors)
- 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 outside the ward entrance.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 1m (3ft 3in) from the ward 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 inwards.
- The door is locked by a twist lock.
- The door is heavy.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 84cm (2ft 9in).
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 194cm x 230cm (6ft 4in x 7ft 7in).
- 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 86cm (2ft 10in).
- 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 not fully functional.
- The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
- 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).
-
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 a mirror.
- Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- 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 placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the towel dispenser is 125cm (4ft 1in).
- 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 cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the soap dispenser is 130cm.
- 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 93cm (3ft 1in).
Toilet with Adaptations (Patients)
- 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 at the rear of the ward.
- 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 inwards.
- The door is locked by a twist lock.
- The door is heavy.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 84cm (2ft 9in).
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 230cm x 210cm (7ft 7in x 6ft 11in).
- 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 140cm (4ft 7in).
- 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 a flashing fire alarm beacon within the cubicle.
- There is a/are 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 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 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 110cm (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 not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- There is a soap dispenser.
- The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the soap dispenser is 115cm.
- There is a wash basin.
- The wash basin cannot 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.
Standard Toilet(s)
-
Availability and Location of Standard Toilets
View
- Standard toilet facilities are available.
-
Access to Standard Female Toilet(s)
View
- The female toilet facilities that were surveyed are located to the right as you enter the ward entrance.
- The female toilet(s) is/are approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the ward entrance.
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the female toilet(s).
- An ambulant toilet with wall mounted grab rails is not available.
- Lighting levels are medium.
-
Access to Standard Male Toilet(s)
View
- The male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located to the left as you enter the ward entrance.
- The male toilet(s) is/are approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the ward entrance.
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the male toilet(s).
- An ambulant toilet with wall mounted grab rails is not available.
- Lighting levels are medium.
