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Ward 41 - Antenatal

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 41- Antenatal)

  • Ward 41- Antenatal is/are located on level 4 of the Leazes Wing.
  • Access to Ward 41- Antenatal is via the Leazes Wing entrance.
  • Enter via the Leazes Wing main entrance, turn right past reception and continue along the corridor to the East block lifts.
    Take the lift to level 4.
    On exiting the lift go through the double doors and turn right. Take the next right and follow the corridor.
    Ward 41- Antenatal is on the left hand side.
  • There is step free access, via lift, to Ward 41- Antenatal.
  • Ward 41- Antenatal is approximately 30m from the lifts.
  • There is a/are manual, double door(s) which may be difficult to open between the lifts and the department/service.
  • There are resting areas along the route.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
  • There is some 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.

Lift (Leazes Wing East Block Lifts 9, 10, 11 and 12)

  • The lift surveyed is located in the East Block of the Leazes Wing, off the main corridor.
  • The distance from the Leazes Wing Entrance is 86m.
  • 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 129cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 139cm (width) x 266cm (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 and a list of floor services/facilities.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • There are other lifts available at this location which vary in size.

Ward (41 - Antenatal)

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a female ward.
    • There is/are 4 bay(s) available.
    • There is/are 3 side room(s) available.
    • There is/are 11 inpatient beds and 6 outpatient 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 180cm (5ft 10in) .
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 129cm (4ft 2in) .
    • There is not a hand sanitiser.
    • There is a door release button when exiting.
    • The height of the door release button is 115cm (3ft 9in) .
    • 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 moderate to good.
  • Reception/Nurses' Station View
    • The height of the Nurses' Station desk is 110cm.
    • There is not a lowered section.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system available at the desk.
  • Relatives' Room View
    • There is not a relatives' room for the ward.
  • 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 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 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 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.
    • A mobile hoist is not available on the ward.
    • There are washroom facilities for patients on the ward.
    • There are toilet facilities for patients on the ward.
  • Visitor Facilities View
    • There are no accessible toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • Accessible toilet facilities for visitors are located on level 4, ahead from the lifts.
    • There are no standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • Standard toilet facilities for visitors are located outside and to the left of Ward 41 - Antenatal.
  • 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 (Shower Room - Antenatal Entrance)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • There is/are 5 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
    • The washroom surveyed is located on the right as you enter through the Antenatal entrance.
    • The washroom surveyed is approximately 2m from the Antenatal entrance.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
    • This washroom is female.
    • There is pictorial, written or text and dementia friendly signage on or near the washroom door.
    • The washroom door(s) open(s) inwards and outwards.
    • The door(s) is/are locked by a twist lock.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 227cm x 257cm (7ft 5in x 8ft 5in).
    • 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 out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor).
    • There is not a red 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 specifications, 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.
    • 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 127cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 126cm.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • There is a/are general waste (with lid) disposal units.
    • The washroom has a non-slip floor.
  • Toilet Details View
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a rail with a padded back rest.
    • There is not a lateral transfer space.
    • There is a flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail but no transfer space.
    • 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 84cm.
    • There is not a shelf next to the toilet.
    • There is not a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
  • Shower Details View
    • There is a wheel in shower.
    • The shower does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The shower head is height adjustable.
    • The shower control type is twist/turn.
    • There is no seat for the shower.
    • There are wall-mounted grab rails available for the shower.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The colour contrast between the external washroom door and wall is medium.
    • The visual contrast between the internal washroom door and wall is medium.
    • The visual contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is high.
    • The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall is low.
    • 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 medium.
    • Lighting levels are good.

Washroom (Shower Room - Bay 1)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • There is/are 5 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
    • The washroom surveyed is located in Bay 1.
    • The washroom surveyed is approximately 8m from the entrance to Bay 1.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
    • This washroom is female.
    • There is pictorial, written or text and dementia friendly 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 is easy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 88cm (2ft 11in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 247cm x 179cm (8ft 1in x 5ft 10in).
    • 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 red flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s) 151cm from the floor.
    • 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 cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the wash basin is 81cm.
    • 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 125cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 126cm.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • There is a/are general waste (with lid) disposal units.
    • The washroom has a non-slip floor.
  • Toilet Details View
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a rail with a padded 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 177cm.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • 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 73cm.
    • There is not a shelf next to the toilet.
    • There is not a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
  • Shower Details View
    • There is a wheel in shower.
    • The shower does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • 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 52cm (1ft 8in).
    • There are wall-mounted grab rails available for the shower.
  • 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 medium.
    • The visual contrast between the dropdown rail(s) 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 good.