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 (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 6)
- Ward 6 is/are located on level 3 of the Royal Victoria Infirmary.
- Access to Ward 6 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 the third floor and on exiting turn right and then left. Continue ahead to the rear of the corridor, take a left and Ward 6 is located at the end of the corridor.
- There is step free access, via lift, to Ward 6.
- Ward 6 is approximately 31m from the lift.
- There is a/are manual, heavy, double door(s) between the lift 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.
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.
Waiting Room / Area
- There is a waiting room / area.
- The waiting room / area is approximately 15m 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.
- Some chairs are permanently fixed.
- Some chairs with armrests are available.
- Some tables are permanently fixed.
- Announcements are in person.
- The waiting room / area does have background music playing.
- There is 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 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 - 02:00.
- Tuesday 08:00 - 02:00.
- Wednesday 08:00 - 02:00.
- Thursday 08:00 - 02:00.
- Friday 08:00 - 02:00.
- Saturday 08:00 - 02:00.
- Sunday 08:00 - 02:00.
-
Comments
View
- The Day Case facility is open from 08:00 - 18:00, Monday to Friday, working closely with all the Paediatric Specialist Teams.
Ward
-
Ward Information
View
- This is a/an Paediatric Emergency Assessment Unit and Planned Medical Day Case ward.
- This is a shared ward.
- There is/are 2 bay(s) available.
- There is/are 24 side room(s) available.
-
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.
- 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 door(s) is/are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 160cm (5ft 3in).
- 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 varied.
-
Reception/Nurses' Station
View
- The height of the ward reception desk is 103cm.
- There is a lowered section.
- The height of the lowered section of the desk is 75cm.
- 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 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.
- 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 accessible toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
- There are standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
Consultation / Treatment Room (Treatment Room)
- There is / are 2 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
- The name / number of the room surveyed was; Treatment 1.
- 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 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 a chair.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- Some tables are permanently fixed.
- There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
- Lighting levels are medium.
Toilet with Adaptations
- Accessible toilet facilities are available.
-
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 to the left of the reception.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 11m (12yd 1in) 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 by sliding (Bi-Fold).
- The door is locked by a twist lock.
- The door is heavy.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 81cm (2ft 8in).
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 188cm x 226cm (6ft 2in x 7ft 5in).
- The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
- The lateral transfer space is 121cm (3ft 12in).
- 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 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 a shelf within the accessible toilet.
- The shelf is higher than 95cm (3ft 1in).
- 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 48cm (1ft 7in).
- There is not a hand dryer.
- There is a towel dispenser.
- The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- 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 104cm (3ft 5in).
- There is a soap dispenser.
- The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the soap dispenser is 88cm.
- 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.
Washroom
-
Washroom Details
View
- The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
- There is/are 3 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
- The washroom surveyed is located to the left of the reception.
- The washroom surveyed is approximately 13m from the ward entrance.
- 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 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 250cm x 220cm (8ft 2in x 7ft 3in).
- 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 a flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
- There is a/are coat hook(s) 155cm 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 wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- 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 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 121cm.
- 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 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 left.
- The lateral transfer space is 100cm.
- There is a flush, however it is not 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 right.
- 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
- The height of the shower head is 189cm (6ft 2in).
- There is a wheel in shower.
- The shower head height is fixed.
- 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 50cm (1ft 8in).
- 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 right 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 medium.
