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Ward 8A

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 (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 8A)

  • Ward 8A is/are located on the fourth floor.
  • Access to Ward 8A is via the main hospital entrance.
  • After entering the main hospital entrance, continue ahead to the main lifts on the right. Take the lift to the fourth floor and on exiting turn right and then left. Continue ahead to the rear of the corridor where Ward 8A is located.
  • There is step free access, via lift, to Ward 8A.
  • Ward 8A is approximately 29m from the lifts.
  • 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.

Opening Times (Opening Times)

  • Monday 07:30 - 20:00.
  • Tuesday 07:30 - 20:00.
  • Wednesday 07:30 - 20:00.
  • Thursday 07:30 - 20:00.
  • Friday 07:30 - 20:00.
  • Saturday Closed.
  • Sunday Closed.

Ward

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a/an nurse-led Day Unit for children and young people ward.
    • This is a shared ward.
    • There is/are 1 bay(s) available.
    • There is/are 6 side room(s) available.
    • There is/are 10 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) both ways.
    • 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 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 medium.
  • Reception/Nurses' Station View
    • The height of the Nurses' Station desk is 102cm.
    • There is a lowered section.
    • The height of the lowered section of the desk is 73cm.
    • There is a hearing assistance system available at the desk.
  • 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.

Washroom

  • Washroom Details View
    • The accessible washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • There is/are 1 accessible washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
    • The accessible washroom surveyed is located at the rear of the ward.
    • The accessible washroom surveyed is approximately 20m from the ward entrance.
    • There is step free access to the accessible washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
    • This is a shared accessible washroom.
    • The accessible washroom is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is written or text signage on or near the accessible washroom door.
    • The accessible 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 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The dimensions of the accessible washroom are 269cm x 253cm (8ft 10in x 8ft 4in).
    • The accessible 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 flashing fire alarm beacon within the accessible washroom.
    • There are coat hooks at 102cm and 160cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is a tall mirror, with suitable specifictions, for ease of use.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the wash basin is 74cm.
    • 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 can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 76cm.
    • 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 accessible washroom has a non-slip floor.
    • The accessible washroom surveyed does not have a ceiling tracking hoist.
  • 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 176cm.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is a dropdown rail, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • 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 90cm.
    • There is a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
  • Shower Details View
    • There is a wheel in shower.
    • The shower head is height adjustable.
    • 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 49cm (1ft 7in).
    • There are wall-mounted grab rails available.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The colour contrast between the external accessible washroom door and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the internal accessible washroom door and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The colour contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the accessible washroom floor and walls is good.
    • Lighting levels are medium.

Toilet with Adaptations (Staff)

  • 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 written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is located to the right of the reception.
    • 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 88cm (2ft 11in).
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 158cm x 232cm (5ft 2in x 7ft 7in).
    • 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 left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 92cm (3ft).
    • 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 not 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 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.
    • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 108cm (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 can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 85cm.
    • 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.

Standard Toilet(s)

Washroom (Standard Shower)