You are on Getting To The Hospital. Skip to the next section.

Getting To The Hospital

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• By Road View
  • The main hospital entrance to the Freeman Hospital is located off Freeman Road. The Freeman Hospital is at the north of Newcastle in High Heaton. It can be easily accessed by public transport or car. If you have a sat nav, postcode is NE7 7DN.
  • The Blue Badge parking areas and the multi storey car park are located off Freeman Road.
• By Bus View
  • The nearest bus stop to the Freeman Hospital main entrance is located on Freeman Road. There are two Bus services. Zone 27 routes 3,18,32,38,A. Zone 17 routes 3,6,7,8,18,32,38,340,16.
• By Train View
  • The nearest National Rail station is Newcastle.
  • To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).

You are on Getting Help and Assistance. Skip to the next section.

Getting Help and Assistance

• There is not a Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) at the hospital.
• The email address for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is [email protected].
• There are volunteers available for help and assistance at the hospital.
• Water bowls for assistance dogs are available.
• Mobility aids are available to help patients move around and include; wheelchairs.
• There is a Changing Places facility at this hospital which is located at the front right of the first corridor on the right as you enter via the main entrance.
• To view the Changing Places Accessibility Guide please click here.
• Interpreting services can be provided by the Trust and confirmation of booking details can be provided by the PALS team.
• Additional hospital services link (new tab) - click here.

You are on Hospital Parking (Car Park 1). Skip to the next section.

Hospital Parking (Car Park 1)

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• Parking View
  • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
  • The car park is located in front of the hospital.
  • The car park type is open air/surface.
  • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • The car park does have a barrier control system.
  • Controls at the barrier are within the range of 100cm to 110cm.
  • The barrier controls/touchscreen can be reached from the car.
  • The car park surface is tarmac.
  • There is a/are clearly marked/signposted Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
  • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • There is/are 10+ designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the hospital car park.
  • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 366cm x 591cm.
  • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
• Drop-off Point View
  • There is a designated drop-off point.
  • The drop-off point is located at the front of the main entrance.
  • There is a dropped kerb from the drop-off point.
  • The dropped kerb does not have tactile paving.
• Paying View
  • There are parking charges for the hospital car park.
  • Payment signs are provided.
  • Payment signs are clearly presented.
  • Payment signs are located throughout the car park.
  • Payment signs do not make it clear if parking charges apply to Blue Badge holders.
  • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
  • Payment machines are located close to the Blue Badge parking bays.
  • There is a payment machine at a convenient height for wheelchair users.
  • There is a level turning space (minimum 185cm x 210cm) in front of the payment machine(s).
  • To see the hospital parking charges please click here (opens new tab).
• Access to the Hospital View
  • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
  • Assistance may be required because there is/are slopes/ramps.
  • The hospital entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
  • The route from the car park to the hospital entrance is clearly signposted.
  • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 169m (184yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
• Comments View
  • In order to ensure vehicles are registered for free parking on the day of attendance, Blue Badge holders are required to provide their registration number to reception, by telephone to 0191 2231353 or via email to [email protected]. This applies for each visit to the hospital.

You are on Getting To (Ward 20). Skip to the next section.

Getting To (Ward 20)

• Ward 20 is/are located on level 7.
• Access to Ward 20 is via the Freeman Hospital Main Entrance.
• After entering the Freeman Hospital main entrance, continue past reception and past the shop. At the information board turn left and continue ahead to the lifts on the left. Take the lifts to level 7 and on exiting turn right. Go through the double doors and the entrance to Ward 20 is located on the right.
• There is step free access, via lift, to Ward 20.
• Ward 20 is approximately 25m from the lifts.
• 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.

You are on Outside Access (Main Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

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• Entrance Details View
  • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
  • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
  • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
  • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
  • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
  • The main door(s) open(s) by revolving.
  • The width of the door opening is 214cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
• Ramp/Slope Details View
  • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
  • The ramp/slope gradient is easy.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.

You are on Other Floors. Skip to the next section.

Other Floors

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• Steps View
  • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G-1-2-3-4-5-6-7.
  • There are 15+ steps between floors.
  • The steps are not clearly marked.
  • The steps are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
  • The steps do have handrails.
  • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
  • There is a landing.
  • The lighting levels are medium.

You are on Lift (Ward Block). Skip to the next section.

Lift (Ward Block)

• There is a lift for public use.
• The lift is located within Ward Block.
• The lift is approximately 91m (99yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
• The lift is a standard lift.
• The floors which are accessible by this lift are G-1-2-3-4-5-6-7.
• Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
• The clear door width is 131cm (4ft 4in).
• The dimensions of the lift are 155cm x 256cm (5ft 1in x 8ft 5in).
• There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
• There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
• The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
• The lift does have an audible announcer.
• The controls for the lift are not within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
• Lift controls are 132cm from the floor.
• The lift does not have Braille markings.
• The lift does have tactile markings.
• The lighting level in the lift is medium.

You are on Opening Times (Visiting Hours). Skip to the next section.

Opening Times (Visiting Hours)

• Monday 14:00 - 16:00.
• Tuesday 14:00 - 16:00.
• Wednesday 14:00 - 16:00.
• Thursday 14:00 - 16:00.
• Friday 14:00 - 16:00.
• Saturday 14:00 - 20:00.
• Sunday 14:00 - 20:00.

You are on Ward. Skip to the next section.

Ward

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• Ward Information View
  • This is a/an Rheumatology ward.
  • This is a shared ward.
  • There is/are 2 bay(s) available.
  • There is/are 8 side room(s) available.
  • There is/are 20 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) 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 hand sanitiser is not in a suitable position for wheelchair users.
  • The width of the door opening is 79cm (2ft 7in).
  • 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 medium.
• Reception/Nurses' Station View
  • The height of the ward reception desk is 73cm.
  • 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 is one side room available with an accessible ensuite.
  • 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 available.
  • The colour contrast between the walls and the floor in the side room is good.
  • 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 colour contrast between the walls and the floor in the ensuite is good.
  • The lighting levels in the ensuite are medium.
• Ward Features and Patient Facilities View
  • A hearing assistance system can be brought in from another department/ward.
  • There is a chair with armrests on both sides.
  • A mobile hoist is 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 outside the entrance to wards 17 and 18.
  • There are standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
• Comments View
  • There are also 2 bays dedicated to a 13-bed day unit for Rheumatology patients.

You are on Consultation / Treatment Room (Dressings Room). Skip to the next section.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Dressings Room)

• There is / are 1 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
• The name / number of the room surveyed was; Dressings Room.
• 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 with a locked extension leaf.
• 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 is available.
• The hoist is electric.
• A sling is available.
• The sling is attached by loop.
• There is sufficient space next to the bed/couch for a mobile hoist to operate.
• There is not a chair.
• All tables are permanently fixed.
• The room does not have background music playing.
• There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
• Lighting levels are medium.

You are on Room / Area (Day Care Unit). Skip to the next section.

Room / Area (Day Care Unit)

• There is / are 1 room(s) / area(s) available.
• The name / number of the room / area surveyed was; Day Care Unit.
• The room / area is approximately 5m from the entrance.
• There is step free access to the room / area.
• There is a/are door(s) into the room / area.
• The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
• The door(s) is/are single width with a locked extension leaf.
• The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
• The width of the door opening is 79cm (2ft 7in).
• 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 sufficient space next to the bed/couch for a mobile hoist to operate.
• There is a chair.
• No chairs are permanently fixed.
• The chair(s) is not/are not height adjustable.
• There are some chairs with armrests available.
• No tables are permanently fixed.
• The room / area does not have background music playing.
• There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room / area.
• Lighting levels are medium.

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• Comments View
  • This is a day care unit within the ward.

You are on Washroom (Ensuite). Skip to the next section.

Washroom (Ensuite)

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• Washroom Details View
  • The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
  • There is/are 1 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
  • The washroom surveyed is located at the end of the ward corridor.
  • The washroom surveyed is approximately 60m from the ward entrance.
  • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
  • This is a shared washroom.
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the washroom door.
  • The washroom door(s) open(s) outwards.
  • The door(s) is/are locked by a locking handle.
  • The door(s) is/are heavy to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the washroom are 170cm x 300cm (5ft 7in x 9ft 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 flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
  • There is a/are coat hook(s) 169cm from the floor.
  • There is not a mirror.
  • There is a wash basin.
  • The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The height of the wash basin is 80cm.
  • As you face the wash basin the wall-mounted grab rails are on the left.
  • 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 100cm.
  • There is a towel dispenser.
  • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The height of the towel dispenser is 138cm.
  • 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 45cm (1ft 6in).
  • 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 right.
  • The lateral transfer space is 120cm.
  • 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 cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The height of the toilet roll holder is 100cm.
  • 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 head is height adjustable.
  • The shower control type is lever.
  • A shower chair is available.
  • There are wall-mounted grab rails available.
• Colour Contrast and Lighting View
  • The colour contrast between the external washroom door and wall is good.
  • The colour contrast between the internal washroom door and wall is good.
  • The colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is fair.
  • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
  • The colour contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is good.
  • Lighting levels are medium.

You are on Accessible Toilet. Skip to the next section.

Accessible Toilet

• There is an/are accessible toilet(s) within this venue designated for public use.

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• 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 Just before you enter wards 17 & 18.
  • This accessible toilet is approximately 7m (7yd 1ft) from the ward 17/18 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 82cm (2ft 8in).
  • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 260cm x 365cm (8ft 6in x 11ft 12in).
  • 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 both sides.
  • The lateral transfer space is 72cm (2ft 4in).
  • There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
  • There is a flush on the transfer side.
  • The tap type is lever.
  • There is not a mixer tap.
  • There is not an emergency alarm.
  • 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 not available.
  • 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 43cm (1ft 5in).
  • 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 117cm (3ft 10in).
  • There is a toilet roll holder.
  • The toilet roll holder cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • There is a soap dispenser.
  • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The height of the soap dispenser is 103cm.
  • There is a wash basin.
  • The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • The height of the wash basin is 82cm (2ft 8in).
• Colour Contrast and Lighting View
  • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
  • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
  • There is a fair colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
  • 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 97cm (3ft 2in).

You are on Standard Toilet(s). Skip to the next section.

Standard Toilet(s)

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• Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
• Access to Standard Shared Toilet(s) View
  • The shared toilets that were surveyed are located on the left of the ward entrance.
  • The shared toilet(s) is/are approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the entrance.
  • Inside the venue, there is level access to the shared toilet(s).
  • An ambulant toilet with wall mounted grab rails is not available.
  • Lighting levels are medium.

You are on Related Access Guides. Skip to the next section.

Related Access Guides

• Freeman Hospital Main Entrance link (new tab) - click here.