Access Guide
Getting To The Hospital
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By Road
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- The main hospital entrance to the Royal Victoria Infirmary is located off Queen Victoria Road. The Leazes Wing entrance is located off Richardson Road. If you are using a sat nav to find the hospital please use the postcode NE1 4LP.
- The Blue Badge parking areas and the multi storey car park are located off Queen Victoria Road.
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By Bus
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- The nearest bus stop to the Royal Victoria Infirmary main entrance is located on St Thomas Street. Bus services 16, 15, 32 and 50 run from this stop. The nearest bus stop to the Leazes Wing entrance is located on Richardson Road, opposite this entrance.
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By Train
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- The nearest National Rail station is Newcastle.
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By Underground
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- The nearest Metro Station is Haymarket.
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Useful Links
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- This link explains how to find the Royal Victoria Infirmary.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
Getting Help and Assistance
- There is a Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) at the hospital.
- The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is located in the ground floor Atrium.
- The telephone number for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is 0800 032 0202.
- 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.
- Volunteers do receive disability awareness / equality training.
- Hospital staff do receive disability awareness / equality training.
- Volunteers can be found at the information point on the first floor.
- No hospital staff receive deaf awareness training.
- Documents are available in an alternative format and can be provided to include: Braille on request, large print on request, Makaton on request and different languages on request.
- There is not an assistance dog toilet or toileting area on the hospital site.
- Water bowls for assistance dogs are available.
- Mobility aids are available to help patients move around and include; wheelchairs.
- To obtain mobility aids please contact main reception.
- There is a Changing Places facility at this hospital which is located on Level 3 in the Victoria Wing.
- 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.
Hospital Parking (Main Car Park)
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Parking
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- The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
- The car park is located at the 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 not have a barrier control system.
- 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 360cm x 600cm.
- The dimensions of other designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) vary in size.
- Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
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Drop-off Point
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- There is a designated drop-off point.
- The drop-off point is located in front of the main entrance.
- There is a dropped kerb from the drop-off point.
- The dropped kerb does not have tactile paving.
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Paying
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- 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 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 not a payment machine at a convenient height for wheelchair users.
- To see the hospital parking charges please click here (opens new tab).
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Access to the Hospital
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- 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 uneven surfaces.
- The hospital entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
- The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 78m (85yd 11in) from the main entrance.
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Comments
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- 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.
Getting To (Ward 2)
- Ward 2 is/are located on the third floor.
- Access to Ward 2 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 third floor and on exiting turn right and then right again. Continue ahead to the rear of the corridor where ward 2 is located.
- There is step free access, via lift, to Ward 2.
- Ward 2 is approximately 37m from the lift.
- Wayfinding signage is provided.
- Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
- There is flooring in corridors with a very shiny finish which could cause issues with glare or be perceived as slippery.
Outside Access (Main Entrance)
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Entrance Details
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- This information is for the entrance located at the front of the hospital.
- The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
- There is step free 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 220cm.
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Comments
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- There is a touch button available that is used to slow the door.
- The touch button is at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
Other Floors
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Steps
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- The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The stairs are located on the right hand corridor as you enter through the main entrance.
- The stairs are approximately 25m from the main entrance.
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- The steps are clearly marked.
- The steps are deep (18cm+).
- The steps do have handrails.
- The steps have a handrail on both sides.
- There is a landing.
- The lighting levels are low to moderate.
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Escalators
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- Escalator(s) can be used to access other floors.
- The floors which are accessible by escalator are G, 1.
- The escalators steps are not clearly marked.
- The foot and head of the escalators are not clearly marked.
- The lighting levels are good.
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Comments
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- Escalators are located ahead as you enter through the main entrance - 19m from the main entrance.
Lift (Main)
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located to the right as you enter through the main entrance.
- The lift is approximately 17m (18yd 1ft) from the main hospital entrance.
- The lift is a standard lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
- The clear door width is 110cm (3ft 7in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 160cm x 140cm (5ft 3in x 4ft 7in).
- There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
- There is 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 within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
- The lift does not have Braille markings.
- The lift does have tactile markings.
- The lighting level in the lift is moderate to good.
Opening Times (Visiting Hours)
- Monday 18:00 - 20:00.
- Monday 14:00 - 16:00.
- Tuesday 14:00 - 16:00.
- Tuesday 18:00 - 20:00.
- Wednesday 18:00 - 20:00.
- Wednesday 14:00 - 16:00.
- Thursday 18:00 - 20:00.
- Thursday 14:00 - 16:00.
- Friday 14:00 - 16:00.
- Friday 18:00 - 20:00.
- Saturday 14:00 - 16:00.
- Saturday 18:00 - 20:00.
- Sunday 14:00 - 16:00.
- Sunday 18:00 - 20:00.
Entrance (Ward 2)
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Entrance Details
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- This information is for the entrance located on the third floor.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
- There is step free access at this entrance, via lift.
- The main door(s) open(s) both ways.
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The door(s) is/are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 162cm.
Reception (Day Unit Reception)
- The Day Unit Reception is located within the waiting room.
- The reception area/desk is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the waiting room 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 medium height (77cm - 109cm).
- There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the desk.
- There is not a low section of the desk (76cm or below) available.
- The desk is 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 2 entrance.
- There is level access into the waiting room / area.
- There is a/are door(s) into the waiting room / area.
- 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 86cm (2ft 10in).
- The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
- There is a space for a wheelchair user to wait within the seating area.
- All chairs are permanently fixed.
- Some chairs with armrests are available.
- All tables are permanently fixed.
- Announcements are in person.
- The waiting room / area does not have background music playing.
- There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the waiting room / area.
- There is not a television.
- Vending machines are not available.
- A water dispenser is 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.
Ward
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Ward Information
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- This is a/an Children's And Young People's Programmed Investigation 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.
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Ward Access
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- 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 160cm (5ft 3in).
- There is level access throughout the ward.
- There is no 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.
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Reception/Nurses' Station
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- The height of the Nurses' Station desk is 102cm.
- There is not a lowered section.
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Example Side Room
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- There are multiple side rooms available with accessible ensuites.
- The side room surveyed does not 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 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.
- The colour contrast between the walls and the floor in the ensuite is high.
- The lighting levels in the ensuite are medium.
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Ward Features and Patient Facilities
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- 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.
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Visitor Facilities
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- There are accessible toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
- There are standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
Consultation / Treatment Room (Consultation Room 2)
- There is / are 3 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
- The name / number of the room surveyed was; 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 with a locked extension leaf.
- The door(s) is/are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 88cm (2ft 11in).
- The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- There is a bed / couch.
- 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 adjustable.
- There are no chairs with armrests available.
- Some tables are permanently fixed.
- The room does not have background music playing.
- There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
- Lighting levels are bright.
Washroom (Ensuite Bed 36)
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Washroom Details
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- The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
- The washroom surveyed is located within bed 36.
- There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
- This is a shared washroom.
- There is no additional 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(s) is/are heavy to open.
- The width of the door opening is 87cm (2ft 10in).
- The dimensions of the washroom are 243cm x 151cm (7ft 12in x 4ft 11in).
- 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 not a coat hook in the washroom.
- 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.
- 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 120cm.
- There is a towel dispenser.
- The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the towel dispenser is 118cm.
- There is not a hand dryer.
- Disposal facilities are available.
- The washroom has a non-slip floor.
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Toilet Details
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- 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 not a lateral transfer space.
- There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
- 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 100cm.
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Shower Details
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- The height of the shower head is 189cm (6ft 2in).
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Toilet Details
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- There is not a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
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Shower Details
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- There is a wheel in shower.
- The shower head height is fixed.
- The shower control type is lever.
- There is no seat for the shower.
- There are wall-mounted grab rails available.
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- The colour contrast between the external washroom door and wall is high.
- The colour 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 colour contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is high.
- The colour contrast between the washroom floor and walls is high.
- Lighting levels are low.
Washroom
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Washroom Details
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- The washroom surveyed has a bath, a toilet and a wash basin.
- There is/are 1 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
- There is/are also 1 washroom(s) which has/have a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
- There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
- This is a shared washroom.
- The washroom is not for the sole use of disabled people.
- There is no additional 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 88cm (2ft 11in).
- The dimensions of the washroom are 329cm x 413cm (10ft 10in x 13ft 7in).
- 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 flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
- There is a/are coat hook(s) 160cm 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 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 cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the soap dispenser is 87cm.
- There is a towel dispenser.
- The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the towel dispenser is 107cm.
- There is not a hand dryer.
- Disposal facilities are available.
- The washroom has a non-slip floor.
- The washroom surveyed does have a ceiling tracking hoist.
- The hoist covers all areas.
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Toilet Details
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- 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 not a lateral transfer space.
- There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
- There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
- As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
- 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 92cm.
- There is not a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
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Bath Details
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- The height of the side of the bath from floor level is 93cm (3ft 1in).
- The bath is height adjustable.
- The bath tap type is twist/turn. It is a mixer tap.
- There is a shower over/for the bath.
- The shower head is hand held.
- There are not wall-mounted grab rails available.
- A bath hoist is available.
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- 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 good.
- The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall is good.
- The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet and wall is good.
- The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
- The colour contrast between the washroom floor and walls is good.
- Lighting levels are medium.
Washroom (Parent's)
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Washroom Details
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- 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.
- There is/are also 1 washroom(s) which has/have a bath, a toilet and a wash basin.
- The washroom surveyed is located straight ahead as you enter.
- The washroom surveyed is approximately 7m 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 86cm (2ft 10in).
- The dimensions of the washroom are 203cm x 205cm (6ft 8in x 6ft 9in).
- The washroom does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- There is not an emergency pull cord alarm.
- There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
- There is a/are coat hook(s) 159cm 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 can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the wash basin is 87cm.
- 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 120cm.
- There is a towel dispenser.
- The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the towel dispenser is 137cm.
- There is not a hand dryer.
- Disposal facilities are available.
- The washroom has a non-slip floor.
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Toilet Details
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- 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 right.
- The lateral transfer space is 129cm.
- There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
- There is no dropdown rail for 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 145cm.
- There is a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
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Shower Details
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- 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 twist/turn.
- There is no seat for the shower.
- There are not wall-mounted grab rails available.
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- The colour contrast between the external washroom door and wall is medium.
- The colour contrast between the internal washroom door and wall is high.
- The colour contrast between the washroom floor and walls is high.
- Lighting levels are medium.
Toilet with Adaptations
- There is an/are accessible toilet(s) within this venue designated for public use.
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Location and Access
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- 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 on left off the main corridor.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 39m (42yd 1ft) from the ward entrance.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
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Features and Dimensions
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- This is a unisex toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- The door opens by sliding.
- The door is locked by a twist lock.
- The door is heavy.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 87cm (2ft 10in).
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 231cm x 166cm (7ft 7in x 5ft 5in).
- 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 107cm (3ft 6in).
- 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).
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Position of Fixtures
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- Wall-mounted grab rails are available.
- As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on the right.
- 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 104cm (3ft 5in).
- 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 89cm.
- 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).
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- 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 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.