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 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.
• By Bus View
  • 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.
• By Train View
  • The nearest National Rail station is Newcastle.
• By Underground View
  • The nearest Metro Station is Haymarket.
• Useful Links View
  • This link explains how to find the Royal Victoria Infirmary.
  • 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 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.

You are on Hospital Parking (Leazes Wing Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Hospital Parking (Leazes Wing Entrance)

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• Parking View
  • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
  • The car parking facilities are for Blue Badge holders only.
  • The car park is located to the right of the Wing entrance as you face the building.
  • 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 and signposted.
  • There is/are 4 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the hospital car park.
  • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 370cm x 500cm.
  • 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 in 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 not parking charges for the hospital 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 inside the hospital building.
• 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 dropped kerbs.
  • The hospital entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
  • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 46m (50yd 11in) from the main Leazes Wing 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 Hospital Parking (Multi-Storey Car Park). Skip to the next section.

Hospital Parking (Multi-Storey Car Park)

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• Parking View
  • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
  • The car park is located at the rear of the hospital.
  • The car park type is multi storey.
  • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • The car park does have a barrier control system.
  • The barrier controls/touchscreen can be reached from the car.
  • The car park surface is concrete.
  • There is a/are 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 374cm x 483cm (12ft 3in x 15ft 10in).
  • 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.
• Drop-off Point View
  • There is not a designated drop-off point.
• Paying View
  • There are parking charges for the hospital car park.
  • Payment signs are provided.
  • Payment signs are clearly presented.
  • Payment signs are located at the payment machines in the hospital building.
  • Payment signs are located on level 4 and 5.
  • Payment signs do not make it clear if parking charges apply to Blue Badge holders.
  • Parking is not free for Blue Badge holders.
  • Payment machines are located on level 4 of the car park.
  • Payment machines are located level 5.
  • There is not 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).
• 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 not clearly visible from the car park.
  • The route from the car park to the hospital entrance is clearly signposted.

You are on Getting To (Clinical Research Facility). Skip to the next section.

Getting To (Clinical Research Facility)

• The Clinical Research Facility is/are located on Level 6 of the Leazes Wing.
• Access to the Clinical Research Facility is via the Leazes Wing main entrance.
• After entering the Leazes Wing main entrance, continue ahead to the rear of the foyer. Turn into the main corridor and follow signage to the West Block lifts. Take the lift to level 6. Exit the lift, turn left through the open doors and turn left again. The Clinical Research Facility is located at the end of the corridor.
• There is step free access, via lift, to the Clinical Research Facility.
• The Clinical Research Facility is approximately 13m from the lifts.
• Wayfinding signage is provided.
• There is some flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.

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

Outside Access (Leazes Wing Main Entrance)

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• Entrance Details View
  • This information is for the entrance located to the left of the Blue Badge parking bays.
  • 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 bell is not in a suitable position to allow wheelchair users to gain access.
  • The intercom is not in a suitable position to allow wheelchair users to gain access.
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
  • The door(s) is/are double width.
  • The width of the door opening is 166cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
  • There is a second set of doors.
  • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
  • The door(s) is/are double width.
  • The width of the door opening is 154cm.
  • 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 level 2 to level 6.
  • 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 bright.

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

Lift (West Block Lifts)

• There is a lift for public use.
• The lift is located past reception, turn left along the corridor then to the left.
• The lift is approximately 48m (52yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
• The lift is a standard lift.
• The floors which are accessible by this lift are level 2 to level 6.
• Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
• The clear door width is 122cm (4ft).
• The dimensions of the lift are 150cm x 270cm (4ft 11in x 8ft 10in).
• 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 have Braille markings.
• The lift does have tactile markings.
• The lighting level in the lift is medium.

You are on Entrance (Clinical Research Facility Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Entrance (Clinical Research Facility Entrance)

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• Entrance Details View
  • This information is for the entrance located on level 6 of the Leazes Wing.
  • 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 intercom is not in a suitable position to allow wheelchair users to gain access.
  • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
  • The door(s) is/are double width.
  • The door(s) is/are heavy.
  • The width of the door opening is 160cm.

You are on Reception (CRF Reception). Skip to the next section.

Reception (CRF Reception)

• The CRF Reception is located to the right as you enter the unit.
• The reception area/desk is approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the main 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 high (110cm+).
• There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the desk.
• There is a low section of the desk (76cm or below) available.
• There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the low section of the desk.
• There is a clear knee recess beneath the low section of the desk.
• The desk is staffed.
• There is a hearing assistance system.
• The type of system is a fixed loop.
• The hearing assistance system is signed.
• Staff are not trained to use the system.

You are on Inside Access. Skip to the next section.

Inside Access

• There is level access once inside.
• This venue does not play background music.
• Motorised scooters are allowed in public parts of the venue.
• Wayfinding signage is not available.
• Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
• The type of flooring in walkways and corridors is vinyl/laminate and wood.
• There is flooring in corridors with a very shiny finish which could cause issues with glare or be perceived as slippery.
• The lighting levels are medium.

You are on Waiting Room / Area. Skip to the next section.

Waiting Room / Area

• There is a waiting room / area.
• The waiting room / area is approximately 6m from the main 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 carpet.
• There is a space for a wheelchair user to wait within the seating area.
• No chairs are permanently fixed.
• Some chairs with armrests are available.
• Some tables are permanently fixed.
• Announcements are in person.
• The waiting room / area does not have background music playing.
• There is not 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 available.
• There is not 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.

You are on Ward. Skip to the next section.

Ward

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• Ward Information View
  • This is a/an Clinical Research ward.
  • This is a shared ward.
  • There is/are 2 bay(s) available.
  • There is/are 2 side room(s) available.
  • There is/are 6 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.
  • 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 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 Nurses' Station desk is 113cm.
  • There is a lowered section.
  • The height of the lowered section of the desk is 77cm.
  • There is not 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 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 not sufficient space next to the bed for a mobile hoist to operate.
  • There is not 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 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 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 available on the ward.
• Visitor Facilities View
  • There are accessible toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
  • There are no standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
  • Standard toilet facilities for visitors are located in the Leazes Wing main foyer.

You are on Consultation / Treatment Room (Clinical Assessment Room Ward). Skip to the next section.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Clinical Assessment Room Ward)

• There is / are 1 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
• The name / number of the room surveyed was; Clinical Assessment 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 88cm (2ft 11in).
• 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 adjustable.
• There are some chairs with armrests available.
• Some 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 Consultation / Treatment Room (Consulting Room 1). Skip to the next section.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Consulting Room 1)

• There is / are 7 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
• The name / number of the room surveyed was; Consulting Room 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 76cm (2ft 6in).
• 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 adjustable.
• There are no chairs with armrests available.
• No 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 Washroom (Bedroom 2). Skip to the next section.

Washroom (Bedroom 2)

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• Washroom Details View
  • The washroom surveyed has a shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
  • There is/are 2 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
  • The washroom surveyed is located within bedroom 2.
  • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
  • This is an interchangeable between male and female washroom.
  • There is pictorial and written or text 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 77cm (2ft 6in).
  • The dimensions of the washroom are 183cm x 152cm (6ft x 4ft 12in).
  • 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) 173cm 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 84cm.
  • As you face the wash basin the wall-mounted grab rails are on the left.
  • The tap type is twist/turn. It is not 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 91cm.
  • There is a towel dispenser.
  • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The height of the towel dispenser is 122cm.
  • 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 left.
  • The lateral transfer space is 60cm.
  • 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 can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The height of the toilet roll holder is 110cm.
  • There is not a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
• Shower Details View
  • There is not a wheel in shower.
  • The shower head is height adjustable.
  • The shower control type is lever.
  • There is no seat for the shower.
  • There are not wall-mounted grab rails available.
  • The shower cubicle is accessed via a medium step.
• Colour Contrast and Lighting View
  • The colour contrast between the external washroom door and wall is poor.
  • The colour contrast between the internal washroom door and wall is poor.
  • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
  • Lighting levels are medium.

You are on Accessible Toilet (Ward). Skip to the next section.

Accessible Toilet (Ward)

• Accessible toilet facilities are available.

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• Location and Access View
  • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
  • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
  • This accessible toilet is located on the left of the ward main corridor.
  • This accessible toilet is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the ward entrance.
  • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
• Features and Dimensions View
  • This is a shared toilet.
  • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
  • The door opens outwards.
  • 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 226cm x 188cm (7ft 5in x 6ft 2in).
  • 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 left.
  • The lateral transfer space is 88cm (2ft 11in).
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • There is a flush, however it is not 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 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 available for the toilet.
  • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
  • 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 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 not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • 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 86cm.
  • 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 colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
  • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
  • There is a poor colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
  • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
  • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
  • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
  • The lighting levels are medium.

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 to the left of the reception.
  • The shared toilet(s) is/are approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the main 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

• To view other Detailed Access Guides that are related to this one please use the links below.
• Royal Victoria Infirmary Main Entrance link (new tab) - click here.
• Leazes Wing Main Entrance link (new tab) - click here.