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Maternity Assessment Unit

Royal Victoria Infirmary, Queen Victoria Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4LP

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Access Guide

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Getting To The Hospital

  • 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

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 (Leazes Wing Entrance)

  • 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.

Getting To (The Maternity Assessment Unit)

  • The Maternity Assessment Unit is/are located on level 4 of the Leazes Wing.
  • Access to the Maternity Assessment Unit is via the Leazes Wing Main Entrance.
  • After entering the Leazes Wing main entrance, continue ahead to the rear of the foyer. Turn left into the main corridor and follow signage to the West Block lifts. Take the lift to level 4, on exiting turn left and go through the Maternity Unit Entrance, then turn immediately left and right around the Maternity Admissions desk. Staff at the desk will need to open the locked doors to allow access to the corridor which then leads to the Maternity Assessment Unit.
  • There is step free access, via lift, to the Maternity Assessment Unit.
  • The Maternity Assessment Unit is approximately 32m from the Leazes Wing West Block lifts.
  • There is a/are manual, heavy, double door(s) between the West Block Lift and the department/service.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • There is flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.

Outside Access (Leazes Wing Main Entrance)

  • 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.

Other Floors

  • 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.

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.

Entrance (Maternity Unit Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located on level 4 of 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 main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 166cm.

Entrance (Access to Delivery Suite and Maternity Assessment Unit)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the left of the Maternity Admission desk.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • 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 162cm.
  • Comments View
    • This door is always locked.
    • It can be unlocked remotely for visitors by staff at the Maternity Admissions desk.

Opening Times

  • This service is open 24 hours.

Entrance (Maternity Assessment Unit Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located on level 4 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.
    • The hand sanitiser is not in a suitable position for wheelchair users.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 154cm.

Reception

  • The Maternity Assessment Unit reception is located immediately beyond the entrance.
  • The reception area/desk is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the Maternity Assessment Unit 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 low.
  • The height of the reception desk is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • There is not 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 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.

Inside Access

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

Waiting Room / Area

  • There is a waiting room / area.
  • The waiting room / area is approximately 8m from the Maternity Assessment Unit 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.
  • All chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Chairs with armrests are not available.
  • No 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.
  • Vending machines are not available.
  • A water dispenser is not available.
  • There is not a play area or toys/books for a child to play with.
  • There is not space for an assistance dog to rest within the seating area.
  • Lighting levels are medium.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Assessment Room 1)

  • There is / are 2 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Assessment 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 with a locked extension leaf.
  • The door(s) is/are heavy.
  • The width of the door opening is 130cm (4ft 3in).
  • 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 bright.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Ultrasound Room)

  • There is / are 2 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Ultrasound 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 an open extension leaf.
  • The door(s) is/are heavy.
  • The width of the door opening is 132cm (4ft 4in).
  • 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.
  • The room does not have background music playing.
  • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • Lighting levels are adjustable.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Main Daycare Bay)

  • There is / are 1 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Main Daycare Bay.
  • There is level access to the consultation / treatment room.
  • There is not a/are not door(s) into the consultation / treatment room.
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is not a bed / couch.
  • There is a chair.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • There are some chairs with armrests available.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • The room does have background music playing.
  • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • Lighting levels are medium.

Accessible Toilet

  • The nearest accessible toilet is located in the Ante Natal Clinic waiting area.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Female Toilet(s) View
    • The female toilet facilities that were surveyed are located in the main daycare area.
    • The female toilet(s) is/are approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the Maternity Assessment Unit Entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female toilet(s).
    • An ambulant toilet with wall mounted grab rails is not available.
    • Lighting levels are bright.
    • An ambulant toilet with wall mounted grab rails is not available.
  • Comments View
    • There are additional female standard toilets in the assessment rooms.

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