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 Getting To (Newcastle Birthing Centre). Skip to the next section.

Getting To (Newcastle Birthing Centre)

• Newcastle Birthing Centre is/are located to the left as you enter the Leazes Wing entrance.
• Access to Newcastle Birthing Centre is via the Leazes Wing entrance.
• When entering the Leazes Wing entrance turn left before reaching the reception. Newcastle Birthing Centre is located ahead of you.
• There is step free access to Newcastle Birthing Centre.
• Newcastle Birthing Centre is approximately 16m from the Leazes Wing entrance.
• 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.
• There is some flooring in corridors which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes 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 Opening Times. Skip to the next section.

Opening Times

• The Birthing Centre is open 24 hours.

You are on Entrance (Centre). Skip to the next section.

Entrance (Centre)

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• Entrance Details View
  • This information is for the entrance located to the left as you enter the Leazes Wing entrance.
  • The entrance area/door is clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
  • There is step free access at this entrance.
  • The intercom is not in a suitable position to allow wheelchair users to gain access.
  • The hand sanitiser is not in a suitable position for wheelchair users.
  • 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 170cm.

You are on Reception. Skip to the next section.

Reception

• The centre reception is located ahead as you enter the centre entrance.
• The reception area/desk is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the centre 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 not a clear knee recess beneath the low section of the desk.
• The desk is staffed.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.

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

Inside Access

• There is level access once inside.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• This venue does not play background music.
• The type of flooring in walkways and corridors is vinyl/laminate.
• 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 varied.

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 10m from the centre 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 a space for a wheelchair user to wait within the seating area.
• No chairs are permanently fixed.
• All chairs have armrests.
• 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 not a television.
• 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 birthing ward.
  • This is a female ward.
  • There is/are 0 bay(s) available.
  • There is/are 12 side room(s) available.
  • There is/are 12 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.
  • 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 door(s) is/are heavy.
  • The width of the door opening is 150cm (4ft 11in).
  • There is level access throughout the ward.
  • There is clear signage on the ward.
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is flooring on the ward with a very shiny finish which could cause issues with glare or be perceived as slippery.
  • The lighting levels are medium.
• Reception/Nurses' Station View
  • The height of the Nurses' Station desk is 110cm.
  • There is a lowered section.
  • The height of the lowered section of the desk is 75cm.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system available at the desk.
• Example Side Room View
  • There is one side room available with an accessible ensuite.
  • 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 good.
  • The lighting levels in the side room are medium.
  • The width of the door opening into the ensuite is over 75cm.
  • There is 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 not 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 in the Birthing Centre reception area.
  • There are no standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
  • Standard toilet facilities for visitors are located on the level 3 corridor of the Leazes Wing.

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

Washroom (Side Room)

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• Washroom Details View
  • The washroom surveyed has a shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
  • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
  • This is a female 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 light to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 85cm (2ft 9in).
  • The dimensions of the washroom are 239cm x 204cm (7ft 10in x 6ft 8in).
  • 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 within reach and fully functional.
  • There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
  • There is a/are coat hook(s) 155cm from the floor.
  • There is a mirror.
  • There is a tall mirror, with suitable specifictions, for ease of use.
  • There is a wash basin.
  • The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The height of the wash basin is 79cm.
  • 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 135cm.
  • There is a towel dispenser.
  • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The height of the towel dispenser is 130cm.
  • 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 43cm (1ft 5in).
  • The cistern is not close coupled and no back rest is provided.
  • There is not a lateral transfer space.
  • 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 84cm.
  • There is 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 twist/turn.
  • There is no seat for the shower.
  • There are not wall-mounted grab rails available.
  • The shower tray is accessed via a deep step.
• 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 washroom floor and walls is good.
  • Lighting levels are medium.

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

Consultation / Treatment Room

• There is / are 2 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
• The name / number of the room surveyed was; Consulting 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.
• 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 room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• There is not a bed / couch.
• A hoist can be brought in from another department.
• There is a chair.
• No chairs are permanently fixed.
• The chair(s) is not/are not adjustable.
• There are some 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 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 opposite the waiting area.
  • This accessible toilet is approximately 16m (17yd 1ft) from the centre 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 outwards.
  • The door is locked by a lever twist.
  • The door is heavy.
  • The width of the accessible toilet door is 85cm (2ft 9in).
  • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 170cm x 194cm (5ft 7in x 6ft 4in).
  • The accessible toilet does not 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 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • 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 fully functional.
  • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
  • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the cubicle.
  • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
• Position of Fixtures View
  • Wall-mounted grab rails are available.
  • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
  • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
  • There is not a mirror.
  • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 46cm (1ft 6in).
  • 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 can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The height of the soap dispenser is 104cm.
  • 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 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.
• Baby Changing Facilities View
  • Baby changing facilities are available within this accessible toilet.
  • The height of the baby change table once extended is 94cm (3ft 1in).

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

Standard Toilet(s)

• The nearest standard toilets are located on the level 3 corridor of the Leazes Wing.

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

Related Access Guides

• Royal Victoria Infirmary Main Entrance link (new tab) - click here.
• Leazes Wing Main Entrance link (new tab) - click here.