Access Guide
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
- 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)
-
Parking
View
- 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.
-
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 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).
-
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 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.
-
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.
Hospital Parking (Multi-Storey Car Park)
-
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.
Getting To (Ward 20 Ophthalmology and Day Care Unit)
- Ward 20 Ophthalmology and Day Care Unit is/are located On level 3 of the Claremont Wing.
- Access to Ward 20 Ophthalmology and Day Care Unit is via the Claremont Wing Entrance.
- After entering the Claremont Wing main entrance, follow the corridor to the lifts. Take the lift to level 3 and turn left. Ward 20 is directly ahead.
- There is step free access, via lift, to Ward 20 Ophthalmology and Day Care Unit.
- Ward 20 Ophthalmology and Day Care Unit is approximately 30m from the Lifts.
- There is a/are manual, heavy, double door(s) between the lifts and the department/service.
- 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.
- There is some flooring in corridors with large, repeating patterns that incorporate bold contrasting colours or simulate steps.
Outside Access (Main Entrance)
-
Entrance Details
View
- 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.
-
Comments
View
- 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
-
Steps
View
- 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.
-
Escalators
View
- 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.
-
Comments
View
- 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.
Waiting Room / Area
- There is a waiting room / area.
- The waiting room / area is approximately 43m from the ward 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 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 a space for a wheelchair user to wait within the seating area.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- Some chairs with armrests are 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.
- Subtitles are available.
- 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 space for an assistance dog to rest within the seating area.
- Lighting levels are medium.
Opening Times
- Monday 08:00 - 16:00.
- Tuesday 08:00 - 16:00.
- Wednesday 08:00 - 16:00.
- Thursday 08:00 - 16:00.
- Friday 08:00 - 16:00.
- Saturday Closed.
- Sunday Closed.
Ward (Ward 20 (Ophthalmology and Day care))
-
Ward Information
View
- This is a/an Ophthalmology ward.
- This is a shared ward.
- There is/are 7 bay(s) available.
- There is/are 6 side room(s) available.
- There is/are 34 bed(s) on this ward in total.
-
Ward Access
View
- There is a/are door(s) leading into the ward.
- The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The door(s) is/are heavy.
- There is not an intercom/bell at/near this ward entrance which is in a suitable position for people who require access or assistance (between 95cm - 105cm).
- The hand sanitiser is not in a suitable position for wheelchair users.
- The width of the door opening is 166cm (5ft 5in).
- 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 114cm.
- There is not a lowered section.
- There is not a hearing assistance system available at the desk.
-
Relatives' Room
View
- There is not a relatives room for the ward.
-
Ward Features and Patient Facilities
View
- A hearing assistance system can be brought in from another department/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 accessible toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
- There are standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
Consultation / Treatment Room (Treatment Room 1 Day Unit)
- There is / are 2 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
- The name / number of the room surveyed was; Treatment Room 1 Day Unit.
- 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 not sufficient space next to the bed/couch for a mobile hoist to operate.
- There is not a chair.
- 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.
Consultation / Treatment Room (Examination Room 1 Day Care)
- There is / are 2 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
- The name / number of the room surveyed was; Examination Room 1 Day Care.
- 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 87cm (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.
- Some chairs are permanently fixed.
- The chair(s) is/are 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.
Toilet with Adaptations
- There is an/are accessible toilet(s) within this venue designated for public use.
-
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 on the day care corridor.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 44m (48yd 4in) from the ward entrance.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
-
Features and Dimensions
View
- This is a unisex toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- The door opens inwards.
- The door is locked by a twist lock.
- The door is heavy.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 87cm (2ft 10in).
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 220cm x 242cm (7ft 3in x 7ft 11in).
- 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 right.
- The lateral transfer space is 165cm (5ft 5in).
- 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 fully functional.
- 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.
- As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
- There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
- The shelf is 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 45cm (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 placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the toilet roll holder is 115cm (3ft 9in).
- There is a soap dispenser.
- The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the soap dispenser is 81cm.
- 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.
Standard Toilet(s)
-
Availability and Location of Standard Toilets
View
- Standard toilet facilities are available.
-
Access to Standard Female and Male Toilet(s)
View
- The female and male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located on the main corridor.
- The female and male toilets are 43m (47yd 1in) from the ward entrance.
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilets.
- An ambulant toilet with wall mounted grab rails is available.
- Lighting levels are medium.