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Ward 21

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 (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 21)

  • Ward 21 is/are located On level 3 of the Claremont Wing.
  • Access to Ward 21 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 on exiting turn left. Ward 21 is directly ahead.
  • There is step free access, via lift, to Ward 21.
  • Ward 21 is approximately 30m from the Claremont Wing lifts.
  • 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.

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.

Entrance (Claremont Wing)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located on level 2 of the Royal Victoria Infirmary.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • 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 252cm.
  • Ramp/Slope Details View
    • The ramp/slope is located to the right as you face the Claremont entrance and then immediatly beyond.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is easy.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides going up.
    • The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are medium.
    • The ramp/slope bypasses bypass the step(s).
  • Step Details View
    • The step(s) is/are located to the left as you face the Claremont entrance.
    • There is/are 10 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • The step(s) is/are deep (18cm+).
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides going up.
    • The lighting levels at the step(s) are medium.

Other Floors (Claremont Staircase to Wards 20, 21, 22 and 23)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are 2, 3, 4.
    • The stairs are located in the main corridor of the eye clinic, on the right.
    • The stairs are approximately 10m from the eye clinic 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.
  • Comments View
    • There are double manual, heavy doors to enter/exit the stairwell on all levels.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located at the bottom of the Claremont main entrance corridor.
  • The lift is approximately 30m (32yd 2ft) from the Claremont entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are 2, 3, 4, 5.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 142cm (4ft 8in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 181cm x 267cm (5ft 11in x 8ft 9in).
  • 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 good.

Opening Times

  • Monday 09:00 - 17:00.
  • Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00.
  • Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00.
  • Thursday 09:00 - 17:00.
  • Friday 09:00 - 17:00.
  • Saturday 09:00 - 17:00.
  • Sunday 09:00 - 17:00.

Waiting Room / Area

  • The vending machine controls are not within 120cm (4ft) from floor level.
  • 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 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.

Ward

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a/an day case ophthalmology ward.
    • This is a shared ward.
    • There is/are 2 bay(s) available.
    • There is/are 0 side room(s) available.
    • There is/are 0 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 permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 160cm (5ft 3in).
    • 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 which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • There is some flooring on the ward which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Reception/Nurses' Station View
    • The height of the ward reception desk is 75cm.
    • There is a lowered section.
    • The height of the lowered section of the desk is 62cm.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system available at the desk.
  • 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 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.
  • Comments View
    • This is an ultra green ward and visiting hours may be subject to change. Please contact the venue directly for confirmation of visiting hours.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Scan Room)

  • There is / are 1 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Scan 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 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • 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/are adjustable.
  • All chairs have 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.

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 within the chaging area.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is not a unisex 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 152cm x 187cm (4ft 12in x 6ft 2in).
    • 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 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • 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 twist/turn.
    • 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.
  • 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 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 107cm (3ft 6in).
    • 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 84cm.
    • 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 contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are medium.

Standard Toilet(s)

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