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.
Getting To (Ward 2)
- Ward 2A is/are located on level 3.
- Access to Ward 2A is via the main hospital entrance.
- After entering the main hospital entrance, continue ahead to the main lifts on the right. Take the lift to level 3 and on exiting turn right and then right again. Continue ahead to the rear of the corridor where Ward 2A is located.
- There is step free access, via lift, to Ward 2A.
- Ward 2A is approximately 29m from the 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.
Opening Times (Visiting Hours)
- Monday 14:00 - 16:00.
- Monday 18:00 - 20:00.
- Tuesday 14:00 - 16:00.
- Tuesday 18:00 - 20:00.
- Wednesday 14:00 - 16:00.
- Wednesday 18:00 - 20:00.
- Thursday 14:00 - 16:00.
- Thursday 18:00 - 20:00.
- Friday 14:00 - 16:00.
- Friday 18:00 - 20:00.
- Saturday 14:00 - 16:00.
- Saturday 18:00 - 20:00.
- Sunday 14:00 - 16:00.
- Sunday 18:00 - 20:00.
Entrance (Ward 2)
-
Entrance Details
View
- This information is for the entrance located on level 3.
- The entrance area/door is 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 190cm.
Ward (Ward 2A)
-
Ward Information
View
- This is a/an children's ward.
- This is a shared ward.
- There is/are 2 bay(s) available.
- There is/are 14 side room(s) available.
- There is/are 22 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 160cm (5ft 3in).
- The hand sanitiser is not in a suitable position for wheelchair users.
- 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 103cm.
- 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 are multiple side rooms available with accessible ensuites.
- The side room surveyed does have an accessible ensuite.
- The width of the door opening into the side room is over 75cm.
- The side room surveyed does have a ceiling track hoist.
- The hoist covers the bed and the toilet.
- 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 high.
- 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 toilet and a wash basin.
- The colour contrast between the walls and the floor in the ensuite is high.
- The lighting levels in the ensuite are bright.
-
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 standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
Waiting Room / Area (Parent's Sitting Room)
- There is a waiting room / area.
- The waiting room / area is approximately 6m 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.
- The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
- The width of the door opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
- The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
- There is not 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 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 not space for an assistance dog to rest within the seating area.
- Lighting levels are bright.
Washroom (Ensuite Bed 1)
-
Washroom Details
View
- The accessible washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
- The accessible washroom surveyed is located within side room 1.
- The accessible washroom surveyed is approximately 22m from the ward entrance.
- There is step free access to the accessible washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
- This is a shared accessible washroom.
- The accessible washroom is not for the sole use of disabled people.
- There is no additional signage on or near the accessible washroom door.
- The accessible 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 87cm (2ft 10in).
- The dimensions of the accessible washroom are 233cm x 308cm (7ft 8in x 10ft 1in).
- The accessible 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 out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor).
- There is also a push button alarm system in this accessible washroom.
- There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the accessible washroom.
- There is not a coat hook in the accessible washroom.
- 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 75cm.
- As you face the wash basin the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
- 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 88cm.
- There is a towel dispenser.
- The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the towel dispenser is 106cm.
- There is not a hand dryer.
- Disposal facilities are available.
- The accessible washroom has a non-slip floor.
- The accessible washroom surveyed does have a ceiling tracking hoist.
- The hoist covers the toilet.
-
Toilet Details
View
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
- 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 both sides.
- The lateral transfer space on the left is 155cm.
- The lateral transfer space on the right is 104cm.
- There is a flush on the transfer side.
- There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
- As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
- There is a toilet roll holder.
- The toilet roll holder cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the toilet roll holder is 107cm.
- There is not a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
-
Shower Details
View
- There is a wheel in shower.
- The shower head height is fixed.
- The height of the shower head is 197cm (6ft 6in).
- The shower control type is lever.
- There is a flip down/tip up seat for the shower.
- The height of the flip down/tip up or fixed seat is 48cm (1ft 7in).
- There are wall-mounted grab rails available.
-
Colour Contrast and Lighting
View
- The colour contrast between the external accessible washroom door and wall is good.
- The colour contrast between the internal accessible washroom door and wall is good.
- The colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
- The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall is good.
- The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet and wall is good.
- The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
- The colour contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is good.
- The colour contrast between the accessible washroom floor and walls is good.
- Lighting levels are medium.
Washroom (Ward)
-
Washroom Details
View
- The accessible washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
- There is/are 1 accessible washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
- The accessible washroom surveyed is located on the right of the main corridor.
- The accessible washroom surveyed is approximately 15m from the ward entrance.
- There is step free access to the accessible washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
- This is a shared accessible washroom.
- The accessible washroom is not for the sole use of disabled people.
- There is written or text signage on or near the accessible washroom door.
- The accessible washroom door(s) open(s) inwards.
- 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 86cm (2ft 10in).
- The dimensions of the accessible washroom are 164cm x 305cm (5ft 5in x 10ft).
- The accessible 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 out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor).
- There is also a push button alarm system in this accessible washroom.
- There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the accessible washroom.
- There are coat hooks at 155cm and 160cm 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 75cm.
- As you face the wash basin the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
- 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 87cm.
- There is a towel dispenser.
- The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the towel dispenser is 106cm.
- There is not a hand dryer.
- Disposal facilities are available.
- The accessible washroom has a non-slip floor.
- The accessible washroom surveyed does not have a ceiling tracking hoist.
-
Toilet Details
View
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
- 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 both sides.
- The lateral transfer space on the left is 210cm.
- The lateral transfer space on the right is 150cm.
- There is a flush on the transfer side.
- There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
- As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
- There is a toilet roll holder.
- The toilet roll holder cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the toilet roll holder is 120cm.
- There is not a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
-
Shower Details
View
- There is a wheel in shower.
- The shower head height is fixed.
- The height of the shower head is 198cm (6ft 6in).
- The shower control type is lever.
- There is a flip down/tip up seat for the shower.
- The height of the flip down/tip up or fixed seat is 48cm (1ft 7in).
- There are wall-mounted grab rails available.
-
Colour Contrast and Lighting
View
- The colour contrast between the external accessible washroom door and wall is good.
- The colour contrast between the internal accessible washroom door and wall is good.
- The colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
- The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall is good.
- The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet and wall is good.
- The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
- The colour contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is good.
- The colour contrast between the accessible washroom floor and walls is good.
- Lighting levels are medium.
Washroom (Parent's)
-
Washroom Details
View
- The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower, a bath and a toilet.
- There is/are 1 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
- The washroom surveyed is located on the left of the right side corridor.
- The washroom surveyed is approximately 24m from the ward entrance.
- There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
- This is a shared washroom.
- There is written or text signage on or near the washroom door.
- The washroom door(s) open(s) inwards.
- 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 87cm (2ft 10in).
- The dimensions of the washroom are 293cm x 192cm (9ft 7in x 6ft 4in).
- The washroom does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- There is not an emergency pull cord alarm.
- There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
- There is not a coat hook in the washroom.
- There is a mirror.
- There is not 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 86cm.
- 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 118cm.
- There is a towel dispenser.
- The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the towel dispenser is 132cm.
- 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 48cm (1ft 7in).
- 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 right.
- The lateral transfer space is 132cm.
- There is a flush 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 89cm.
- There is not a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
-
Shower Details
View
- The height of the shower head is 198cm (6ft 6in).
- There is a wheel in shower.
- The shower head height is fixed.
- The shower control type is lever.
- There is no seat for the shower.
- There are not wall-mounted grab rails available.
-
Colour Contrast and Lighting
View
- The colour contrast between the external washroom door and wall is high.
- The colour contrast between the internal washroom door and wall is high.
- The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
- The colour contrast between the washroom floor and walls is high.
- 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 to the left as you enter.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) 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 by sliding.
- 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 176cm x 230cm (5ft 9in x 7ft 7in).
- 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 111cm (3ft 8in).
- 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 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 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 not 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 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 104cm (3ft 5in).
- 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 87cm.
- 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.