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Ward 42

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 (Ward 42)

  • Ward 42 is/are located on Level 4 of the Leazes Wing.
  • Access to Ward 42 is via the Leazes Wing main entrance.
  • After entering the Leazes Wing main entrance, continue ahead to the rear of the foyer. Turn right into the main corridor and follow signage to the East Block lifts. Take the lift to Level 4 and on exiting turn through the open doors and turn right. Take the corridor on the right and follow signage to Ward 42.
  • There is step free access, via lift, to Ward 42.
  • Ward 42 is approximately 30m from the Leazes Wing East Block lifts.
  • There are resting areas along the route.
  • 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 (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 (East Block Lifts)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located along the main corridor on level 3, to the right of the Leazes Wing entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 95m (103yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are levels 2 to level 6.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 130cm (4ft 3in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 150cm x 280cm (4ft 11in x 9ft 2in).
  • 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.

Ward (Ward 42)

  • Ward Information View
    • This is a/an Acute Stroke Unit ward.
    • This is a shared ward.
    • There is/are 4 bay(s) available.
    • There is/are 4 side room(s) available.
    • There is/are 26 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) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 170cm (5ft 7in).
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • The height of the bell/buzzer is 134cm (4ft 5in).
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 137cm (4ft 6in).
    • There is not a hand sanitiser.
    • There is not a door release button when exiting.
    • There is level access throughout the ward.
    • Staff can provide assistance with using any manual doors within the ward.
    • There is clear signage on the ward.
    • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
    • There is some 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 good.
  • Reception/Nurses' Station View
    • The height of the ward reception desk is 109cm.
    • There is not a lowered section.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system available at the desk.
  • Relatives' Room View
    • There is a relatives' room for the ward.
    • The width of the door opening into the relatives' room is over 75cm.
    • There is a clear turning space in the relatives' room.
    • There is a/are chair(s) with armrests available within the relatives' room.
    • The relatives room is the Quiet Room.
  • Example Side Room View
    • There are multiple side rooms available with accessible ensuites.
    • 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 not sufficient space next to the bed for a mobile hoist to operate.
    • There is not 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 moderate to good.
    • 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 wheel in shower, 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 varied.
  • Ward Features and Patient Facilities View
    • A hearing assistance system is available on the ward.
    • The system is a portable loop.
    • Staff are trained to use the hearing assistance system.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested on 12/09/2023.
    • The hearing assistance system was not working at the time of testing.
    • The ward does not play background music.
    • There is a chair with armrests on both sides.
    • A mobile hoist is available on the ward.
    • There are washroom facilities for patients on the ward.
    • There are toilet facilities for patients on the ward.
  • Visitor Facilities View
    • There are no accessible toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • Accessible toilet facilities for visitors are located outside Ward 40.
    • There are no standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
    • Standard toilet facilities for visitors are located in the corridor outside the ward.
  • Visiting Times View
    • There are set visiting times for the ward.
    • Visiting times are 14:00 to 17:00 and 18:00 to 20:00.
    • The visiting times are the same for each day.
    • Protected meal times are between 17:00 to 18:00.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Gym)

  • There is / are 1 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Gym.
  • 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 easy to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 80cm (2ft 7in).
  • 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 is available.
  • The hoist is manual.
  • A sling is available.
  • The sling is attached by hook and loop.
  • 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 height adjustable.
  • There are no chairs with armrests available.
  • Some tables are permanently fixed.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • The room does not have background music playing.
  • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • Lighting levels are good.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Emergency Assessment Bay)

  • There is / are 1 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
  • The name / number of the room surveyed was; Emergency Assessment Bay.
  • 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 permanently held open.
  • The width of the door opening is 80cm (2ft 7in).
  • 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 is available.
  • The hoist is manual.
  • A sling is available.
  • The sling is attached by hook and loop.
  • 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 height adjustable.
  • There are some chairs with armrests available.
  • Some tables are permanently fixed.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • The room does not have background music playing.
  • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • Lighting levels are good.

Washroom (En-suite)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • There is/are 4 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
    • The washroom surveyed is located within cubicle 1.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
    • This washroom is interchangeable between male and female.
    • 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 is easy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 177cm x 220cm (5ft 10in x 7ft 3in).
    • 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 not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
    • There is not a coat hook in the washroom.
    • There is not a mirror.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the wash basin is 79cm.
    • 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 124cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 125cm.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • There is a/are pedal bin and clinical waste disposal units.
    • The washroom has a non-slip floor.
  • Toilet Details View
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 43cm (1ft 5in).
    • The toilet has a wall which can act as a back rest.
    • There is not a lateral transfer space.
    • There is a flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail but no transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on the right.
    • 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 83cm.
    • There is not a shelf next to the toilet.
    • 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 does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The shower head is height adjustable.
    • The shower control type is twist/turn.
    • There is no seat for the shower.
    • There are wall-mounted grab rails available for the shower.
  • 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 colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is low.
    • The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet and wall is low.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
    • The colour contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is high.
    • The colour contrast between the washroom floor and walls is high.
    • Lighting levels are good.

Washroom (Shower Room- Bay 1)

  • Washroom Details View
    • The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • There is/are 6 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
    • The washroom surveyed is located within Bay 1.
    • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
    • This washroom is interchangeable between male and female.
    • There is pictorial, written or text and dementia friendly 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 may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • The dimensions of the washroom are 219cm x 180cm (7ft 2in x 5ft 11in).
    • The washroom does not 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 not a red 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 specifications, 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 84cm.
    • There are no wall-mounted grab rails for the wash basin.
    • The tap type is lever. It is not 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 125cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 125cm.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • There is a/are female sanitary and pedal bin disposal units.
    • The washroom has a non-slip floor.
  • Toilet Details View
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 43cm (1ft 5in).
    • The toilet has a wall which can act as a back rest.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 87cm.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • 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 85cm.
    • There is not a shelf next to the toilet.
    • 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 does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The shower head is height adjustable.
    • The shower control type is twist/turn.
    • A shower chair is available.
    • The height of the flip-down/tip-up or fixed seat is 47cm (1ft 7in).
    • There are wall-mounted grab rails available for the shower.
    • The shower area is accessed via an easy slope.
  • 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 colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is high.
    • The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall is high.
    • The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet and wall is high.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
    • The colour contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is high.
    • The colour contrast between the washroom floor and walls is high.
    • Lighting levels are good.

Toilet with Adaptations (Toilet and Shower - Right Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located in the main corridor, the third door on the right as you enter the ward.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 5m from the ward entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is high.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 214cm x 213cm (7ft x 6ft 12in).
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 66cm.
    • The transfer space is obstructed by storage items.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is high.
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency alarm is fully functional.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are nappy/incontinence items bin disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The toilet has a covered cistern.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
    • 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).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is low.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 84cm (2ft 9in).
    • There are no vertical wall-mounted grab rails at the wash basin.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 127cm.
    • 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 127cm (4ft 2in).
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is low.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
  • Accessible Shower View
    • The shower does not have an unobstructed minimum 150cm x 150cm turning space.
    • There is a shower unit with a detachable shower head.
    • The shower head is height adjustable.
    • The adjustable shower head cannot be placed between 105cm and 185cm when mounted.
    • There is a flip-down/tip-up seat for the shower.
    • The seat/chair is not height adjustable.
    • The height of the flip-down/tip-up or fixed seat is 50cm (1ft 8in).
    • Horizontal and/or dropdown rails are available on both sides of the shower seat.
    • The colour contrast between the shower rails and wall is high.
    • There is a vertical grab rail for the shower.
    • The colour contrast between the vertical grab rail(s) for the shower and wall is high.
    • There is an emergency alarm for the shower.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The male toilet is located at the rear of the ward on the right.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 42m from the ward entrance.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • The colour contrast between the internal toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • Toilet seats do not have a high colour contrast.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 87cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The wall fixed soap dispenser is located above the wash basin.
    • Lighting levels are good.
  • Comments View
    • The accessible toilet is also used as the female standard toilet.

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