You are on Getting To The Hospital. Skip to the next section.

Getting To The Hospital

Collapse all Expand all

• 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)

Collapse all Expand all

• 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 Hospital Parking (Multi-Storey Car Park). Skip to the next section.

Hospital Parking (Multi-Storey Car Park)

Collapse all Expand all

• 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.

You are on Hospital Parking (Main Car Park). Skip to the next section.

Hospital Parking (Main Car Park)

Collapse all Expand all

• 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.

You are on Getting To (Ward 49). Skip to the next section.

Getting To (Ward 49)

• Ward 49 is/are located on level 6 of the Leazes Wing.
• Access to Ward 49 is via the Leazes Wing main entrance.
• From the Leazes Wing main entrance, follow the corridor past reception, to its end (approximately 10 metres) and turn into the corridor on the right.
  Follow this corridor until you come to the Leazes Wing lifts which are clearly signed and located on the left (approximately 40 metres).
  Take the lift to the 6th floor.
  Turn left out of the lift and go through the double doors to the main corridor (approximately 5 metres).
  Turn right into the main corridor and then take the first right (approximately 5 metres).
  Go through the double doors and follow the corridor and Ward 49 is on the left.
• There is step free access, via lift, to Ward 49.
• Ward 49 is approximately 25m from the Leazes Wing 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.

You are on Outside Access (Leazes Wing Main Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Leazes Wing Main Entrance)

Collapse all Expand all

• 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 Other Floors. Skip to the next section.

Other Floors

Collapse all Expand all

• 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.

You are on Lift (East Block Lifts). Skip to the next section.

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.

You are on Ward (Ward 49). Skip to the next section.

Ward (Ward 49)

Collapse all Expand all

• Ward Information View
  • This is a/an respiratory care and respiratory intensive care ward.
  • This is a shared ward.
  • There is/are 4 bay(s) available.
  • There is/are 4 side room(s) available.
  • There is/are 17 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 160cm (5ft 3in).
  • There is an intercom.
  • The height of the intercom is 136cm (4ft 6in).
  • 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.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
• 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.
• Relatives' Room View
  • There is not a relatives' room for the ward.
  • The Quiet Room is used as the relatives room.
• 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.
  • 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 good.
  • The width of the door opening into the ensuite is over 75cm.
  • There is not 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 good.
  • The lighting levels in the ensuite are good.
• 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.
  • 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 on the corridor outside the lifts.
  • There are no standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
  • Standard toilet facilities for visitors are located outside the ward.
• Visiting Times View
  • There are set visiting times for the ward.
  • Visiting times are Monday to Friday between 14:00-16:00 and 18:00-20:00. Weekends between 14:00 and 20:00.
  • Protected meal times are between 12:00 to 13:00 and 17:00 to 18:00.

You are on Room / Area (Quiet Room). Skip to the next section.

Room / Area (Quiet Room)

• There is / are 1 room(s) / area(s) available.
• The name / number of the room / area surveyed was; Quiet Room.
• The room / area is approximately 38m from the ward entrance.
• There is level access to the room / area.
• There is a/are door(s) into the room / area.
• The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
• The door(s) is/are single width.
• The door(s) may be difficult to open.
• 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.
• 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.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• The room / area does not have background music playing.
• There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room / area.
• Lighting levels are good.

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

Washroom (Shower Room)

Collapse all Expand all

• Washroom Details View
  • The washroom surveyed has a wheel in shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
  • There is/are 1 washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
  • The washroom surveyed is approximately 42m from the ward entrance.
  • There is step free access to the washroom surveyed once inside the ward.
  • This washroom is shared.
  • The washroom is not for the sole use of disabled people.
  • There is pictorial and 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 216cm x 200cm (7ft 1in x 6ft 7in).
  • 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 out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor).
  • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the washroom.
  • There is a/are coat hook(s) 179cm from the floor.
  • 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 87cm.
  • 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 126cm.
  • 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.
  • The washroom surveyed does not have a ceiling tracking hoist.
• Toilet Details View
  • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 44cm (1ft 5in).
  • 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 76cm.
  • 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 98cm.
  • There is a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
• Shower Details View
  • There is a wheel in shower.
  • The shower head is height adjustable.
  • 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 washroom door and wall is good.
  • The colour contrast between the internal 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 toilet seat colour contrast is good.
  • The colour contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is good.
  • The colour contrast between the washroom floor and walls is good.
  • Lighting levels are medium.

You are on Accessible Toilet (Right Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Accessible Toilet (Right Hand Transfer)

• Accessible toilet facilities are available.

Collapse all Expand all

• Location and Access View
  • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
  • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
  • This accessible toilet is located on the left at the end of the corridor.
  • This accessible toilet is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the ward entrance.
  • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
• Features and Dimensions View
  • This is a shared toilet.
  • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
  • The door opens outwards.
  • The door is locked by a twist lock.
  • The door may be difficult to open.
  • The width of the accessible toilet door is 89cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 167cm x 248cm (5ft 6in x 8ft 2in).
  • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
  • There is a lateral transfer space.
  • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
  • The lateral transfer space is 110cm (3ft 7in).
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • There is a flush on the transfer side.
  • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
  • 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/are general domestic waste disposal units.
  • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the cubicle.
  • There is a/are coat hook(s).
  • The height of the coat hook is 106cm from the floor.
• Position of Fixtures View
  • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
  • 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 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 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 85cm.
  • 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 toilet seat colour contrast is good.
  • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
  • The lighting levels are good.
• Comments View
  • The accessible toilet is currently being used by staff.

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

Standard Toilet(s)

Collapse all Expand all

• 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 outside the ward.
  • The female and male toilets are approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) 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 not available.
  • Lighting levels are medium.

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

Related Access Guides

• To view other Detailed Access Guides that are related to this one please use the links below.
• Leazes Wing Main Entrance link (new tab) - click here.
• Royal Victoria Infirmary main entrance link (new tab) - click here.