Access Guide
Getting To The Hospital
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By Road
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- 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.
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By Bus
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- 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.
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By Train
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- The nearest National Rail station is Newcastle.
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By Underground
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- The nearest Metro Station is Haymarket.
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Useful Links
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- 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)
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Parking
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- 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.
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Drop-off Point
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- 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.
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Paying
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- 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).
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Access to the Hospital
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- 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.
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Comments
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- 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)
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Parking
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- 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.
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Drop-off Point
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- There is not a designated drop-off point.
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Paying
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- 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).
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Access to the Hospital
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- 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 9)
- Ward 9 is/are located on the fourth floor.
- Access to Ward 9 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 the fourth floor and on exiting turn right and then right again. Turn left on to the walkway and continue to the end, then take a left on to the main corridor. Continue along the corridor and take the next left, continue though the blue double doors and Ward 9 is located at the end of the corridor.
- There is step free access, via lift, to Ward 9.
- Ward 9 is approximately 151m from the lifts.
- There is a/are manual, heavy, double door(s) between the lift and the department/service.
- 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.
Outside Access (Main Entrance)
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Entrance Details
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- 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.
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Comments
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- 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
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Steps
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- 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.
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Escalators
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- 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.
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Comments
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- 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
- 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.
Ward
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Ward Information
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- This is a/an children's specialist surgical in-patient care ward.
- This is a shared ward.
- There is/are 1 bay(s) available.
- There is/are 14 side room(s) available.
- There is/are 18 bed(s) on this ward in total.
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Ward Access
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- There is a/are door(s) leading into the ward.
- The door(s) open(s) both ways.
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The door(s) is/are heavy.
- There is not an intercom/bell at/near this ward entrance which is in a suitable position for people who require access or assistance (between 95cm - 105cm).
- The width of the door opening is 160cm (5ft 3in).
- There is level access throughout the ward.
- There is no 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.
- There is some flooring on the ward with large, repeating patterns that incorporate bold contrasting colours or simulate steps.
- The lighting levels are medium.
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Reception/Nurses' Station
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- 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 a hearing assistance system available at the desk.
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Example Side Room
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- 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 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.
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Ward Features and Patient Facilities
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- 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.
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Visitor Facilities
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- There are no accessible toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
- Accessible toilet facilities for visitors are located in the main atrium.
- There are no standard toilet facilities on the ward for visitors.
- Standard toilet facilities for visitors are located in the main atrium.
Consultation / Treatment Room (Treatment Room)
- There is / are 1 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
- The name / number of the room surveyed was; 1.
- There is level access to the consultation / treatment room.
- There is a/are door(s) into the consultation / treatment room.
- The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
- The door(s) is/are single width with a locked extension leaf.
- The door(s) is/are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 88cm (2ft 11in).
- The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- There is a bed / couch.
- The bed / couch is adjustable.
- A hoist can be brought in from another department.
- There is 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 adjustable.
- There are no chairs with armrests available.
- Some tables are permanently fixed.
- The room does not have background music playing.
- There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
- Lighting levels are medium.
Washroom
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Washroom Details
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- The accessible washroom surveyed has a height adjustable bath, a toilet and a wash basin.
- There is/are 1 accessible washroom(s) of this type in the ward.
- 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 90cm (2ft 11in).
- The dimensions of the accessible washroom are 344cm x 420cm (11ft 3in x 13ft 9in).
- 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 within reach and fully functional.
- There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the accessible washroom.
- There are coat hooks at 100cm and 140cm from the floor.
- 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 87cm.
- 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 126cm.
- There is a towel dispenser.
- The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the towel dispenser is 110cm.
- 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.
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Toilet Details
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- 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 149cm.
- 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 95cm.
- There is a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
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Bath Details
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- The height of the side of the bath from floor level is 115cm (3ft 9in).
- The bath is height adjustable.
- The bath tap type is lever. It is a mixer tap.
- There is a shower over/for the bath.
- The shower head is hand held.
- A bath hoist is available.
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- 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 accessible washroom floor and walls is good.
- Lighting levels are medium.
Toilet with Adaptations
- There is not an/are not accessible toilet(s) within this venue designated for public use.
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Comments
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- The nearest accessible toilet is located in the main atrium.