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Dental Hospital Main Entrance

The Dental Hospital, Richardson Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4AZ

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Access Guide

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Getting To The Hospital (The Dental Hospital)

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 of the Royal Victoria Infirmary Building.
  • 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 northoftynepals.nhct.nhs.uk.
  • There are not volunteers available for help and assistance at the hospital.
  • Mobility aids are available to help patients move around and include; wheelchairs.
  • Interpreting services can be provided by the Trust and confirmation of booking details can be provided by the PALS team.

Hospital Parking

  • Parking View
    • The hospital does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car park is located in front of the Dental Hospital main entrance.
    • 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 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 240cm x 465cm (7ft 10in x 15ft 3in).
    • There is a 120cm hatched zone around the Blue Badge parking bay(s).
    • 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 to the right of the main entrance and Blue Badge bays.
    • There is a dropped kerb from the drop-off point.
    • The dropped kerb does 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 at the payment machines in the car park and 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 at the side of the car park.
    • There is not a payment machine at a convenient height for wheelchair users.
  • 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 15m (16yd 1ft) from the Dental Hospital main entrance.
  • Comments View
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders but correct vehicle registration and Blue Badge number must be supplied to reception upon entering the building.

Outside Access (Dental Hospital Main Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • The entrance area/door is 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) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 140cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 143cm.
  • Comments View
    • There are 2 sets of doors at this entrance.
    • The doors to the right (as you enter) are automatic.
    • The doors to the left (as you enter) are manual.

Counter (Volunteer Desk)

  • The Volunteer Desk is located to the right as you enter.
  • The counter is approximately 2m (2yd 7in) from the main entrance.
  • The counter is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • There is step free access to the counter.
  • There is a clear unobstructed route to the counter.
  • There are no windows, glazed screens or mirrors behind the counter which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
  • The counter is placed in front of a background which is patterned.
  • The lighting levels at the counter are good.
  • The height of the counter is low (76cm or lower).
  • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
  • The counter is staffed.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Reception (Dental Hospital Main Reception)

  • The main reception desk is located to the right upon entering the department.
  • The reception area/desk is approximately 12m (13yd 4in) from the main entrance.
  • The reception area/desk is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • There is step free access to the reception area/desk.
  • The lighting levels at the reception area/desk are medium.
  • The height of the reception desk is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the desk.
  • There is a low section of the desk (76cm or below) available.
  • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the low section of the desk.
  • There is not a clear knee recess beneath the low section of the desk.
  • The desk is staffed.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.
  • The hearing assistance system is signed.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.
  • Comments View
    • The fixed hearing loop was tested on 25/01/23 and was fully functional.

Waiting Room / Area (A - Overflow)

  • There is a waiting room / area.
  • The waiting room / area is approximately 6m from the Dental Hospital main entrance.
  • There is level access into the waiting room / area.
  • There is not a/are not door(s) into the waiting room / area.
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is a space for a wheelchair user to wait within the seating area.
  • Some chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs with armrests are available.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Announcements are in person.
  • The waiting room / area does not have background music playing.
  • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the waiting room / area.
  • There is not a television.
  • Vending machines are not available.
  • A water dispenser is not available.
  • There is not a play area or toys/books for a child to play with.
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest within the seating area.
  • Lighting levels are good.

Waiting Room / Area (B - Radiology/X-Ray)

  • There is a waiting room / area.
  • The waiting room / area is approximately 11m from the Dental Hospital main entrance.
  • There is level access into the waiting room / area.
  • There is not a/are not door(s) into the waiting room / area.
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is a space for a wheelchair user to wait within the seating area.
  • All chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs with armrests are available.
  • All tables are permanently fixed.
  • The surface height of the lowest table is 44cm.
  • The tables do contrast visually with the floor.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Announcements are in person.
  • The waiting room / area does not have background music playing.
  • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the waiting room / area.
  • There is not a television.
  • Vending machines are not available.
  • A water dispenser is not available.
  • There is not a play area or toys/books for a child to play with.
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest within the seating area.
  • Lighting levels are good.

Waiting Room / Area (C - Dental Emergency)

  • There is a waiting room / area.
  • The waiting room / area is approximately 34m from the Dental Hospital main entrance.
  • There is level access into the waiting room / area.
  • There is not a/are not door(s) into the waiting room / area.
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is not a space for a wheelchair user to wait within the seating area.
  • All chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Chairs with armrests are not available.
  • All tables are permanently fixed.
  • The surface height of the lowest table is 44cm.
  • The tables do contrast visually with the floor.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Announcements are in person.
  • The waiting room / area does not have background music playing.
  • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the waiting room / area.
  • There is not a television.
  • A water dispenser is not available.
  • There is not a play area or toys/books for a child to play with.
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest within the seating area.
  • Lighting levels are good.

Getting Around (Dental Hospital)

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the building via lift(s).
  • Circulation View
    • There are not doors in corridors which have to be opened manually.
    • The type of flooring in walkways and corridors is vinyl.
    • There is some flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • Handrails are not provided in corridors.
    • Seating is provided in corridors.
    • There is good colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Signage and Wayfinding View
    • Wayfinding signage is provided.
    • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the building.
    • The wayfinding signage does not include pictograms.
    • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
  • Safe Place(s) View
    • There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
  • Audio View
    • This venue does not play background music in public areas.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system in the public areas of the building.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
    • The stairs are located in the corridor to the left of the main reception desk.
    • The stairs are approximately 15m from the main entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Comments View
    • There are manual double heavy doors to enter the stairwell on all levels.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located along the corridor to the left of the main reception desk.
  • The lift is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 80cm (2ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 160cm x 150cm (5ft 3in x 4ft 11in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not 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 not within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lift controls range from 88cm to 121cm.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is good.

Accessible Toilet (Left of Main Reception - Right Hand Transfer)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • 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 in the corridor to the left of the main reception.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the main 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 lever twist.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 168cm x 202cm (5ft 6in x 6ft 8in).
    • The accessible toilet does not 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 89cm (2ft 11in).
    • The lateral transfer space was obstructed at the time of the survey.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is 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 fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are clinical waste and waste paper pedal bin 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 164cm 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 46cm (1ft 6in).
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser can 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 78cm.
    • 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 poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby changing facilities are available within this accessible toilet.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 110cm (3ft 7in).

Standard Toilet(s)

  • 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 in the corridor to the left of the main reception.
    • The female and male toilets are approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the main 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 in the female and male toilets are good.