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Changing Places (Victoria Wing)

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 (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.

Hospital Parking (Multi-Storey Car Park)

  • 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.

Getting To (Changing Places - Victoria Wing)

  • Changing Places - Victoria Wing is/are located on Level 3 of the Victoria Wing.
  • Access to Changing Places - Victoria Wing is via the Victoria Wing main entrance.
  • Enter via the Victoria Wing main entrance and turn right to the lifts. Take the lift to Level 3. Exit the lift, turn right and right again. Cross the link bridge (following the signs 'Link to Claremont Wing'). Turn left and continue along the corridor, approximately halfway along, turn right through the double doors. The Changing Places facility is located on the right.
  • There is step free access, via lift, to Changing Places - Victoria Wing.
  • Changing Places - Victoria Wing is approximately 90m from the lift.
  • There is a/are manual, heavy, double door(s) between the Victoria Wing main entrance and the department/service.
  • Wayfinding signage is not provided.
  • There is some flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery 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.

Changing Places (Victoria Wing)

  • Location and Access View
    • The facility is located on Level 3 of the Victoria Wing.
    • The facility is approximately 90m (98yd 1ft) from the lift.
    • There is level access into the facility, via lift.
    • The facility surveyed is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • The colour contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • You do not need a key for the facility.
    • The door opens inwards and outwards.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The width of the door is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The dimensions of the facility are 310cm x 360cm.
    • There is not a clear 200cm x 180cm manoeuvring space in the facility.
    • The facility has a non-slip floor.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is fair.
  • Toilet Details View
    • The facility toilet has a transfer space on one side only.
    • The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 60cm (1ft 12in).
    • Drop down rails are provided.
    • As you face the toilet the drop down rail(s) is/are on the right.
    • The colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is fair.
    • As you face the toilet there vertical grab rails on both sides .
    • The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall is fair.
    • The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet and wall is fair.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a spatula flush.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 103cm.
    • The toilet has a backrest.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • There is an emergency alarm for the toilet.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor).
  • Changing Bench and Hoist Details View
    • The facility changing bench is free standing.
    • The facility changing bench height is adjustable.
    • The length of the facility changing bench is 190cm (6ft 3in).
    • The facility hoist is powered overhead.
    • The overhead hoist covers all areas in the cubicle.
  • Other Facilities View
    • A privacy screen is available.
    • The type of wash basin is fixed.
    • The height of the wash basin is 75cm.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available at the wash basin.
    • As you face the wash basin, the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • The colour contrast between the wash basin grab rail(s) and wall is fair.
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 86cm.
    • Wide tear off paper roll is available.
    • The wide paper roll dispenser is not at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser is not at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is a/are non-infectious waste and general domestic waste disposal units.
    • There is not an emergency alarm for the facility.
    • There is not a coat hook.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • The lighting levels are good.

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