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

Getting To The Hospital

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• 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 (Main Car Park). Skip to the next section.

Hospital Parking (Main Car Park)

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

Hospital Parking (Multi-Storey Car Park)

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• 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 Getting To (The Claremont Wing). Skip to the next section.

Getting To (The Claremont Wing)

• The Claremont Wing is/are located on the second floor of the Royal Victoria Infirmary.
• Access to the Claremont Wing is via the Royal Victoria Infirmary main hospital entrance.
• After entering the Royal Victoria Infirmary main hospital entrance, continue ahead to the main lifts on the right.
  Take the lift to the second floor and on exiting turn right and then left.
  Continue ahead down the walkway, at the end turn right and continue ahead through the entrance towards the multi storey car park and the entrance to the Claremont Wing is to the left.
• There is ramped/sloped or stepped access to the Claremont Wing.
• The Claremont Wing is approximately 54m from the main lift.
• Wayfinding signage is provided.
• There is flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.

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

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

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• 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.

You are on Other Floors. Skip to the next section.

Other Floors

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• 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.

You are on Lift (Main). Skip to the next section.

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.

You are on Entrance (Claremont Wing). Skip to the next section.

Entrance (Claremont Wing)

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• Entrance Details View
  • This information is for the entrance located on level 2 of the Royal Victoria Infirmary.
  • The entrance area/door is clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
  • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
  • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) is/are double width.
  • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
  • The width of the door opening is 252cm.
• Ramp/Slope Details View
  • The ramp/slope is located to the right as you face the Claremont entrance and then immediatly beyond.
  • The ramp/slope gradient is easy.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
  • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides going up.
  • The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are medium.
  • The ramp/slope bypasses bypass the step(s).
• Step Details View
  • The step(s) is/are located to the left as you face the Claremont entrance.
  • There is/are 10 step(s).
  • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is/are deep (18cm+).
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides going up.
  • The lighting levels at the step(s) are medium.

You are on Entrance (Newcastle Eye Centre). Skip to the next section.

Entrance (Newcastle Eye Centre)

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• Entrance Details View
  • This information is for the entrance located on the ground floor of the Claremont building.
  • The entrance area/door is clearly signed with the name of the service/department.
  • There is step free access at this entrance.
  • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
  • The door(s) is/are double width.
  • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
  • The width of the door opening is 162cm.

You are on Reception (Main). Skip to the next section.

Reception (Main)

• The main reception is located in the main corridor, towards the end, on the left.
• The reception area/desk is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the eye clinic 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 high (110cm+).
• 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 a clear knee recess beneath the low section of the desk.
• The desk is staffed.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.

You are on Waiting Room / Area (Eye Clinic Reception). Skip to the next section.

Waiting Room / Area (Eye Clinic Reception)

• There is a waiting room / area.
• The waiting room / area is approximately 1m from the eye clinic 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.

You are on Reception (Eye Emergency Clinic). Skip to the next section.

Reception (Eye Emergency Clinic)

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• Reception View
  • The reception point is located through the first door on the left as you enter the eye clinic.
  • The reception point is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the eye clinic entrance.
  • Clear signage for the reception area/desk is not visible from the entrance.
  • There is step free access to the reception point.
  • There is a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
  • There are windows, glazed screens or mirrors behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
  • The reception counter is not placed in front of a background which is patterned.
  • The lighting levels at the reception point are good.
  • The height of the reception counter is high (110cm+).
  • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
  • There is a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
  • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the low section of the counter.
  • The counter is staffed.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Signs and universally accepted symbols or pictograms, indicating lifts, stairs, WCs, circulation routes and other parts of the building are not provided in the reception area.
• Reception Waiting Area View
  • There is a waiting area close to the reception point.
  • Access to the waiting area is unobstructed.
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is not sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.
  • There are seats with armrests on both sides.
  • 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 a television.
  • Subtitles are not available.
  • Vending machines are not available.
  • A water dispenser is 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.

You are on Consultation / Treatment Room (Triage Room 2). Skip to the next section.

Consultation / Treatment Room (Triage Room 2)

• There is / are 2 consultation / treatment room(s) available.
• The name / number of the room surveyed was; 2.
• 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.
• The door(s) may be difficult to open.
• The width of the door opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
• 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.
• All chairs have armrests available.
• All 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.

You are on Inside Access. Skip to the next section.

Inside Access

• There is level access once inside.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• This venue does not play background music.
• Motorised scooters are allowed in public parts of the venue.
• Wayfinding signage is available.
• No Braille signage is available.
• No tactile signage is available.
• No pictorial signage is available.
• Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
• The type of flooring in walkways and corridors is vinyl/laminate.
• 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.
• The lighting levels are varied.

You are on Other Floors (Claremont Staircase to Wards 20, 21, 22 and 23). Skip to the next section.

Other Floors (Claremont Staircase to Wards 20, 21, 22 and 23)

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• Steps View
  • The floors which are accessible by stairs are 2, 3, 4.
  • The stairs are located in the main corridor of the eye clinic, on the right.
  • The stairs are approximately 10m from the eye clinic 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.
• Comments View
  • There are double manual, heavy doors to enter/exit the stairwell on all levels.

You are on Lift. Skip to the next section.

Lift

• There is a lift for public use.
• The lift is located at the bottom of the Claremont main entrance corridor.
• The lift is approximately 30m (32yd 2ft) from the Claremont entrance.
• The lift is a standard lift.
• The floors which are accessible by this lift are 2, 3, 4, 5.
• Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
• The clear door width is 142cm (4ft 8in).
• The dimensions of the lift are 181cm x 267cm (5ft 11in x 8ft 9in).
• 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 good.

You are on Accessible Toilet. Skip to the next section.

Accessible Toilet

• Accessible toilet facilities are not available.

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• Comments View
  • Accessible toilets are available along the corridor to the left of the Claremont Wing entrance.

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

Standard Toilet(s)

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• Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
  • Standard toilet facilities are not available.
• Comments View
  • Standard toilets are available along the corridor to the left of the Claremont Wing entrance.

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.
• Royal Victoria Main Entrance link (new tab) - click here.