Overview

The Royal Victoria Infirmary is a busy hospital in central Newcastle and features a Changing Places toilet.

Transport & Parking

This Royal Victoria Infirmary is huge, with plenty of parking across four car parks. The Victoria Multi-Storey car park has 15 accessible parking spaces and 366 total spaces. The New Victoria Wing has 40 accessible parking spaces and 135 total spaces. The Emergency Department has 5 accessible parking spaces and 40 total spaces. The Dental Hospital has 8 accessible parking spaces and 45 total spaces. Parking with a Blue Badge is free, but you'll need to have your parking validated by taking your badge to the main reception. For this reason, you are advised to display your Blue Badge time clock in your vehicle wherever you park. There are plenty of places to be dropped off in the different areas of the hospital, but there is a 10-minute restriction in place. The hospital suggests parking in the car park to avoid penalty charges. The closest bus stops are on St Thomas Street and Richardson Street, where the 32, 32A, and 36 services operate. There is a bus stop at the Leazes Wing of the hospital, but this appears to be for a staff shuttle service.

Access

The hospital has step-free access throughout, with lifts to all essential areas. I noted that induction loops are installed at several reception desks and in the lifts. The lift buttons also have Braille markings. The door to the Changing Places toilet also has Braille markings. Signage is clear, but the hospital is large, making it easy to get lost.

Toilets

There are several accessible toilets throughout the hospital buildings, but the Changing Places toilet is located in the main building, down the corridor from the 24-hour Costa Coffee. The toilet is a fair distance to walk and can be found on the right-hand side. It is accessed using a RADAR key and features a folding door. As a wheelchair user, I find folding doors awkward to operate, particularly when trying to exit. The door is also marked with Braille on the outside. This toilet is well-equipped, featuring a ceiling track hoist, an adjustable changing bed, and a shower. The sink is height-adjustable and has rails on both sides. The toilet pan has a soft backrest and grab rails on both sides. All grab rails are silver, providing a slight contrast against the blue walls. A privacy screen is available for use. There is ample space for both right-side and left-side transfers, with neither side obstructed. The red emergency cord is located to the left when seated on the toilet and was hanging to the floor during my visit. I did not notice a colostomy shelf in this toilet.

Staff

Anything else you wish to tell us?

There is also a standard accessible toilet located next to Costa.

Photos