The accident and emergency department at the newly-built Sunderland Specialist Eye Hospital is set to open on Saturday afternoon, July 11, at 2pm. This marks the first service to launch in the state-of-the-art facility, which will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Background and Transition
The new Sunderland Specialist Eye Hospital replaces the Sunderland Eye Infirmary on Queen Alexandra Road, which has been in service since 1946. The modern four-floor building continues a pioneering tradition of eye care on Wearside and is part of a wider development that has seen upwards of £2bn-worth of investment. Building work has been led by Kier Construction for the South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Trust.
Emergency Department Details
Patients with urgent eye problems are advised to call the eye emergency line at 0191 569 9952 before visiting to ensure they go to the right place. Matron Carol Jobling explained: "Our eye emergency department will move first and open at 2pm on Saturday 11 July. As always, we ask that people call our eye emergency line first and before they arrive to hospital. This is so we can give them the best advice for any urgent eye problems." She confirmed that the number will connect callers to experts who can assist.
Full Service Rollout
By July 23, all other services will have opened, including the Queen Alexandra Unit ward, theatres, cataract treatment centre, outpatient department, and orthoptics and optometry department. Matron Jobling stated: "We are now working as quickly as possible to get things ready to move our eye services across to the new site. We will be sad to say goodbye to what has been our home for more than 70 years, but we can’t wait to be in a building which reflects the excellent care that our staff provide."
Patient Guidance
For patients with planned appointments, Matron Jobling advised: "Our key message for any patients with a planned eye appointment is to check the details in your appointment letter. This will tell you exactly where to go." The new hospital is located on land formerly occupied by the Vaux brewery and offers on-site parking, with the Riverside Multi-storey also nearby. It is convenient for public transport and close to the new Keel Crossing bridge over the River Wear.
