Our pharmacy team makes sure all patients use their medicines safely and correctly.
The team includes trained pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, dispensing assistants, pharmacy assistants, information staff, clerical officers and porters.
Each person has a special role in how medicines are prepared and used.
We look after patients staying in our hospitals, as well as those we treat in the community.
Outpatient pharmacies at Sunderland Royal Hospital, South Tyneside District Hospital and Sunderland Eye Infimary are run by Choice. You can find out more on its website: Choice
What do I need to know?
What do I need to bring with me?
When you come into hospital we will need to know all the medicines you take. This is so we can prescribe them for you during your stay.
Please bring in all your medicines when you are admitted. This includes:
- tablets
- liquids
- creams
- eye drops
- inhalers
- sprays
- insulins
- patches
- medicines (including herbal or homeopathic remedies)
You also need to bring your repeat prescription sheet from your GP and any warning cards, information cards or record cards for any medicines you take.
If you can, please bring your medicines in their original packs. This should have your pharmacy’s label on. If you use a tablet organiser, box or a reminder chart please bring that in with you too. These all help our staff confirm the dose you take.
Do you need to know anything else?
In most cases your pharmacist or pharmacy technician will ask for permission to see your summary care record. This will let the team see a digital summary of medicines, allergies and adverse reactions that is your GP record.
Where will my medication be kept while I'm in hospital?
In most cases your medicines will be kept in individual bedside cabinets. These can be locked.
This means you can take your regular medication during your stay. If you need any other medicines, they will be provided by our team.
Any medicines you don't need anymore will be removed and, with your permission, safely destroyed.
Can visitors bring me my medicine?
No. They cannot bring any other medicines into hospital for you to take, unless a member of the hospital team treating you asks them to.
When you leave hospital please check with the nurse that you have all your medicines. You should have:
- enough medicine to last you between 7 and 28 days
- instructions on how to take your medicines
Our team will talk to you about any changes in your medication. They will also give you information on any new medicines, including side effects to watch out for.
Sometimes we might as you to visit your usual community pharmacist after you leave hospital. This is to make sure you understand your medicines. They can also give you more advice or information if you need it.
Where can I found out more?
South Tyneside District Hospital
Our pharmacy is in the main building. If you enter through the main Ingham Wing entrance, go straight ahead until you can't go further. Turn left and follow signs to pharmacy. It will be on your right.
Sunderland Royal Hospital
Our inpatient pharmacy is on the Hylton Road side of Sunderland Royal Hospital. It is next to the Estates, Facilities and Supplies building.
For the outpatient pharmacy at Sunderland Royal Hospital, use the Outpatients Entrance 5 on Chester Road. It is on your left as you go through the doors.
Our senior team in Pharmacy
Divisional director - Hannah Davidson
Chief pharmacist - Graeme Richardson
Directorate manager - Shelby Davison
