Outpatient care

Visit travelling to and from our hospitals to find out how to get to our locations. There is information on public transport, parking and local community transport schemes.

You will receive a letter telling you which entrance and department you need to go to. If you arrive by ambulance you will be escorted through to the department.

Please report to reception or let us know you are here by using one of our electronic check in kiosks. You will then be informed which waiting area or nurses station you need to go to.

You will be supported throughout your visit by one of our friendly nursing team. Please also look out for the notice boards in our clinical areas. They give information on waiting times and any delays to appointments.

If you need help before you arrive for your appointment please let us know. You may need a translator or help getting around the department.

Our team is always happy to help. You can either contact us before you come in by using the details on our contacts page or let us know when you arrive and we will do everything we can to make your visit as comfortable as possible.

There is disabled access to all outpatient areas. If you need a wheelchair for your visit, a limited number are available:

• at the Main Reception area on B Floor (Entrance 1)
• within the Chester Wing Outpatients Department (Entrance 5)

We know coming to hospital can be stressful for many people. Particularly those with learning disabilities. Our Acute Liaison Service provides a range of specialist therapeutic interventions and support. This is to make sure health services are accessible to people with a learning disability. You can read more here: Coming to hospital if you have a learning disability

The Sunderland Action for Health website is also a useful resource for people with a learning disability.

Our Outpatient Pharmacies provide a dispensing service to most outpatient clinics. The Medical Day Case Unit, Surgical Day Case Unit and the Emergency Departments.

The Outpatient Pharmacy at Sunderland Royal Hospital is at Entrance 5 Chester Wing.

The Outpatient Pharmacy at South Tyneside District Hospital is in the main hospital building next to Pathology.

There is a dedicated Pharmacy at our Eye Infirmary and our Emergency Departments.

Your prescription will transferred to the outpatient pharmacy at your appointment. It is important you attend the correct Pharmacy to collect your prescription.

Our Pharmacies also provide a range of over the counter medication. Our Pharmacists will be happy to give you advice.

The North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) provides pre-planned, non-emergency patient transport. This service is for patients who have a medical condition that prevents them from travelling to and from hospital by other means. Or for patients who need the skills of an ambulance care assistant during their journey. 

For more information please visit Patient Transport Service & Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme

We understand that sometimes circumstances change and you may need to change or cancel your appointment. If this is the case please let us know as soon as possible so we can offer your appointment slot to another patient.

You can contact us in the following ways:

Call Outpatient appointments on 0191 5410101.

The office is open:

Monday to Thursday - 7.30am to 7pm

Friday - 7.30am to 5pm

Saturday – 8.30am to 1pm

If you need to book an appointment or want to be removed from our waiting list you can also do this online here

For Ophthalmology/Eye Outpatient appointments please call:

0191 569 9064,

0191 569 9885 or 0191 569 9886.

Please note: If you miss your appointment without giving us notice, you may be removed from the waiting list. You will need to ask your GP to re-refer you back to the hospital.

We try our best to see every patient at their scheduled appointment time. Unfortunately this is not always possible.

You may need a blood test or another procedure as part of your appointment. This will add time to your appointment. You should allow up to half a day for your appointment.

Sometimes we do have delays in clinics. We will tell you if this happens. If you have been waiting longer than usual please speak to a member of staff.

Sometimes we have to cancel appointments. This is usually because of a medical emergency or other unforeseen circumstances.

We will always try to avoid cancelling an appointment. If we need to cancel your appointment we will arrange a new date for you as soon as possible.

You may need to come back for follow up care within the next few weeks. If so, your appointment will be made before you leave the department, wherever possible.

Sometimes your follow up care is needed in the next few months or years. If so, we will contact you nearer the time.

If we need to contact you about your appointment we may do this by text, letter, or telephone call.

If you want us to contact you in a certain way, please let the team know and they will be happy to help.

If you need to receive treatment under the care of a Consultant, a refund of reasonable travel costs may be available.

For general advice please call the helpline on 0845 850 1166 or pick up form HC1 at your GP surgery.