.jpg?trim=0,0,0,0&crop=&width=640&quality=70&enable=upscale)
Offering improved facilities for patients and staff, as well as a big boost to city centre footfall, the Eye Hospital has been moving over its services from the ageing Eye Infirmary in Queen Alexandra Road in phases with today, July 23, marking the completion of the move.
All clinical services, including the region's nationally-renowned Cataract Treatment Centre (CTC) and 24/7 Eye Emergency Department, are now available at the new site which overlooks Riverside Park.
The official name of Sunderland Specialist Eye Hospital reflects two centuries of specialist eye healthcare in Sunderland, with the very first infirmary opening in 1836 in High Street East.
For the old infirmary, a planning application has been made for dozens of new homes with the old hospital demolished, which you can read about here.
And here’s a look around the new site:
5. Designed with patients in mind
The building is more fit for purpose than the ageing Eye Infirmary and is more accessible. Features include Braille signage, colour coded floors and more. | Sunderland Echo
6. A future ready facility
Dan Doherty, regional director for Kier Construction North & Scotland, said: “We are proud to have delivered Sunderland Specialist Eye Hospital in partnership with Sunderland City Council and South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust - creating a facility that will play a vital role in supporting high-quality eye care across the region. This project is a testament to the strength of collaboration between all partners involved, from clinical teams and stakeholders through to our supply chain, each helping to shape a hospital that reflects the needs of its users. We are incredibly proud of our project team and everyone who has contributed to bringing this scheme to life. By combining that collaborative approach with sustainable infrastructure, we have created a future-ready facility designed to perform for the long-term health of the community.” | Sunderland Echo
7. New name
Earlier this year, NHS leaders confirmed the new name as ‘Sunderland Specialist Eye Hospital’, reflecting the proud history of eye care in Sunderland and the city’s reputation as a leading specialist eye centre. | Sunderland Echo
.jpg?trim=0,0,0,0&crop=&width=800)
8. A new era for specialist eyecare
NHS staff, patients and partners from the voluntary sector including the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), have also been heavily involved in helping design the new facility working closely with construction partner Kier. | Sunderland Echo