Outpatient

Click here for information on how to get to our locations. There is information on public transport and parking. 

The North East Ambulance Service provides pre-planned transport for non-emergency patients. You can use this service if you have a medical condition that stops you getting to and from hospital by any other means. You can find out more by clicking this link. 

If you are under the care of a consultant and claim certain benefits, you might be eligible for a refund of your travel costs. Call 0845 850 1166 for advice or click to visit our Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme page. 

The letter you get before your appointment will tell you which location you need to go to. It will also tell you which entrance you need to use. If you arrive in an ambulance someone will take you to the department you need. 

When you get to the department you need to go to reception. Our team will check you in and tell you where to wait. There might also be electronic kiosks to check yourself in. 

You will be supported throughout your visit by one of our friendly nursing team. They will help you where they can if you have any questions. You can also look out for notice boards in the area. They will have more information about things like waiting times.  

If you need help at your appointment please let us know beforehand. Our team is always happy to help. 

You might need a translator or some help getting around the department. Whatever your need, call us. 

Click here to find our contact details. There may also be a phone number on your letter. You can also let us know if you need help when you arrive. 

If you or your loved one has learning disabilities, our Acute Liaison Service is here to support you. You can find out more by clicking this link.

All outpatient areas have disabled access. 

Yes. Please let us know as soon as possible if you need to change or cancel your appointment. 

You can do this by calling the team on 0191 541 0101.

You can call during these times: 

• Monday to Thursday – 7.30am to 7pm 
• Friday – 7.30am to 5pm 
• Saturday – 8.30am to 1pm  

For eye outpatient appointments, call 0191 569 9064. 

It’s very important to tell us if you can’t make your appointment. You might be removed from the waiting list if you don’t. If this happens you will need a new referral from your GP. 

How long your appointment takes will depend on the kind of appointment you have. You may need a blood test or another procedure. This will mean your appointment is longer. 

We recommend keeping half a day free for your appointment. 

We will always try to see you at the time we have scheduled. Sometimes this is not possible because clinics can be delayed. We will tell you if this happens. If you wait longer than usual, please speak to a member of staff. 

You might need to come back for follow up care. 

If you need to come back in the next few weeks, we will arrange your next appointment before you leave the department. 

If you need to come back in the next few months or years, we will contact you nearer the time. 

We might contact you by text, letter or a phone call. If you want us to contact you in a certain way, let the team know. 

If you need medication after your outpatient appointment, you can get this from one of our outpatient pharmacies. 

You will be told where you need to collect your prescription from.  Our outpatient pharmacies are at: 

• Sunderland Royal Hospital – Entrance 5 Chester Wing 
• South Tyneside District Hospital – Main hospital building, next to Pathology 
• Sunderland Eye Infirmary

You can also get a range of over-the-counter medication too. Our pharmacists will help you.