WATCH: Timelapse video of progress on North East's new eye hospital
The new Sunderland Eye Infirmary is set to open in summer 2026 and will serve patients from across the North East and North Cumbria.
A time-lapse video of the build has been released to mark the one-year milestone, showing progress since construction began 18 months ago.
Construction began in December 2023 and the internal fit-out is now well underway.
Dr Ajay Kotagiri, clinical director of ophthalmology services at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, said: "It was brilliant to visit the new hospital site and amazing to see the actual space we will be working in from next summer.
"The clinical areas are so spacious and well designed and we can't wait to be able to see and treat patients in this fantastic new facility."
The new hospital will house all current clinical services from the Queen Alexandra Road site, including the Cataract Treatment Centre, which plays a key role in reducing waiting lists across the region.
Ophthalmology remains one of the busiest services in the NHS, with many people experiencing sight problems during their lives.
Alongside the construction, the Trust's STS Charity has launched the Vision Appeal, aiming to raise £1 million to fund advanced technology and equipment beyond what is included in the hospital build.
Dr Kotagiri said: "Our Vision Appeal is a great way for patients and local people to get involved with the new Eye Hospital and be part of something fantastic.
"We want to stay at the forefront of eye research and innovation in Sunderland and the STS Charity's support will help us do that.
"It will help us to fund equipment and technology, over and above what we already have."
The new hospital forms part of the Riverside Sunderland development and is being built by Kier in partnership with Sunderland City Council.
READ MORE:
Rare breed of horse cherished by the late Queen joins Bishop Auckland theatre show
Town to step out in style for ball in memory of 'much-loved' Grace and Wendy
Plans to transform Grade II-listed church into housing, offices, and gym approved
Councillor Kevin Johnston, cabinet member for business, housing and regeneration, said: "It's fantastic to see work progressing apace on the new Eye Hospital at Riverside Sunderland.
"Once complete, this world-class facility will be one of the few standalone specialist eye hospitals anywhere in the UK and the region's only dedicated specialist centre for ophthalmology care."
The hospital will also include wellbeing rooms, a café overlooking the River Wear, and a children's area with dedicated waiting and treatment rooms.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
NHS on the hunt for ‘precision-matched' blood donors
The NHS is searching for blood donors with rare blood types so it can ensure patients in need can receive 'precision-matched' blood. Scientists have tested tens of thousands of blood donors to see if they have rare blood types in a UK-first. The blood from donors with rare blood types will be collected and frozen so it can be used to help other people with the same type of blood. It will also be available should the donor be in a situation where they themselves need a blood transfusion. The new drive to find precision-matched blood donors comes to help people who are at risk of blood transfusion side effects. NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) said that blood matching is 'vital' due to the complexity of blood groups – there are 362 known blood types. So far its scientists have DNA-tested the blood types of 77,000 donors as part of a research project. This is the first time that blood types have been DNA tested in the UK at-scale, NHSBT said. Dozens of rare blood donors have been identified during the process and it is hoped the number will rise to hundreds. This means that blood from these donors can be used as 'personalised, precision-matched transfusion' for those in need. This can help avoid severe transfusion reactions – where the body sees the transfused blood as 'foreign' and rejects it. People who are particularly at risk of these reactions are those who regularly receive blood donations including those with sickle cell disorder and thalassaemia. Experts hailed the project as the 'first major step' towards rolling out precision-matched blood more widely. Dr Gail Miflin, chief medical officer at NHSBT, said: 'Taking these 77,000 donors and testing their blood to such a precise level has been an incredible undertaking and will work to significantly change the way we issue blood – especially to those patients at higher risk of transfusion related reactions. 'We will be able to match to an increasing number of blood groups, ensuring that patients have blood that is most similar to their own and reducing the risk of any reactions. It is an example of just how we are driving innovation which can radically improve patient outcomes.' NHSBT's genomics programme director, Kate Downes, added: 'This inventory of blood will enhance our capacity to find units with rare blood groups for difficult to match patients as well as provide better matched units for patients who have an increased risk of transfusion reactions, aiding us in our mission to save and improve even more lives. 'This genotyping is a first major step towards rolling out precision matched blood more widely, which would be a landmark change in how blood is matched.'
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Vancouver city council extends downtown liquor serving hours
Most downtown Vancouver bars will be able to apply to serve alcohol as late as 4 a.m., and bars outside the core will also be able to extend their hours after Vancouver city council voted unanimously to change its liquor serving laws on Tuesday. Several business owners spoke at council in support of the motion, applauding the decision. "This is changing the perception of 'liquor primary licence' to 'vibrant gathering places' for communities to meet in real life," said Cameron Bogue, owner-operator of Mount Pleasant Vintage and Provisions. "I've opened one of the most successful restaurants in the city, with staggering year-over-year growth, because we're providing [what] the community wants — a place to socialize, rub elbows, simply stand with a drink, and dance where they can meet people in an engaging, high-volume cocktail bar." Where and when can you drink? Liquor-primary establishments like bars and pubs inside downtown Vancouver will be able to make an application to the province to serve alcohol until 4 a.m. Outside of downtown, businesses will be able to apply to serve drinks until 3 a.m. on weekends and 2 a.m. on weeknights. Restaurants will also be able to apply to sell alcohol until 2 a.m. The change, expected to be in place later this year, aligns with B.C.'s present rules on serving liquor from 9 to 4 a.m. Local governments are able to adjust their hours according to community needs. While others in the industry reflected Bogue's support, a Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) officer advised council to reconsider expanding drinking hours. Extending hours risky, says medical health officer "Increasing alcohol consumption into the late night or early morning hours is particularly risky, and the risk increases as you get later in the evening," said Mark Lysyshyn, medical health officer, VCH. "It's not so much that more people drink into the evening — it's just the type of drinking that's done in that timeframe is more risky, it's more likely to result in problems," he said referring to a risk of injuries, violence and the potential for harm to others compared to allowing earlier opening hours. Coun. Pete Fry said he would "reluctantly" support the motion and shared concerns about possible increased policing costs that may be incurred if serving hours extend to 4 a.m. "I say 'reluctantly' because I would have liked to see more staff input on what this means for resources, what this means for policing, and what this could potentially mean for opportunities, especially with FIFA coming," said Fry. "I imagine the majority of businesses won't support it unless there's a viable output for a 4 a.m. closure," he added. City staff don't expect every bar and pub in the city to extend their hours right away. "Staff anticipate it's likely going to be a slow uptake," said Sarah Hicks, chief licence inspector, with the City of Vancouver. "It really needs to make economic sense for businesses. In order to look at expanding those hours. There's increased costs for staffing. They have to consider being able to provide that ... [in] the application with the province in order to go through with that, so it's likely going to be a slower uptake with any of these changes." A staff report to council said that as of April 2025, Vancouver has licensed 209 liquor establishments, such as bars or nightclubs and 1,225 restaurants with liquor service.
Health Line
2 hours ago
- Health Line
What Are The Early Signs of Balding?
Key takeaways Early signs of balding can vary, but often include thinning temples, a receding hairline (especially in men), or thinning on the top of the head. Hair loss can start at any age, though it's most commonly noticed in people's 30s and 40s, and it can be caused by genetics, hormonal changes, or underlying health conditions. While there's no guaranteed cure, treatments like minoxidil, laser therapy, and hair transplants can help prevent further hair loss and potentially restore hair growth. In adulthood, hair loss, also called alopecia, can start at almost any age. You're more likely to see signs of balding when you're middle aged and older, but there's a lot of variation from person to person. Some people notice signs of hair loss as early as their late teens and early 20s. Other people will be well into their 60s and beyond with a full head of hair and almost no thinning. Some types of hair loss are temporary, while others are permanent. Let's get into the most noticeable signs of balding, how to tell the difference between natural balding and other causes of hair loss, and what you can do about it if you need treatment for a condition that causes hair loss. Language matters Hair loss can be an emotional topic that, while often seen as a men's issue, can affect people of any gender or sex. In this article, we use 'male and female' to refer to someone's sex as determined by their chromosomes, and 'men and women' when referring to their gender (unless quoting from sources using nonspecific language). Sex is determined by chromosomes, and gender is a social construct that can vary between time periods and cultures. Both of these aspects are acknowledged to exist on a spectrum both historically and by modern scientific consensus. Early signs of balding The signs of balding can also vary between people. Some people might see hair loss that starts at their temples, while others might notice a change in their hairline. This means that not everyone with hair loss will experience every sign of balding. Common signs of balding include: 1. Thinning temples Hair starts thinning around your temples. You'll also notice thinner hair at the crown, or back, of your head. 2. Receding hairline The term ' receding hairline ' describes the process of the hair on the front and sides of your head beginning to thin and move away from your face. Often, people with this type of hair loss notice their hairline has started to make an 'M' shape because the hair on the side of their head is receding faster than the hair in the middle. This type of hair loss is very common in males. 3. Thinning on top of the head Sometimes the first sign of hair loss can be thinning of the hair on the top of your head. In this type of hair loss, you won't notice thinning or receding on the sides of your head at all. This type of hair loss tends to progress slowly. It can take years before thinning hair becomes a bald area on the top of your head. This hair loss pattern is very common in certain racial groups. For instance, Asian males are more likely to experience this pattern than a receding hairline, according to this 2012 study. 4. Widening part Another type of hair loss causes your part line, the line where your hair splits on the top of your head, to widen and pull apart. 6. Thinning across the whole head Some people experience hair loss equally over their entire head. The hair thins equally with no patterns or shapes. While hairline recession is a very common hair loss pattern for males, females are more likely to experience hair thinning across their entire heads. 7. Hair falls out in clumps Hair loss is normally a slow process. However, there are times you might notice dramatic changes to your hair. Your hair can sometimes fall out in large clumps instead of thinning and receding gradually. Hair falling out in clumps could indicate an underlying health condition. It's a good idea to see a healthcare professional and find out what's causing this type of hair loss. 8. Losing hair all over your body Hair loss doesn't always just happen on your head. In some cases, it can happen on the other parts of your body that normally grow hair. You might notice your body hair thinning or not growing back after shaving. Hair loss on your legs, arms, and other body parts can be due to aging. However, it can also be a symptom of some health conditions. Tell a doctor about this type of hair loss if you experience it. At what age do people typically start to lose their hair? Hair loss can start as early as your teenage years or might not occur until you're well past retirement. Generally, people begin noticing signs of hair loss in their 30s and 40s. More significant hair loss often happens when people reach their 60s and beyond. What NOT to look for It's common to be concerned about hair loss. Many people are on the lookout for thinning hair or changes to their hairline. However, while those are symptoms of hair loss, there are also some hair and scalp symptoms you don't need to worry about. Signs and traits that aren't symptoms of hair loss include: An itchy scalp: An itchy scalp might be a sign of an allergy to your shampoo or of a skin condition such as scalp eczema, but it's not a sign of hair loss. Dandruff: Dandruff or scalp flaking can indicate that you might need to change your haircare routine or see a dermatologist, but they're not signs of balding. Dry hair or split ends: Hair that's dry or unhealthy can be caused by medical conditions, nutrition, environmental factors, or haircare products, but it's not connected to hair loss. A widow's peak: A ' widow's peak ' is a natural hairline and isn't caused by hair loss. Common causes of hair loss Androgenic alopecia is a common cause of hair loss in all sexes and is sometimes called 'male pattern baldness.' It occurs when hormones disrupt the way your hair grows and cause your hair to fall out. Hair loss of this type generally follows a pattern, such as M-shaped hairline recession or thinning at the top of your head. However, it isn't the only cause of hair loss. In fact, there are many other reasons you might notice hair loss. Some of these causes of hair loss are temporary and easily reversible, while others will need medical treatment. Other causes include: Family history: Genetics are the most common cause for hair loss. If older members of your family tend to loose their hair as they age, there's a good chance that you will as well. Hormonal changes or imbalance: Hormones play important parts in the regulation of many of your body's systems, and hair growth is just one of them. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common cause of hormonal imbalance in females and has been known to cause hair loss. A physical injury: If your follicles get damaged due to an injury or burn, there's a chance they may no longer be able to produce hair. Alopecia areata: This is a small, circular area of sudden hair loss that appears without any symptoms. A person's beard and eyebrows and other body hair can also be impacted. Telogen effluvium: This type of hair loss is reversible and occurs as the result of a stressful event, such as a hospitalization. It might also occur as a result of a new medication. Tinea capitis: Tinea capitis, a fungal infection on your scalp, can cause small localized scaly spots on your scalp that may also have pustules. This can result in permanent scarring hair loss. Cicatricial alopecia: This is a general term referring to hair loss that creates permanent scarring. The hair follicles left behind are destroyed and scar tissue forms rather than grow more hair. This term refers to several conditions that permanently damage hair follicles. Nutritional deficiency: If you've experienced rapid weight loss, or your body is lacking a sufficient amount of protein or iron, among other vitamins, it can result in hair loss. However, a true vitamin deficiency is very rare. Thyroid conditions: A problem with your thyroid is a well-known cause of hair loss. Doctors often recommend checking this if you have hair loss that appears to have no underlying cause. Certain hairstyles/hair treatments: Some hair styles, like tight braids, may put strain on your hair follicles and damage them over time. Treatment options There are several ways to prevent further hair loss and slow down the thinning process. Newer treatment options are being developed and becoming available. These new treatments might be able to help regrow hair. Treatment approaches include: Minoxidil (Rogaine): This is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication that can be rubbed onto the scalp regularly to help prevent more hair loss. Spironolactone (Aldactone): This medication for women may be prescribed for off-label use. It works by binding to receptors for androgen hormones in your body, keeping androgens such as testosterone in check to prevent hormone imbalances. Topical retinoids: Some dermatologists recommend specially compounded hair topicals that include a small amount of topical retinoid. Hair transplant: This procedure involves your hair that's harvested from one area and transplanted to the bald regions. Laser light therapy: Low power light therapy and lasers can increase the density of your scalp hair. Prescription medications: Certain medications can be used to treat androgenic alopecia-related hair loss. Finasteride (on-label for male pattern baldness) and dutasteride (off-label) are two examples. Platelet-rich plasma: This involves a process of using a person's own blood, which is processed into platelet-rich plasma and then injected into the scalp to stimulate hair growth. Stem cell therapy: Stem cell therapy is a new treatment for hair loss that involves using a person's own stem cells to restore natural hair follicles. Follicular unit extraction: This type of hair transplant is done by taking hair follicles from one area of your body and transplanting them to an area where hair has thinned. When to see a doctor See a doctor if your hair loss or baldness pattern is accompanied by any other painful or uncomfortable symptoms, including: swelling around the areas of baldness excessive itchiness or scaling around balding areas burning, stinging, or pus discharge around balding areas sudden hair loss on other parts of your body excessive hair growth on other parts of your body sudden changes in weight, including weight loss or weight gain a recent high fever (over 101°F, or 38°C) adverse effects from a recent surgery
