3 days ago
WATCH: Timelapse video of progress on North East's new eye hospital
Staff have had their first glimpse inside the North East's new specialist eye hospital as the countdown now begins to the opening next year.
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.
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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.
