Eye hospital staff 'can't wait' to move in

The facility is due to open in Sunderland next summer

Staff at Sunderland Eye Infirmary have had their first glimpse inside the new specialist hospital prior to it opening next year.

The facility, being built on the former Vaux Brewery site, will house all the current clinical services offered from the almost 80-year-old centre on Queen Alexandra Road.

With the internal fit-out in progress, some staff paid a visit to view the work in progress.

One senior member said that they "can't wait" to be able to treat patients in the "fantastic new facility".

In addition to clinical spaces, once finished, the new Eye Hospital will have rooms dedicated for wellbeing.

These include baby-changing facilities, a cafe, and a quiet room and faith room.

It will also have a dedicated children's area, with a waiting room for young patients and rooms tailored to their care.

Dr Ajay Kotagiri, Clinical Director of Ophthalmology Services at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, said: "It was brilliant to visit the 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.

"We can't wait to be able to see and treat patients in this fantastic new facility."