New eye hospital to have dedicated kids' areas

The trust said the dedicated children's areas will help patients feel safe and supported

Dedicated children's areas will feature in a city's new eye hospital to cater for the thousands of young patients set to use it.

Sunderland's Eye Infirmary, due to open next summer, replaces the existing facility on Queen Alexandra Road which was deemed no longer fit for purpose.

Built on the former Vaux Brewery site, it will include an A&E waiting space designed with children in mind, children's treatment rooms and specific waiting areas, a South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust spokesperson said.

Dr Ajay Kotagiri, clinical director of ophthalmology services, said: "Hospitals can feel daunting, but we're working hard to change that."

Buggy parking and rooms dedicated for family wellbeing, including a breastfeeding space, baby changing facilities and a quiet and faith room, will also feature at the new hospital.

The facility is due to open in Sunderland next summer

Every year the current Sunderland Eye Infirmary treats more than 11,000 under-18s across its services, but the existing infirmary does not have dedicated children's facilities.

"Good vision is vital to a child's development, learning and confidence," Dr Kotagiri added.

"That's why we've created a welcoming space where children and young people feel safe, supported and understood when they come to see us.

"We want every child to leave feeling reassured, empowered and seen, in every sense of the word."