Difficulties with Parking at Sunderland Royal Hospital

During engagement sessions at Sunderland Royal Hospital across January and February 2023 several people approached us about the difficulties they had getting parked for their appointments and shared their feelings around this. 

We shared their concerns with the South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Hospital Trust and received the following statement from their Director of Corporate Affairs & Legal:

Thank you for sharing feedback regarding the difficulties patients, carers and visitors have experienced in parking when attending Sunderland Royal Hospital.  I appreciate how frustrating this can be for all involved, particularly those who are concerned about being late for appointments.    We have seen the pressure on car parking grow in the last year and from a staff perspective, we are no longer automatically issuing parking permits to new members of staff.  

Our Estates and Facilities teams continue to work hard to try and relieve the pressure, including looking at alternative off site locations to reintroduce park and ride facilities.  We have had some building works on site for the last 6 months or so which has resulted in lost parking spaces however I understand the vast majority of these spaces will be re-opened in the next few weeks.  In addition, last week we commenced the demolition of the former GUM clinic which will result in the addition of a further 37 parking spaces.  We also continue to encourage staff to use alternative forms of transport if they are able.

Once again, I apologise for inconvenience caused to visitors, however please be reassured we will continue to explore every opportunity to alleviate pressure.