University Hospital of North Durham

University Hospital of North Durham (UHND) is one of the main sites within County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust. Serving the local community and surrounding areas, the hospital provides a wide range of services, including emergency care, surgery, maternity, and outpatient services. With a focus on delivering high-quality, safe, compassionate patient care, UHND is equipped with state of the art technology and supported by a workforce dedicated to ensuring the wellbeing of every patient.

Services we provide

University Hospital of North Durham offers comprehensive healthcare services, including:

Accident & Emergency (A&E) and urgent treatment
A&E is open 24/7 for urgent and emergency medical care. The Durham GP-led Urgent Treatment Centre is available from 6pm-8am weekdays and 24/7 weekend and bank holiday service.
Surgical services
A wide range of surgical procedures, including general, orthopaedic, and specialist surgeries.
Maternity services
Complete maternity care, from prenatal to postnatal support.
Outpatient services
Various clinics and specialist consultations for ongoing care and management of health conditions.
Diagnostic services
Advanced imaging, laboratory tests, and other diagnostic services to support accurate and timely medical care.

For a complete list of services, please visit our services pages.

Visiting information

To ensure the safety and comfort of our patients, wards and departments might have different and specific visiting hours and guidelines. We encourage visitors to check with the ward they will be visiting in advance for more information. You can do this via the hospital switchboard on: 0191 3332333.

Travel, transport and parking

The hospital is easily accessed by public transport, including buses and trains. The hospital is easily accessible from the town centre, and detailed information on routes and schedules can be found on local transport websites or Google Maps.

Car parking

There is a car park for patients and visitors within the hospital grounds. Public parking is in the main car park to the left as you enter the site from the roundabout. The car park is operated by Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR). As you enter the car park the barrier will automatically raise and your registration number will be captured on camera. Visitors will have 20 minutes to find a space before charges are applied.

As with many hospitals, unfortunately this car park can get very busy and we would encourage patients and visitors to allow extra time ahead of your appointment time or scheduled visit for parking.

Making a payment

You will need to make a payment before you leave the car park at the payment machines. Enter your vehicle registration and the machine will calculate the amount you need to pay based on your length of stay. You can pay by cash and also contactless payment. Vehicles will have 20 minutes to exit the car park once payment has been made. There will also be an option for contactless payment on exit.

Car parking charges

0 to 2 Hours - £3
2 to 3 Hours - £4
3 to 24 Hours - £6

There is a machine outside of the main entrance area where you need to input your registration and make payment. The machine accepts cash and card payments.

Blue badge holders

Designated parking is available for drivers in possession of a blue badge. Free parking is only available when using designated spaces and a blue badge must be displayed. Blue badge holders can obtain free parking by scanning their blue badge at the paying station.

Parking concessions

Frequent outpatient attenders: free parking will be provided for anyone attending at least three outpatient appointments in a month (30 days) for a minimum of three consecutive months - including patients receiving cancer treatment.
Parents of sick children staying overnight: parents or guardians (up to two vehicles), visiting a child or young person under 18 who is admitted as an inpatient overnight, will receive free parking between 7.30pm and 8am.
Patients receiving cancer care or frequent visitors to intensive care may also be able to receive free parking.

Please speak to the ward manager or those involved in your care or the care of your loved one if you believe you may qualify for free parking and they can issue you with an exemption code which will be applied at the pay machines.