The downgrading of South Tyneside Hospital was announced as part of the “alliance” between City Hospitals Sunderland (CHS) and South Tyneside NHS Foundation Trust (STFT) in April 2016. Subsequently CHS planned a “merger” with STFT, which took place on April 1st 2019, forming South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust.

The Save South Tyneside Hospital Campaign (SSTHC) started its fight to oppose the resulting loss of acute services in May 2016.

People throughout the borough - including health staff - joined us knowing that this will be a disaster for the people of South Tyneside, and also for the people of Sunderland whose access to acute services will be under pressure by the closure of acute services in South Tyneside.

Since then SSTHC organised many demonstrations, with several taking place outside the hospital. Hundreds have attended our public meetings, and in 2019 our petition exceeded 44 thousand signatures when it was handed into Parliament.

Previously Trust executives were preparing phase-2 options for public consultation later in 2021. These were likely to downgrade more of our acute hospital services, including our A&E. However on January 19th 2024 we received better news that South Tyneside and Sunderland Foundation Trust (STSFT) would no longer proceed with Phase 2 of the “Path to Excellence” as it “currently stands”.

With the present closure of the midwife-led birthing centre at South District Hospital we have continued to fight for vital services to be restored at our hospital including full maternity and hospital and community stroke rehab services. This year we have also started to meet with the Integrated Care Board for the North East North Cumbria and STSFT to discuss our concerns.

At this time it is vital to continue to build our own organisations to stand up for our hospital services in every community and also to support the health workers and their unions, so that they can provide the service they want to. Join us in the fight.