England

Chemists in Sunderland

Find local pharmacies and chemists across Sunderland, with opening hours, contact details and NHS services.

44
Pharmacies
6
Postcode Districts
–
Open Now

Pharmacies & Chemists in Sunderland

Sunderland, the historic city with over 275,000 residents, has 44 community pharmacies listed in our directory across the city center, suburbs, and surrounding areas. From the city center and bridges to Roker, Seaburn, Hendon, Southwick, and Washington, Sunderland pharmacies provide comprehensive NHS services including prescription dispensing, NHS Pharmacy First for minor ailments, flu vaccinations, travel health advice, and sexual health services. Many Sunderland pharmacies offer extended opening hours until 8-9pm, with city center and coastal locations providing convenient access for shoppers, workers, University of Sunderland students, and residents of this proud Wearside city. Sunderland's heritage as a shipbuilding and mining center, current challenges with post-industrial deprivation, strong community identity, and coastal location create distinctive healthcare needs. The city's regeneration efforts, new developments like the International Advanced Manufacturing Park, and improved transport links are transforming the health landscape.

Local Healthcare Services

Sunderland's healthcare system is part of NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board, serving 3 million people across the region. Community pharmacies are essential in supporting Sunderland's challenging health profile - the city has significant deprivation (though improving), higher rates of cardiovascular disease, respiratory conditions, diabetes, mental health challenges, and health inequalities between affluent and deprived areas. Pharmacies work alongside Sunderland Royal Hospital (major acute hospital on Kayll Road) and numerous GP practices across the city. Sunderland faces the legacy of heavy industry with some older residents having occupational health conditions (asbestosis, industrial injuries, respiratory disease from shipbuilding and mining). Pharmacies provide vital services including blood pressure monitoring, diabetes screening, stop smoking support (lung health particularly important given industrial heritage), and chronic disease management. The city's diverse communities (significant South Asian and Eastern European populations in some areas) mean many pharmacies offer culturally sensitive services. University of Sunderland's 20,000+ students create demand for sexual health services, mental health support, and student health consultations. Sunderland's coastal location means some pharmacies stock maritime health supplies. The city's strong community identity means pharmacies often serve generations of the same families. New developments like the Vaux site (£100m+ redevelopment) are bringing modern healthcare facilities.

Emergency & Out-of-Hours Services

For urgent healthcare needs outside GP hours, Sunderland residents should call NHS 111 (free, 24/7) for advice and pharmacy locations. The major emergency department is at Sunderland Royal Hospital (Kayll Road, southwest of city center, accessible by Go North East buses 8, 20, 35, X20, and others). Several Sunderland pharmacies participate in extended hours rotas, particularly in the city center, coastal areas, and Washington. For emergency prescriptions, NHS 111 can direct you to the nearest open pharmacy. Sunderland's position on the A19 and near the A1(M) means good road access for ambulances. In genuine emergencies (chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, suspected stroke), always call 999. For urgent but non-emergency needs, NHS 111 can book appointments at hospital urgent care or direct you to late-opening pharmacies. Several city center pharmacies and coastal pharmacies in Roker/Seaburn offer late hours until 9pm, particularly in summer when the beaches attract visitors. Sunderland's Metro connection to Newcastle means some residents use Newcastle emergency services, but Sunderland Royal Hospital serves most city needs. The city's regeneration includes new health centers in Washington Galleries and other areas improving emergency access.

Getting to Pharmacies in Sunderland

Sunderland's excellent transport links make pharmacy access generally good. Sunderland Station (Northern Rail and Grand Central services to Newcastle, York, London King's Cross, and beyond) has pharmacies in the nearby city center within 10 minutes' walk. The Tyne and Wear Metro (green line to Newcastle, yellow line to South Shields, connecting at Pelaw) provides fast access across the city with stops at Park Lane (city center), St Peter's, Seaburn, and beyond - many pharmacies are near Metro stations. Go North East operates comprehensive bus services across Sunderland and wider North East. The city center around Holmeside, Fawcett Street, The Bridges shopping center, and Park Lane is compact and walkable. Parking is available at multi-story car parks like Holmeside and Fawcett Street. Coastal pharmacies in Roker and Seaburn serve the popular beach areas (easier parking than city center, especially summer). Washington (large new town area of Sunderland) has pharmacies in Washington Galleries shopping center and district areas like Concord, Glebe, and Biddick. Many pharmacies offer delivery services, essential for elderly residents and those in areas with limited mobility. The hilly topography in some areas can be challenging for those with mobility issues, but buses serve most areas. For those in outlying areas like Houghton-le-Spring or Hetton, regular buses connect to city pharmacies. The coastal promenade from Roker to Seaburn has excellent walking and cycling routes to coastal pharmacies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which pharmacies are in Sunderland city center?

The city center around Fawcett Street, Holmeside, The Bridges shopping center, and High Street West has several pharmacies offering extended hours (many until 8-9pm weekdays, plus Sundays). These serve shoppers, workers, students, and residents. The city center is within 10 minutes' walk of Sunderland Station and Park Lane Metro station.

Are there pharmacies on the Sunderland coast?

Yes, the popular coastal areas of Roker and Seaburn have pharmacies serving residents, beachgoers, and the thousands of summer visitors. These are near the seafront promenade, easily accessible by Metro (Seaburn station) or bus. Coastal pharmacies stock beach essentials in summer and serve the many elderly residents in seafront apartments year-round.

Can I reach pharmacies by Metro?

Yes, the Tyne and Wear Metro provides excellent access to pharmacies across Sunderland. Key stops include Park Lane (city center), St Peter's (near the Stadium of Light), Seaburn (coast), and South Hylton. Many pharmacies are within 5-10 minutes' walk of Metro stations. The Metro runs every 12 minutes (every 6 minutes peak times) making pharmacy access convenient without a car.

Which pharmacies are in Washington?

Washington (large new town area of Sunderland with 60,000+ residents) has pharmacies in Washington Galleries shopping center and in district villages like Concord, Glebe, Biddick, Oxclose, and Fatfield. These serve Washington's substantial population with parking available. Regular buses and some areas have Metro access (Heworth interchange nearby).

Are there pharmacies near Sunderland Royal Hospital?

Yes, pharmacies are located near Sunderland Royal Hospital on Kayll Road and in nearby Ryhope and Grangetown areas. These are convenient for hospital visitors, outpatients collecting prescriptions, and residents of south Sunderland. The hospital pharmacy serves inpatients, but community pharmacies nearby help with over-the-counter needs and post-discharge prescriptions.

Do pharmacies serve University of Sunderland students?

Yes, pharmacies in the city center and near the university campuses (city center campus near Park Lane, St Peter's Campus) serve the 20,000+ students. These offer services relevant to students including sexual health consultations, emergency contraception, minor illness treatment, mental health support, and confidential advice. Many are within walking distance of student accommodation areas.

Which pharmacies are near the Stadium of Light?

Pharmacies in the city center and near St Peter's Metro station serve the area around the Stadium of Light (Sunderland AFC's home ground). On match days, city center pharmacies see increased footfall from the passionate Sunderland fans. The nearby Sheepfolds area and Pallion also have pharmacies serving the local community.

Can I find late-night pharmacies in Sunderland?

Yes, several pharmacies in the city center offer extended hours until 8-9pm weekdays. Coastal pharmacies in Roker/Seaburn sometimes extend hours in summer. Check our "Open Now" filter or call ahead to confirm exact hours, particularly for evenings and weekends. City center pharmacies near Park Lane typically have the latest hours.

Showing 44 pharmacies in Sunderland

Areas Covered in Sunderland

The 44 pharmacies we list in Sunderland, England span 6 postcode districts.

  • SR210 pharmacies
  • SR410 pharmacies
  • SR610 pharmacies
  • SR56 pharmacies
  • SR14 pharmacies
  • SR34 pharmacies

Services Commonly Offered by UK Pharmacies

Services commonly offered by UK pharmacies — check with the pharmacy before visiting.

NHS Prescription Dispensing

NHS Free

Free NHS prescription collection and dispensing service. Many pharmacies offer same-day dispensing for repeat prescriptions and urgent medications.

All NHS pharmacies
95% available
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Emergency Contraception

Private

Morning after pill available without prescription at many pharmacies. Private consultation with qualified pharmacist included.

Most pharmacies
85% available
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Blood Pressure Monitoring

Free

Free blood pressure checks and cardiovascular health monitoring. Many pharmacies offer regular health checks and advice.

Selected pharmacies
80% available
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Flu Vaccinations

NHS Free

Annual flu jabs available at many pharmacies. NHS-funded for eligible patients, private service also available.

Most pharmacies (seasonal)
90% available
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Travel Health & Vaccinations

Private

Travel vaccines, malaria prevention, and travel health advice for trips abroad. Offered by some pharmacies with travel clinics.

Selected pharmacies
70% available

Medicine Use Reviews (MUR)

NHS Free

Free NHS service reviewing your medications to ensure they're working effectively and safely. Offered by many NHS pharmacies.

NHS-contracted pharmacies
75% available
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Need a Pharmacy Urgently?

Use the Open Now and 24 Hours filters above to find pharmacies in Sunderland whose listed hours say they are open. Hours can change, especially on bank holidays, so call ahead before travelling. For urgent medical advice call NHS 111, and in an emergency call 999.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about pharmacies in Sunderland

How many pharmacies are there in Sunderland?

Our directory lists 44 pharmacies in Sunderland, England, including both independent chemists and pharmacy chains.

Which pharmacies are open now in Sunderland?

Use the "Open Now" filter at the top of this page. It checks each pharmacy's listed opening hours against the current UK time. Hours can change, especially on bank holidays, so call the pharmacy before travelling if you need it urgently.

Can I get NHS prescriptions at any pharmacy in Sunderland?

Yes, all NHS-contracted pharmacies in Sunderland can dispense NHS prescriptions. This includes repeat prescriptions, acute prescriptions, and emergency supplies. Most pharmacies in our directory are NHS-contracted and offer free prescription dispensing for eligible patients.

Where can I find emergency pharmacy services in Sunderland?

For emergency pharmacy services in Sunderland, look for chemists open late evenings, weekends, or bank holidays. Some pharmacies offer emergency contraception, urgent medicine supplies, and out-of-hours consultations. Call NHS 111 for urgent pharmacy needs outside normal hours.

What services do pharmacies in Sunderland offer?

Every pharmacy we list dispenses NHS prescriptions and sells over-the-counter medicines. Other services commonly offered by UK pharmacies include blood pressure checks, flu vaccinations, travel vaccines, emergency contraception, stop smoking support and Pharmacy First consultations for minor ailments, but these vary from pharmacy to pharmacy, so check with the pharmacy before visiting.

How do I find the nearest chemist to me in Sunderland?

Use our postcode search tool to find the nearest pharmacy to your location in Sunderland. Enter your full postcode to see nearby chemists with opening hours, contact details, and walking directions. You can also browse by postcode area on this page.

Can I get vaccinations at pharmacies in Sunderland?

Many UK pharmacies offer vaccinations such as flu jabs, travel vaccines and COVID-19 vaccinations, some by appointment and some walk-in. Our listings don't record which pharmacies offer them, so check with the pharmacy for availability and booking.

What are the typical opening hours for chemists in Sunderland?

Most pharmacies in Sunderland open Monday-Friday 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Saturday 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, and Sunday 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Some supermarket pharmacies have extended hours until 8:00 PM or 10:00 PM. Always check specific opening times before visiting.

Can I collect someone else's prescription in Sunderland?

Yes, you can collect prescriptions for family members or friends at any pharmacy in Sunderland. You'll need to know their name, address, and date of birth. For controlled drugs, you may need written authorization from the patient.

Do pharmacies in Sunderland offer delivery services?

Many UK pharmacies offer prescription delivery, which is especially useful for elderly or housebound patients; some deliver free locally while others charge a small fee. Our listings don't record which pharmacies deliver, so contact the pharmacy to ask about delivery options and coverage.

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