Publish date: 30 October 2023
Care in the heart of the community – Alnwick Infirmary
Alnwick Infirmary has cared for people in the area for more than 200 years.
There have been many changes in healthcare in that time. What remains the same is that it is a hospital for the community.
Today it provides many key services. This means that patients can have their care closer to home. This reduces travel time and costs.
Northumbria Healthcare continues to invest in its community hospitals. At Alnwick, a new inpatient ward opened in summer 2022. In the autumn, work took place on the new outpatient department.
This video provides a tour through the hospital. You can read more about its services below.
Minor injuries unit
The minor injuries unit is there for people with conditions such as sprains and strains, suspected broken bones, cuts, grazes or suspected wound infections, minor burns and scalds, minor head injuries (where there has been no loss of consciousness or vomiting), ear and throat infections, insect and animal bites.
It is a nurse-led unit. It is staffed by highly experienced emergency nurse practitioners. These are registered nurses with additional university education. They can assess, diagnose and treat patients. If appropriate, they can prescribe medication.
The unit is open 7.45am to 8.30pm, 7 days a week. More information is available here.
Physiotherapy
Patients needing rehab after illness or injury can have treatment at Alnwick. Appointments are available 5 days a week.
Patients with bone, joint or soft tissue issues or persistent pain can access JMAPS. Patients can self-refer or GPs refer into the service. Clinics take place in Alnwick among many other locations. More information is available here.
X-ray
Patients can have x-rays and ultrasound scans. Since summer 2023, more appointments are available. This includes weekend appointments to reduce travel for patients.
Scans are provided to patients coming from the minor injuries unit. X-ray appointments are also available for GP patients and outpatients.
Patients can now book x-rays online. For more information, visit our radiology page.
Operating theatres
Operations take place in the theatres at Alnwick every week. This unit is for day cases where patients return home the same day.
Day case surgery is a focus for Northumbria Healthcare. It is an innovation developed over several years. It helps the trust treat more patients and maximise capacity. This helps to reduce waiting times for patients.
Ward 1
Ward 1 is a care of the elderly rehabilitation ward. The updated ward has an improved environment for patients and staff. This includes side rooms with en-suite facilities. The ward has moved to the ground floor. This means it is more accessible.
It provides support for:
- People recovering from orthopaedic operations
- People with medical conditions
- Palliative and end-of-life patients
The ward team cares for patients who may have had a spell in another hospital. It helps them to recover, get back on their feet and gain confidence.
Oncology Day Unit
Cancer patients can have their chemotherapy here at Alnwick. It means patients can have their treatment closer to home.
The unit has a calm, comfortable and welcoming environment. Before starting treatment, patients have a pre-assessment visit. This gives them a chance to visit the unit and meet the staff.
The unit offers free therapies to support treatment. This includes reflexology, Indian head massage and body massage.
The unit opened in 2014 following a £200,000 overhaul. This provided the latest equipment and best facilities for patients.
Outpatient department
The new outpatient department provides an improved space for care. It is a more comfortable space for patients and staff.
Patients can have their treatment and care for a wide range of conditions. Almost 40 regular clinics take place in the department. More information is available here.
Hillcrest Maternity Unit
Hillcrest is one of the trust’s midwife-led units. It is open 7 days a week and hosts a range of clinics.
During pregnancy, most contact is with community midwives. They see patients often to ensure that both they and their baby are healthy.
Low-risk pregnancies do not generally require a consultant appointment. The midwife is responsible for the care. However, consultant clinics do take place at Alnwick.
Those deemed to be low-risk can give birth at Hillcrest. This means one-to-one care from a midwife that patients know from their pregnancy. Patients will be closer to home, in a quiet, relaxed environment.
For more information, visit our maternity page.