St Richard's Hospital
NHS hospital services, A&E and specialist care
St Richard's Hospital is the main acute hospital serving Chichester and the wider West Sussex area. Located on Spitalfield Lane, a short distance from the city centre, it is part of University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust and provides a comprehensive range of inpatient, outpatient and emergency services.
The emergency department at St Richard's provides 24-hour accident and emergency care for the Chichester area. It handles everything from minor injuries and illnesses to major trauma and life-threatening emergencies. As with emergency departments nationally, waiting times can be long during busy periods, and patients with less urgent conditions may face extended waits while more serious cases are prioritised. The hospital also has an urgent treatment centre for conditions that need prompt attention but are not life-threatening, such as sprains, minor fractures and wound care.
Inpatient services cover the main medical and surgical specialties. General surgery, orthopaedics, cardiology, respiratory medicine, gastroenterology and elderly care are all provided, along with maternity services and a neonatal unit. The hospital has operating theatres, intensive care facilities and diagnostic services including radiology, pathology and endoscopy.
Outpatient clinics run throughout the week, covering a wide range of specialties. Patients are referred by their GP or other healthcare professionals, and appointments are managed through a central booking system. Waiting times for outpatient appointments vary by specialty, and some have longer waits than others. The Trust provides information on current waiting times, and patients have the right to choose where they are treated if they prefer to go elsewhere.
The maternity unit at St Richard's provides antenatal care, labour and delivery services and postnatal support. The unit offers a range of birth options, including consultant-led care for higher-risk pregnancies and midwife-led care for straightforward births. Community midwives based at the hospital provide care throughout pregnancy and in the weeks after birth.
St Richard's has undergone significant development and investment over the years. The buildings are a mix of older wards and newer purpose-built facilities. The hospital also serves as a teaching site, training doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals in partnership with local universities.
Parking at the hospital is managed through a pay-and-display system, and spaces can be in high demand during peak times. The hospital is accessible by bus from the city centre and has cycle parking for those who prefer two wheels. For patients, visitors and staff, the hospital is a vital part of the Chichester community and the wider health system of West Sussex.
The maternity unit at St Richard provides antenatal care, labour and delivery services and postnatal support for families across the district. The unit offers a range of birth options, including consultant-led care for higher-risk pregnancies and midwife-led care for straightforward births. Community midwives based at the hospital provide care throughout pregnancy and in the weeks after birth, and the service is generally well regarded by the families it serves.
St Richard has undergone significant development and investment over the years. The buildings are a mix of older wards and newer purpose-built facilities, and the hospital continues to evolve as clinical needs and standards change. The hospital also serves as a teaching site, training doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals in partnership with local universities and medical schools.
Parking at the hospital is managed through a pay-and-display system, and spaces can be in high demand during peak visiting hours and clinic times. The hospital is accessible by bus from the city centre and has cycle parking for those who prefer two wheels. For patients, visitors and staff, St Richard is a vital part of the Chichester community and the wider health system of West Sussex.