Our neurology service provides care and treatment for an extensive range of conditions affecting the nervous system.
We have a national and international reputation in many fields of neurological disability and chronic disease management.
The unit is based on Ward 34 (with neuro-rehabilitation beds on Ward 26). The service is run by highly qualified consultant neurologists, specialist registrars, doctors and a multi-disciplinary team including nurses, therapists and allied health professionals.
Ward telephone no: 01642 854534
Neurology day unit no: 01642 854569
Neurology outpatient department: 01642 854282
Inpatients
The ward looks after patients with a wide variety of neurological conditions, from planned (elective), emergency and non-emergency.
Diagnostics are carried out on the wards, as inpatient care.
We have specialist nurses in the following areas who assess and treat patients and run clinics.
Outpatients
The directorate also encompasses the department of neurophysiology which has two consultant neurophysiologists and stroke consultants.
New pilot booking system
We are trialling a new partial booking system to give neurology patients more control over their appointments.
Neurology patients will now be placed on a waiting list in order of the date their referral was received and/or priority of clinical need.
If for any reason we, or you need to rearrange the appointment, you will go back to your place in line, not to the back of the queue.
This new booking policy will only apply to patients booked into neurology clinics at:
- The James Cook University Hospital
- Friarage Hospital
- Whitby Community Hospital
- Peaseway Medical Centre
- Bishopgate Medical Centre
As part of the implementation process of the pilot, the booking team will be cancelling new appointments booked within neurology between February and November 2026. Patients will receive notification of their appointment cancellation via post or text.
These patients will then join the new partial booking waiting list and when it is time to rebook their appointment, they will receive a letter inviting them to make an appointment. Patients should contact the booking team using the details provided on their letter/text.
Any neurology appointments at Hartlepool Hospital, Darlington Memorial Hospital and Bishop Auckland General Hospital will continue to be booked as normal and will not be included in the partial booking system trial.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to book my appointment?
You will have 14 days from the date of the letter to book you appointment. We will then send you a further letter and if we do not hear from you within seven days you may be removed from the waiting list.
What if I no longer need to be seen?
Your appointment letter will contain information on how to contact the booking teams to cancel your appointment. It is important you do this at the earliest opportunity so we can offer the appointment to someone else.
What should I do if I am on waiting list but no longer need an appointment?
Please contact us immediately by telephoning 01642 850850 and ask for extension 58549.
What if my contact details change?
If at any time, your contact details change, please update your contact details on the public facing website.
Can I be seen sooner if I am unwell?
If your condition changes or deteriorates, we would advise you seek advice from your GP in the first instance.
Alternatively, the NHS has launched a new online hub, which can tell you if you need medical help and advise. Please call 111 if you cannot go online.
Why are you changing how you manage appointments?
The new partial booking system will allow us to manage patient appointments in neurology to ensure patients have the flexibility to book appointments at a date and time which suits them.
We also hope it will help us to reduce the number of cancellations and unnecessary delays and offer more direct communication with our patients. This provides a valuable opportunity to clarify any appointment details and address accessibility needs before the appointment.