Top 10 Best Hospitals in Adur

Understanding Hospital Care in Adur

Adur is a compact district, and while it does not host a large emergency hospital within its boundaries, its residents are well served by a strong network of nearby facilities. Located between Worthing and Brighton and Hove, Shoreham-by-Sea, Lancing, Southwick and Sompting sit within easy reach of major acute hospitals, specialist centres and high-quality private providers. Most NHS hospital services for the area are delivered by University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, which was formed by bringing together the trusts that run hospitals in Worthing, Brighton, Chichester and Haywards Heath.

Knowing which hospital to use for which service can save valuable time. This guide outlines the ten best hospitals serving Adur, explaining what each one is known for and how residents typically use it.

How We Selected These Hospitals

We considered proximity to Adur, range of services, specialist expertise, patient experience, inspection outcomes, access to modern diagnostics and convenience factors such as parking and public transport. The list combines NHS and private hospitals so that readers can understand every option available.

The Top 10 Hospitals Serving Adur

1. Southlands Hospital

Located in Shoreham-by-Sea, Southlands Hospital is the district's own hospital site and a key centre for planned care. It offers outpatient clinics, day surgery, diagnostic imaging and specialist services, allowing many Adur residents to receive treatment without travelling to a larger city hospital. Its calmer environment and shorter journey times are highly valued by local patients.

2. Worthing Hospital

Just a short drive west of Lancing, Worthing Hospital is the main acute and emergency hospital for much of Adur. It provides a full emergency department, maternity care, intensive care, cancer services and a wide range of medical and surgical specialities, and has been widely recognised for the quality of its care.

3. Royal Sussex County Hospital

The Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton is the region's major teaching hospital and a designated major trauma centre. It handles complex cases in cardiology, neurosciences, renal medicine and cancer care, with substantial investment in modern facilities in recent years.

4. Royal Alexandra Children's Hospital

Sited alongside the Royal Sussex County Hospital, the Royal Alexandra Children's Hospital provides specialist paediatric care for families across Sussex. Its child-friendly design and dedicated paediatric emergency department make it the go-to destination for seriously unwell children from Adur.

5. Sussex Eye Hospital

The Sussex Eye Hospital in Brighton is a specialist ophthalmology centre offering emergency eye care, cataract surgery, retinal treatments and glaucoma management. Adur residents are commonly referred here for complex eye conditions.

6. Princess Royal Hospital

Based in Haywards Heath, the Princess Royal Hospital is a centre for elective surgery, neurosciences and other specialist services. While further from Adur, it is often used for planned procedures that benefit from dedicated surgical capacity.

7. St Richard's Hospital

Located in Chichester, St Richard's Hospital offers acute services and a strong reputation for patient care. Some Adur residents are referred here for specific specialities or when capacity allows quicker treatment.

8. Nuffield Health Brighton Hospital

For private care, Nuffield Health Brighton Hospital offers orthopaedic surgery, general surgery, diagnostics and physiotherapy. Patients appreciate its short waiting times, private rooms and consultant-led care, whether paying privately or using medical insurance.

9. Spire Montefiore Hospital

Situated in Hove, close to Southwick and Fishersgate, Spire Montefiore Hospital provides a wide range of private treatments, including orthopaedics, cosmetic surgery, cardiology and advanced imaging. Its central location and modern facilities make it a popular private option.

10. Goring Hall Hospital

Part of Circle Health Group, Goring Hall Hospital in Worthing delivers private surgery and outpatient care in a peaceful setting. It is particularly known for orthopaedics, including hip and knee replacements, and offers NHS-funded treatment in some cases.

Trends in Local Hospital Care

Hospital care across Sussex is evolving. Community diagnostic centres are expanding access to scans and tests closer to home, reducing pressure on major hospitals. Digital tools, including the NHS App and virtual wards, allow some patients to be monitored safely from home. Elective surgical hubs are helping to reduce waiting lists, and partnerships between NHS and private hospitals are giving patients more choice about where they receive planned treatment.

Choosing the Right Hospital

In a medical emergency, always call 999 or go to the nearest emergency department, typically Worthing Hospital or the Royal Sussex County Hospital. For urgent but non-life-threatening issues, NHS 111 can direct you to the most appropriate service. For planned treatment, discuss options with your GP, who can explain waiting times and help you exercise your right to choose where you are referred. If considering private care, compare consultant experience, facility ratings and total costs before booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Adur have its own emergency department?

No. Southlands Hospital in Shoreham focuses on planned care, outpatients and diagnostics. For emergencies, most Adur residents attend Worthing Hospital or the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton, depending on where they live and the nature of the problem.

Can I choose which hospital I am referred to?

In most cases, NHS patients in England have a legal right to choose where they are referred for their first outpatient appointment. Ask your GP about the options and compare waiting times before deciding.

Is private treatment available on the NHS?

Some private hospitals near Adur treat NHS-funded patients for certain planned procedures. Your GP or consultant can tell you whether this is an option for your treatment.

Final Thoughts

Although Adur does not house a major emergency hospital, its residents enjoy access to some of the best hospital care in the south east. From Southlands Hospital on their doorstep to specialist centres in Brighton and trusted private providers nearby, local people have a wide range of high-quality options. Understanding what each hospital offers helps you make confident, informed decisions about your health and the health of your family.