It is managed by the South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust.

The hospital has its origins in the Sunderland Union Workhouse Infirmary which was completed on a site to the south of Hylton Road in 1855.

[1] A new enlarged infirmary was built on the west of the workhouse in the early 20th century.

[1] Sunderland and South Tyneside clinical commissioning groups decided in February 2018 to centralise hospital based stroke, maternity, gynaecology and paediatric services at Sunderland Royal Hospital.

[3] British actor Sid James, best known for his roles in various Carry On films and Bless This House died there on 26 April 1976 shortly after collapsing on stage at the Sunderland Empire Theatre from a heart attack.