The Newcastle Regional Sleep Service is based at the Freeman Hospital and the Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) at the Metrocentre. You may have appointments at either site.

All with many years of expertise and experience in managing a wide range of sleep disorders. 

We have close links with the Paediatric sleep service and the North East Assisted Ventilation Service (NEAVS).

We care for patients who have suspected or diagnosed obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) which is repeated episodes of snoring and stopping breathing during sleep, leading to unrefreshing sleep.

In addition, we also care for patients with other sleep conditions such as narcolepsy, parasomnia, insomnia and restless legs syndrome.

As the largest provider of this service for the North East of England, we care for patients throughout the region. There are other sleep services located in hospitals in Northumbria, Sunderland and South Tyneside, North and South Tees, Durham, Darlington and Carlisle. Local referral is encouraged as there may be a few visits to the hospital for sleep tests and clinics.

Patient initiated follow up

For any questions or queries about CPAP, patients please telephone 0191 213 7780 between 8.30am and 4.30pm to speak to someone to request replacement parts or support. We will respond as soon as we can.

Our sleep service facilities

Most of our sleep studies are performed at home, particularly if we are investigating for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). This means the test is carried out in your usual sleep environment, with a portable light-weight device, which is easy to use.  

We have facilities for comprehensive in-patient sleep measuring, including video polysomnography. The specialist will advise on which test is best for you. We can also perform actigraphy and multiple sleep latency tests when indicated.

Meet the team

Consultants

Respiratory

• Dr Sophie West (lead of Newcastle Regional Sleep
  Service)
• Dr Gerard Meachery

Neurology

• Dr Kirstie Anderson
• Dr Mike Keogh

Nurse specialists

• Mark Tomlinson
• Michael Scott
• Jessica Goldsworthy

Prescribing pharmacist

• Priti Sharma

Senior sleep physiologists

• Peter Close
• James Oliver
• Laura Hughes
• Jessica Hartley

Clinical physiologists

• John Littlemore
• Alysa Curbison
• Salah Uddin
• Claire Eccleshare
• Rita Harkawat

Associate Practitioners

• Leah French
• Emma Potts
• Hira Ajaz
• Stewart Bushby 
• John Bueno
• Charlotte Biggin
• Mary Shofowara
• Oghenevwegba Akporido
• Davi Hill

Assistant Technical Officers

• Bethan Roberts
• Uzochukwu Chidume

Further information

For more information about Obstructive Sleep Apnoea please visit Asthma + Lung UK for information on what OSA is, symptoms of OSA, what to do if you think you’re affected by OSA, and how to manage it.

The Sleep Apnoea Trust has helpful information about OSA and CPAP and troubleshooting tips. Alternatively, you can also visit the Hope 2 Sleep website for further support.

Other useful websites

• British Snoring & Sleep Apnoea Association
• Excessive sleepiness and driving – GOV.UK – DVLA advice for drivers
• Narcolepsy UK – Supporting people with narcolepsy, their families, carers and others interested in improving their quality of life – more information about narcolepsy
• RLS-UK | Restless Leg Syndrome & Periodic Limb Movement Charity – more information about restless legs syndrome 

Driving and sleepiness (including OSA)

You should be aware of the DVLA guidance regarding driving: “Anyone with excessive sleepiness having or likely to have an adverse impact on driving should not drive”. You need to ensure you are fit to drive and not too sleepy for every journey.