In May of 2018 a paper was submitted to the trust for the proposal for a modular building to be erected on the NSECH site. This would provide a dedicated, purpose-designed clinical space for expanded ambulatory functions across Medicine, Gynaecology, Surgery and Orthopaedics.

Prior to the build the flow of ambulatory patients had been compromised for much of the past years by the use of the current area as inpatient accommodation. The build allowed expansion of ambulatory functions within a dedicated facility.

This expansion is fully in line with national and local drivers to reduce the increasing reliance on in-patient beds. It has de-congested the Emergency Department; ensuring patients reach the most appropriate clinical service in a timely way, thereby improving performance against the 4-hour A&E waiting and ambulance handover targets.

NHFM built an option at a capital cost of 15.5 Million that gives opportunity for further NSECH site bed capacity to be created at a later stage. This supports the Trust’s strategic intent to reduce base site footprint, and consolidate more specialist care on the Cramlington site. NHFM continue to develop with our partners McAvoy and PH+S to develop the clinical engagement and detailed to confirm precise requirements to develop the extension to support the clinics strategy with departments that are HBN and HTM compliant.

Since being built the extension has won Offsite Healthcare project of the year 2020.