Formal planning permission has now been granted for a new urgent treatment centre, which will provide same day care for people who have a healthcare need that cannot wait, for example an illness or injury that can’t be treated at home or with the support of a pharmacist.
Each year, increasing numbers of people attend the RVI’s emergency department. Many do not have a life-threatening health emergency but they do need to be cared for quickly and with the help of a doctor or nurse.
Preliminary work has already started on the new centre, which will provide more space and better facilities for treating minor, but urgent, injuries and illnesses in a separate setting, safely and conveniently away from major emergencies.
Services will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and the centre’s location alongside the emergency department will make it accessible to patients.
This proximity to the main hospital will also allow for more flexible staffing and provide access to additional services if needed.
Commenting on the development, Rob Harrison, acting chief executive of Newcastle Hospitals said:
“We’re delighted to get the go-ahead from Newcastle City Council for our new urgent treatment centre.
“As a purpose-built addition to our RVI site, the centre will provide a dedicated and modern facility for people who need help with an urgent health need which cannot wait or be treated at home.
“Patients will be able to see the right person to meet their needs, through the centre’s team of doctors, nurses, therapists and other healthcare staff.”
Access to existing emergency services at the RVI will not be disrupted during the construction period and the RVI minor injuries unit will continue to operate as normal, with services transferring to the new centre once it is open.
Robertson Construction has been appointed build the centre, following previous successful construction projects with Newcastle Hospitals, including the award-winning Freeman Hospital day treatment centre.
Neil Kennedy, regional managing director for Robertson Construction North East said:
“Our long-standing relationship with Newcastle Hospitals is built on trust, experience and a shared commitment to delivering high-quality healthcare facilities.
“With planning now approved, we look forward to continuing this strong partnership with the successful delivery of this project.”
Newcastle Hospitals’ urgent treatment centres at Ponteland Road in Cowgate and Molineux Street in Byker will continue to operate seven days a week as normal.
