James Cook University Hospital New ED Lobby

The new Emergency Department entrance lobby at The James Cook University Hospital is now open, marking a significant milestone in South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s ongoing improvements to their Urgent and Emergency Care services.

Located between the new Urgent Treatment Centre and the existing Emergency Department, the new lobby creates a single, streamlined arrival point for all patients attending Urgent and Emergency Care. Having just 'One Front Door' creates a clear entry pathway for patients and, once inside, allows staff to efficiently assess them and direct them to the appropriate care setting.

The creation of a central Streaming Desk, improved Triage area and new corridor leading from the lobby to Paediatric ED is also ongoing and will further support the process of ensuring patients receive the right care in the right place at the right time.

These developments follow the completion of the modular UTC, also designed by P+HS, which opened in April 2024 as the first phase of a £9 million investment in Urgent Care services on Teesside. Open 24 hours a day, the UTC has already made a significant impact, with more than 30,000 patients seen in its first six months. Its success has helped ease pressure on the main ED, contributing to a 36% drop in A&E attendance.