A new Urgent Treatment Centre for Newcastle

Planning permission has been approved for the new bespoke Urgent Treatment Centre at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, for The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Designed to help alleviate pressure on the existing Emergency Department, the new facility will provide urgent care to patients with minor but pressing injuries or illnesses in a dedicated space, safely separated from major emergencies.

Located directly adjacent to the existing Emergency Department, the new centre will deliver a single point of entry for urgent and emergency care. It includes a new reception area and dedicated waiting spaces for each care pathway, alongside additional, modern clinical spaces for the treatment of minor conditions.

To ensure patients can easily find their way in what can often be an overwhelming environment, the centre has been carefully designed to subtly guide visitors. Undulating, sculptural aluminium fins create a clear directional flow towards the entrance, helping to instinctively lead people to the ‘front door’. The curved, single-storey massing ensures a soft, approachable appearance at a human scale.

Nestled between the taller Emergency Department and the multi-storey car park, the design takes inspiration from pavilion-style architecture - decorative, low-scale, and lightweight in appearance. The warm bronze finish complements the buff brick of the adjacent Leazes Wing and sits comfortably alongside the traditional stone buildings of the wider RVI estate.

Lead Architect, Ellen Baines Commented: 

“We’re so pleased this vital facility has now got the green light. After working with both the Trust and Robertson to deliver the award-winning Freeman Hospital Day Treatment Centre, we’ve built a strong and collaborative relationship that continues to shape high-quality, patient-focused environments.”

With construction now underway by Robertson Group, the facility is set for completion by the end of 2025. Once open, it will be a valuable asset to the local community, supporting patients to access the right care, by the right person, in the right place, as quickly as possible.