NGOC, Colposcopy, and Paediatrics Redevelopment 

The NGOC, Colposcopy, and Children’s and Young People’s departments support some of the Trust’s most vulnerable patients – women receiving specialist gynaecological oncology care, who often face significant anxiety and uncertainty, and children and young people who need environments specifically designed to reduce stress and support positive healthcare experiences.  

Whilst we are proud of the heritage and legacy our hospital has of providing care to the Gateshead community, we all recognised that the existing estate no longer matched the quality, compassion, and professionalism of the clinical care being delivered.  

The former Paediatric unit sat in a Victorian block dating from the 1890s, while Colposcopy occupied a 1930s wing. Both were affected by outdated facilities, constrained clinical spaces, inefficient layouts, and a lack of privacy and dignity for patients.  

Staff also had no dedicated space to rest or change away from clinical areas, affecting wellbeing and morale.  

We approached this project with the people who would be using the spaces at the centre – working with those who would be in these departments to help us shape them.  

Working with Robertson Construction as Principal Contractor, we looked to transform these former wards into two purpose-built facilities.  

The new Children and Young People’s department was designed around a calm, welcoming experience – including dedicated play spaces, child-friendly bespoke finishes, and interactive seating pods to help reduce anxiety for children and their families.  

In the NGOC and Colposcopy Department, patient dignity, privacy, and comfort shaped every design decision. Consultation rooms were fitted with specialist lighting, dedicated counselling, and quiet spaces were created for sensitive conversations, and layouts were planned to improve patient modesty and reduce anxiety throughout their journey.  

We also ensured that, for the first time, staff have a dedicated break room and changing area.  

Throughout our development, we implemented robust infection prevention measures, regular stakeholder engagement, and offered executive walkarounds to ensure clinical priorities were embedded throughout delivery. 

The results of this £7.4 million redevelopment – delivered on time and on budget – continue to be seen each day through the care that patients receive. During our construction phase, we saw:  

• Paul Fox Safety Shield awarded in-house for exceptional safety standards 
• £2.8 million spent with businesses within 25 miles of the hospital – offering social value and impact to our local community 
• 2 work placements created – a 45-day T-Level placement with Sunderland College and a three-month placement through Gateshead College 

These departments are now set out to serve the people that are in them – and each environment – from the staff break room to the interactive pod seating – is helping Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust deliver exceptional care.