Work begins this week on the next phase of improving our urgent and emergency care facilities at the RVI. This involves the construction of a permanent link corridor between the urgent treatment centre and the existing emergency department and paediatric emergency department.
It will also include building a new ambulance entrance and four additional assessment rooms. Work is expected to continue until late December 2026.
Patients will continue to access our urgent and emergency care services through the new urgent treatment centre main entrance, where they will be seen and directed to the best place for their care. Temporary signage will be in place.
For patients being brought in by emergency ambulance we have worked with North East Ambulance Service to create a new ambulance entrance directly to the department. Road access has not changed.
Both the emergency department and urgent treatment centre will continue to operate as normal, however there will inevitably be some disruption during this period and potentially longer waiting times. We are working hard to ensure patients continue to receive safe, effective and timely care.
Can we remind patients that our urgent treatment centres at Ponteland Road in Cowgate and Molineux Street in Byker continue to operate seven days a week as normal. For health advice or health advice, or if you aren’t sure whether an urgent treatment centre is right for you, please visit 111.nhs.uk
Please note: emergency contraception and treatment for urine infections can now be provided by your local pharmacy
