A significant multi‑phase construction programme to modernise and expand specialist clinical areas at the University Hospital of North Tees has now reached completion, marking a major milestone for the Trust’s surgical and maternity services.
The long‑running project managed by NTH Solutions, which set out to enhance both robotic surgery capacity and emergency maternity provision, began in February 2024. Its ambition was clear from the outset: to create state‑of‑the‑art theatres and supporting facilities that would future‑proof care for thousands of patients each year.
The first stage of the development focused on constructing a new robotic surgery theatre alongside a dedicated training room, as well as a purpose‑built emergency maternity theatre. To achieve this, engineers and designers built upwards, by creating new clinical space above an existing atrium. This initial phase reached completion in April 2024, providing the hospital with two modern theatres equipped for advanced procedures.
With the structural work complete, the design and development team immediately moved into the next phase. This second stage has now delivered a comprehensive suite of supporting facilities, including:
- An 11‑bed post‑operative recovery area designed to improve patient flow and comfort
- New staff changing rooms to support theatre teams
- A refreshed staff room offering improved rest space
- Additional toilets and storage areas
- A new access corridor linking the expanded facilities seamlessly with the existing hospital layout
Together, these additions create a fully integrated environment that supports both clinical excellence and staff wellbeing.
Jordan Pearson, Design and Development Manager at NTH Solutions, highlighted the close collaboration between construction teams and clinical staff throughout the process. He explained that the priority was always to minimise disruption to patient care while ensuring the final result met the needs of those who would use the space every day.
Consultant surgeon Anil Agarwal expressed gratitude on behalf of the project management team, acknowledging the patience and support of theatre staff during months of construction activity. He also extended thanks to colleagues in the children’s emergency department and the hospital switchboard, who experienced unavoidable disruption as the works progressed.
Andy Talbot, managing director of contractor Geoffrey Robinson , said:
“We are extremely proud to have delivered this complex project at the University Hospital of North Tees. Working within a live hospital environment always presents unique challenges, and this scheme was particularly ambitious given the need to construct new clinical spaces around existing infrastructure. “
A huge thank you goes to every individual and team whose dedication, patience and expertise made this ambitious project possible.
