The project plays a key role in the Trust’s adoption of the NHS ‘one front door’ model for urgent and emergency care. This nationally recognised approach brings patients into a single, clearly defined arrival point, where they can be rapidly assessed and directed to the most appropriate service.
Delivered within a highly constrained, live acute hospital environment, the UTC is located adjacent to existing emergency facilities and required careful integration with the wider hospital. Clinical requirements demanded seamless horizontal movement between departments, stepfree trolley access and strong operational connections, all while maintaining uninterrupted day today healthcare services throughout construction.
Our approach
P+HS Architects worked closely with Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, clinical stakeholders and the wider consultant team to develop a highly coordinated, patientfocused solution rooted in operational efficiency.
Early engagement was critical. Detailed discussions with clinical teams focused on understanding workflows, patient movement and adjacencies, ensuring the design responded directly to how the building would function in practice. This collaborative process informed the design of the focal streaming desk, a central element of the ‘one front door’ model. Positioned to provide immediate clarity and visibility on arrival, the desk enables patients to be assessed and streamed either to the Urgent Treatment Centre or A&E, supporting safe, efficient decisionmaking from the outset.
The complexity of the site required careful coordination to manage road realignments alongside the diversion and connection of live services. Robust planning around access, servicing and construction logistics minimised disruption and ensured the hospital could continue operating safely throughout the works.
The solution delivered
The completed UTC is a purposebuilt, singlestorey facility designed to operate 24/7, providing a modern, efficient environment for sameday assessment and treatment.
Patient flow is central to the design. Clear sightlines from arrival, dedicated waiting areas and flexible clinical spaces support safe and intuitive movement through the building. Level connections to A&E and diagnostic services strengthen operational integration across the emergency care campus, supporting joinedup clinical working.
Plant and servicing have been sensitively located at lower levels to reduce the building’s overall mass and support ease of maintenance. Architecturally, the building’s curved edges and layered façade create a calm and welcoming presence within the hospital setting. Vertical façade fins soften the building’s appearance while acting as a subtle wayfinding device, guiding patients and visitors towards the main entrance and reinforcing the ‘one front door’ principle.
“This project is about putting patient experience first by creating a calm, efficient environment that supports urgent care today while allowing flexibility for the future.”
“The UTC will play a critical role in strengthening urgent care provision across Newcastle and the wider North East. The facility will improve patient experience, support reduced waiting times and help futureproof urgent care services within one of the region’s busiest hospitals.”
