Robertson delivers new facilities for women, children and young people

The Northern Gynaecological Oncology Centre provides specialist regional care for women with gynaecological cancer, supporting high activity levels and complex treatment pathways and strengthening access to personalised, evidence-based care. 

Alongside this, the new Children and Young People’s Department has been designed around the needs of children, young people and their families, with calming interiors, age-appropriate play areas and welcoming spaces to help reduce anxiety and support a more positive hospital experience.

The facilities, which represent a £7.4m investment in care for women, children and young people, were officially opened by Sir Paul Ennals, chair of Gateshead Health, who said: “It is a real privilege to officially open these new facilities. This investment reflects our commitment to providing high-quality, compassionate care in environments that respect the needs of women, children and young people. These redeveloped services will support patients, families and staff for many years to come and are a strong example of how we are modernising our estate to improve experience and outcomes.”

Neil Kennedy, Regional Managing Director of Robertson Construction North East, said: “Having worked closely with the Trust and QE Facilities on a number of projects, we share the Trust’s commitment to providing high-quality care for patients and staff. Using our experience in live healthcare environments, we supported the Trust in overcoming structural and logistical challenges without affecting design, quality or budget. Construction also saw 94% of spend with SMEs and 90% kept within 30 miles, ensuring local people who will benefit from these facilities also benefited throughout delivery.”

Stuart Rundle, Clinical Lead for gynaecological oncology said: “These new departments give us the space and environment our patients deserve. A calmer setting can make a big difference to how people feel when they come through the door, especially women attending for complex or sensitive care, as well as children and young people. This will improve both experience and outcomes.”

Construction began in January 2025 and was delivered in partnership with QE Facilities, the trust’s wholly owned subsidiary, and principal contractor Robertson Construction North East, supported by a multidisciplinary design and engineering team. The project included essential infrastructure upgrades and a full interior refurbishment within the hospital’s original 1930s building.

Dr Sean Fenwick, acting chief executive of Gateshead Health, said: “This project is a clear investment in specialist women’s cancer care through the Northern Gynaecological Oncology Centre, while also delivering a significantly improved environment for children and young people and their families.

“It moves us forward in our ambition to be a centre of excellence for women’s health and ensures our children’s services are delivered in spaces that feel calm, supportive and fit for the future. I’m proud of what has been achieved and grateful to everyone involved.”

Alongside NGOC and the Children and Young People’s Department, the redevelopment also includes a new colposcopy department, providing women with a more private and dignified setting for essential diagnostic and treatment procedures.

Gavin Evans, managing director of QE Facilities, said: “Our teams have put a great deal of work into making sure these departments meet modern standards while still fitting within the original building. It has been a complex redevelopment, but the result will make a real difference for patients, families and staff.”

Gateshead Health Charity contributed £18,000 towards enhancements to the new spaces, including funding for a wooden feature tree that has helped create a welcoming reception area for children, young people and their families.

Image show L-R: Image show L-R: Gavin Evans, Managing Director, QE Facilities, Gateshead Health; Carmen Howey, Medical Director, Gateshead Health; Neil Kennedy, Regional Managing Director, Robertson Construction North East; Elizabeth Swanson, Interim Chief Nursing Officer, Gateshead Health; Sir Paul Ennals, Joint Chair, Great North Healthcare Alliance.