Geoffrey Robinson has completed the first phase of a new Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) at The James Cook University Hospital.
The UTC is part of a £9m investment in urgent care services on Teesside that will provide care closer to home and ease the pressures on emergency departments.
Using modular construction techniques, we worked with P+HS Architects and Premier Modular to place 27 units on site to create the three-storey building.
Andy Talbot, Executive Director at Geoffrey Robinson, said: “We’ve really pushed the boundaries of modular construction with this project, the whole team have done an incredible job.
“Built alongside the hospital’s existing emergency department, the 27 units were rapidly placed onto site within a few days, minimising impact on emergency services and the air ambulance too.
“Following some very busy weeks with hospital equipment being delivered to site around electricians, joiners, and decorators, the facility is now open and providing treatment for whole range of minor injuries and illnesses. It’s been a fantastic project to have been involved in.”
The primary objective of the UTC was to include improved urgent care capacity and support for the existing emergency department. The new centre includes additional employee welfare and accommodation on the ground floor, with clinical and treatment rooms, waiting areas, and a triage and reception space located above.
Taking such an innovative approach with the decision to use a modular build offers the trust future flexibility. The building can be adapted and/or expanded to help us cope with future demand. Modular buildings are fully re-useable, flexible, reconfigurable, and recyclable. It also aligns with our carbon reduction plans, with zero waste to landfill, as well as energy procured from exclusively renewable sources.
The UTC ground floor has a dedicated adult waiting area and a separate area for children. It includes nine consulting rooms, one plaster room, one assessment room and ancillary spaces.
The first floor of the building, with staff offices, meeting rooms and staff rest area has also handed over, with works continuing on the external cladding and landscaping.
A new lobby entrance is due to begin construction in mid-May, and the new internal streaming and triage areas following on after that.
The project was shortlisted in the 2024 Constructing Excellence North East Awards.
