Formal planning permission has been granted for a new urgent treatment centre at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI).

The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust says that each year increasing numbers of people attend the RVI’s emergency department.

It adds: “Many do not have a life-threatening health emergency, but they do need to be cared for quickly and with the help of a doctor or nurse.”

Preliminary work has already started on the new centre – which will provide more space and better facilities for treating minor, but urgent, injuries and illnesses in a separate setting, safely and conveniently away from major emergencies.

Services will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

And its proximity to the main hospital will also allow for more-flexible staffing and provide access to additional services if needed.

Commenting on the development, Rob Harrison, acting chief executive of the trust, said: “We’re delighted to get the go-ahead from Newcastle City Council for our new urgent treatment centre.

“Patients will be able to see the right person to meet their needs, through the centre’s team of doctors, nurses, therapists, and other healthcare staff.”

Robertson Construction’s appointment to build the new centre follows previous successful construction projects with the trust, including the award-winning Freeman Hospital day treatment centre.

Neil Kennedy, the company’s regional managing director for the North East, said: “Our long-standing relationship with Newcastle Hospitals is built on trust, experience, and a shared commitment to delivering high-quality healthcare facilities.

“With planning now approved, we look forward to continuing this strong partnership with the successful delivery of this project.”

The building has been designed by P+HS Architects.