© Murphy Philipps 2025
South Tyneside Hospital
1300 sqm
The Integrated Diagnostic Centre has been created by a partnership between South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation and Alliance Medical Limited.
The Diagnostic Centre forms part of a wider programme to improve health outcomes in the local community.
The facility includes:
Key client drivers for the brief were a therapeutic environment for patients, flexibility, and future expansion capabilities.
The building is a single-storey construction under two mono-pitched roofs.
The design is constructed on evidence-based principles of natural light, fresh air, views and clear wayfinding.
Accommodation is arranged around a main circulation spine running north to south. This is an airy, double height, and naturally lit space featuring high-level glazing. It accommodates the main reception and waiting room as well as central support and staff facilities.
The scanning suites are accessed from this space and are colour coded for clear wayfinding.
Challenges included:
Additionally, the client required the building to be capable of expansion to meet future demands over the next 10 years. In response, the design contains a shell area for later fit out of two additional MRI scanners and the capability to be extended to provide an additional two CT scanners.
The centre delivers early assessment diagnostic services for cancer and other critical illnesses reducing the waiting list time for patients.
It provides several services that were not previously offered at the hospital, making them more convenient and accessible in one location.
Travel time for patients is significantly reduced as many previously needed to go to hospitals in Newcastle or Middlesborough for such services.
