Robertson delivers £7.5m NHS upgrades
Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust has opened two redeveloped services at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, both delivered by the contractor’s North East division.
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, a 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 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.”
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.”
Construction began in January 2025 and was delivered in partnership with QE Facilities, the trust’s wholly owned subsidiary.
The project included essential infrastructure upgrades and a full interior refurbishment within the hospital’s original 1930s building. Alongside NGOC and the Children and Young People’s Department, the redevelopment also includes a new colposcopy department.
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.”
