STRUCTURE: The main entrance at the Queen Elizabeth’s Hospital in Gateshead is to close for two years, while the hospital’s new £32m emergency care centre is constructed.

The reception area will be moved to outpatients and some clinics will be moved to a temporary outpatients area called Windy Nook. The new £32m emergency care centre will include specialist children’s facilities, a walk-in facility for more minor cases, a 35 bed short stay unit and specialist diagnostic equipment.

As part of ensuring good access for patients and visitors to park, a temporary park and ride scheme off-site has been set up for almost 400 staff vehicles.