Trust outlines next steps for new Shotley Bridge Hospital

Healthcare leaders at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT) have confirmed the next steps as work gathers pace on plans for the new Shotley Bridge Hospital.

With work now underway to prepare the site foundations for construction, an updated planning application has been submitted, with the Full Business Case on track for submission to NHS England in early 2027.

The new hospital is part of the national NHS New Hospital Programme. The updated planning application to Durham County Council follows a review of the design which took place in 2021 after original plans were submitted in 2020. It has been submitted now as work gathers pace towards the start of construction.

The design changes will ensure the scheme can be delivered within the national capital funding available and will improve patient and carer experience. They include moving inpatient services from the first floor to the ground floor, co-located with rehab services, and providing patients with easier access to outdoor space.

Trust leaders are reassuring staff, patients and the public that the updated design includes all the original planned services including:

• A range of outpatient and diagnostics services
• Family health services
• Inpatient care and rehabilitation
• Therapy services 
• Chemotherapy day care
• Urgent care services.

A widespread programme of local community and stakeholder engagement is being planned for early 2027 in line with the Full Business Case submission to NHS England. This will give staff, patients and the public more opportunity to get involved as work moves forward.

The Trust is also keen to ensure the new healthcare facility maximises all possible opportunities in line with the ambitions of the NHS 10-year plan. This includes moving more care into the local community and working with local partners to join up more health and care services.

Matt Graham, Acting Chief Operating Officer at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust said: “We know how important this development is to local people and the updated planning application is another important step forwards as we work towards getting a spade in the ground.

“We would like to thank our local communities, partners and stakeholders for their continued support and patience as the project moves through the final stages of planning and approval. 

“We remain on track to submit the Full Business Case to NHS England in the new year and, subject to final approval, starting construction later in 2027.  

"We know this has been a long time coming but we do want to reassure people that we remain fully committed to this development. Our aim is to create a fantastic facility that we can all feel proud of and that will serve communities from across North West Durham for many generations to come.”

The Trust will continue to share updates as work progresses and further key milestones are reached. Details of community engagement events will also be shared in early 2027.