Plans to clear old, unused buildings from South Tyneside District Hospitals grounds

Colleagues may have noticed that we have started the process of removing some of the old, unused buildings at the front of our STDH site, close to Harton Lane.

The Leas and neighbouring block of flats have long been out of use and are no longer fit for purpose.

Both buildings contain asbestos. As a Trust and as part of the NHS’s wider plans, we have a commitment to clearing this dangerous substance from our properties by 2035.

A notice of demolition has been submitted to South Tyneside Council and once the work is complete, we plan to leave the land as a grassed area.

The Leas has been unused for many years.

There are also proposals to remove other older buildings from the South Shields estate, including the old Portakabin-style training hut behind the Harton Wing. We also plan to remove the old pharmacy building opposite Ingham Wing, once pharmacy colleagues have moved.

An empty block of flats on the border of our site with Harton Lane will also be knocked down.

This programme of works supports a number of investments into our South Tyneside Hospital site. This includes development of our new Integrated Diagnostic Hub (due to open later this year), work on a new Critical Care Unit and opening of a brand new outpatient pharmacy late last year.

We will keep you updated as work progresses.