Eaglescliffe

Eaglescliffe Health Centre was designed by P+HS under a design and build project with Tolent construction on behalf of Abstract Integrated Health Care. The £2.5m Project was completed on schedule in April 2009 and replaces old, cramped and outdated facilities, transforming the range and quality of services for users.

Before the core work began, high quality temporary accommodation and car parking were constructed on nearby public open space to house the medical practice for the next 12 months whilst its old premises were demolished and new ones built.

The 1500sq m two-storey building was carefully designed to maximise space in order to deliver multiple services for patients and other users. The new facility offers GP surgery services, PCT community clinic with space for group activities, meeting and training rooms, and workspace and welfare facilities for attached staff and associated healthcare workers .

The building was designed to be flexible and sustainable from the outset and is structured around a steel frame, allowing complete internal flexibility and the potential to change the layout to suit the future needs of the practice. Wind catchers, on site water attenuation system and solar shading in the form of brise soleil and blinds all contribute to the building’s sustainable credentials, and it has achieved an Excellent NEAT rating.

The overall design adopts a dual corridor system to the ground floor, placing all public rooms on the outer perimeter to make best use of natural light and ventilation, with the internal core being used for stores and other non-public functions. First floor accommodation is designed for use by the health teams with offices, seminar room, library and meeting room. Staff needs are well catered for and new facilities include shower and change areas and a rest/beverage room.