The Northumbria Health and Care Academy is the first healthcare building in the UK to achieve Gold WELL Certification™ from the International WELL Building Institute*.
Commissioned by Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and Assura plc, the Northumbria Health and Care Academy provides a centre of training excellence for nursing, midwifery and allied health professionals. Since opening in June 2024, more than 3,000 students and staff have benefited from this space which has wellbeing at its core – from the availability of healthy food choices to a nature walking trail on site.
The WELL Building Standard considers both design and operational excellence, focusing on ten key concepts that enhance health and wellbeing. Receiving this certification evidences the Academy’s commitment to supporting wellbeing through the design and construction process through to its usage.
Andrew Cooper, Assura development director said: “From the start, our collective goal was to design a facility that prioritises and invests in the wellbeing of staff and visitors. This recognition speaks to the collective effort, dedication, and teamwork from all involved. It’s something we can all be incredibly proud of!”
The £32 million facility, on the site of the Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital in Cramlington, was designed by P+HS Architects and constructed by Meldrum Group while Hilson Moran acted as WELL Accredited Professionals on the project. The team worked closely with Northumbria Healthcare Facilities Management, which is also involved in the building’s ongoing management.
Emma Flower, Associate Sustainability Consultant at Hilson Moran, said: “At Hilson Moran, we understand the benefits of healthy buildings and the impact a focus on wellbeing can have on a workforce. We are proud to have successfully guided the design team through the WELL Certification process. The Northumbria Health and Care Academy is a prime example of what can be achieved when wellbeing is front of mind in building design.”
*Please note, this information is based on the information provided to the IWBI and attributed to the Northumbria Health and Care Academy and all other projects at time of enrollment, and relevant fields such as sector, industry or primary space type.
