PLANS for a new Northumberland emergency hospital can move forward after the NHS bought the site.
Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has confirmed that it has now bought the land for the specialist care facility alongside the A189, near East Cramlington.
Work is due to start on the 50-acre site next year as the trust received planning permission for the development from Northumberland County Council in October.
The scheme is part of a £200m investment in healthcare services and the hospital will be the first in the country to have emergency care consultants on site 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
During construction, around 1,000 people will be employed.
Trust Director of Estates and Facilities Brian Griggs said: “We have worked closely with the landowner since the site was identified following rigorous analysis which confirmed there were no alternative sites which were suitable to serve the people of Northumberland and North Tyneside available or viable.
“We are delighted that the sale has now been completed and it is another step forward for the development, which will bring significant health benefits for people in Northumberland and North Tyneside.
“We look forward to starting work on site next year.”