It is the second largest hospital in North East England by number of beds, after the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle upon Tyne.

This is a partnership between the hospital and Durham University and in addition to clinical work will undertake research into various aspects of cognition.

[11] In March 2015, a new purpose-built IVF unit was opened (complete with its own theatre), it now brings all the reproductive medicine services together in one place.

[12] James Cook University Hospital specialises in the treatment of cancer, heart conditions and neurosurgery as well as housing the regional neonatal intensive care and spinal injury units.

[14][15] The hospital also has a floodlit helipad for use by the Great North and Yorkshire air ambulances during daytime and nighttime hours.