It is managed by Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.

The first phase of the hospital, which was designed for low energy consumption,[1][2] secured a "Green Building of the Year Award"[3] after it was completed in June 1993.

[4] The second phase, which followed the transfer of services from the old Ashington Hospital, was procured under a Private Finance Initiative contract in 2000.

The new facility was designed by Reiach and Hall Architects and built by M J Gleeson[5] at a cost of £18 million;[6] it was officially opened by Alan Milburn, Secretary of State for Health in 2003.

[10] The hospital has a walk-in urgent care centre, 12 wards and various outpatient clinics.