HEALTHCARE staff in Gateshead have joined forces with construction experts to celebrate the launch of a development at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

Gateshead Health NHS Trust clinical staff cheered the start of work on site for the Jubilee Wing which will bring a total of 96 new in-patient beds to the hospital.

The new wing is the flagship scheme in a £30m modernisation drive, with new buildings, improved facilities and services for Gateshead.

This purpose-built wing will include new wards for older people, orthopaedic services and modern day care facilities.