The £32m academy, which is part of Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust's commitment to develop its staff, sits on the site of the Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital in Cramlington.

The facility offers courses to nurses, midwives and allied health professionals, such as physiotherapists, radiographers, podiatrists and occupational therapists. Courses range from apprenticeships to clinical skills programmes to a degree delivered in partnership with the University of Sunderland. 

Those studying at the academy have placements at Northumbria Healthcare's hospitals and community sites, meaning they are integrating into the trust, developing relationships with colleagues and can earn while they learn.

Dame Ruth May, a former nurse and former chief nursing officer for England, who opened the facility, said: ‘The future of healthcare depends on developing a first-class nursing, midwifery and allied health professional workforce. To attract and retain the best talent, we need to offer people the opportunity to train, learn and progress in their chosen career paths.

‘The Northumbria Health and Care Academy is an exceptional example of an NHS organisation thinking about the challenges facing it and then developing a solution to address them.'

Dr Birju Bartoli, Northumbria Healthcare's chief executive, added: ‘We are committed to supporting new and existing colleagues to progress their careers, develop their skills and maximise their potential, helping them to provide outstanding care.

‘As everyone here today will have seen, we've not just invested in a building but have created state-of-the-art teaching and learning spaces which immerse participants into replica clinical environments.'

The academy, which is located on the first floor of the purpose-built building, features a high-tech immersive suite and simulated practice areas, including a ward, consultation room, and community bedsit. The top floor features conference facilities, office space and meeting rooms.