In September 2024, we got the green light for our new regional Medicines Manufacturing Centre (MMC) in Seaton Delaval with formal approval of the £29.7 million investment from NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care.
This major regional project led by the Provider Collaborative is backed by all eight acute and community NHS Foundation Trusts in the North East and North Cumbria.
The MMC will produce high-quality, ready-to-administer injectable medicines, including chemotherapy, antibiotics and over-labelled packs to support faster patient discharge. This will help free up an estimated 2,500 nursing hours per week, allowing more time for direct patient care.
The facility will supply around 50% of the injectable cancer medicines used in hospitals across the region, helping to streamline services and reduce pressure on existing aseptic units, many of which are already at or near capacity.
In March 2025, a Managing Director was appointed to lead the MMC. This role is key to overseeing the build, managing recruitment and ensuring the facility meets all regulatory and operational standards ahead of launch.
Construction began in 2024, led by local firm Merit, and is expected to complete by September 2025. Around 80 staff will be hired during this financial year and specialist equipment is currently being installed. The facility will undergo validation and inspection by the Medicine and Healthcare products Regulatory
Agency (MHRA) in 2026, with production expected to begin in April 2026.
The MMC is a key part of the region’s strategy to innovate, collaborate and improve outcomes for patients and staff. In 2025/26, the focus will be on completing the MMC build, validating systems and preparing for go-live.
Watch the video below to find out more about the Medicine Manufacturing Centre.
