Newcastle Cathedral was transformed into a "pop-up hospital" for one day, as teams from the Great North Children's Hospital took over the venue to provide health advice and activities for families. The event, held on Wednesday 12th August 2026, included a children's ambulance and was designed to help parents and children have fun while picking up key health advice.
Health experts and activities on offer
Physiotherapy staff, play specialists, and experts from the hospital's autism liaison and dietetics teams were on hand to offer support. Members of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service also provided water safety advice and activities to teach youngsters the basics.
Young visitor explores ambulance
Rowan Simpson, 3, took full advantage of the event on Wednesday morning, enlisting lead nurse Carolyn Noble in a tour of the ambulance. She showed him some basics and introduced a dummy who was receiving urgent care.
The event was free and ran from 10am to 12.30pm and 1pm to 2.30pm. The Great North Children's Hospital sits adjacent to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in the heart of Newcastle.
