The St.John Ambulance Brigade Hospital at Saltwell Towers was formally opened on 22nd July 1916 by Ald. Wardill, Mayor of Gateshead. This was the former home of the late Mr. J.A. Shipley.
Two cars formerly belonging to late Capt. Basil Knott, and the late Major J. Knott, had been transformed into motor ambulances and presented to the hospital by their father, Sir James Knott.
Illustrated Chronicle 24/7/1916 reports.


In January 1919 Gateshead Town Council was presented with a Certificate of thanks from the Order of St.John of Jerusalem in recognition of the loan by the Council of Saltwell Towers for use as a hospital. Over 1,000 soldiers and sailors had been treated at the hospital.
One of the beds was of special interest as it had been provided by Newfoundland. The premier of Newfoundland, Mr. Lloyd, had been a teacher in the Gateshead Secondary School.
The certificate was unique in that it was the only one granted to any corporation in the country. It was agreed that it should be hung in Shipley Art Gallery.
Newcastle Weekly Chronicle 18/1/1919