New Milestone for West Cornwall Hospital’s Outpatient Department: Roof Complete on £9 Million Project

The construction of the new £9 million Outpatient Department at West Cornwall Hospital in Penzance has reached a major milestone, with the roof now complete and external cladding in place. The “topping out” ceremony was celebrated today by the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT), marking significant progress on the 15-month project set to transform care for the local community.

Modern Facilities for Patients and Staff

Construction began in January this year, and the facility is on track to open in May 2025. Once complete, it will feature advanced facilities designed to support both face-to-face and virtual appointments, offering a modern, patient-focused environment.

The building is also making strides in sustainability, being the first major project across RCHT sites to include solar panels. These panels will generate renewable energy to power the department, aligning with ongoing efforts to enhance sustainability in healthcare.

Key Role in Cornwall’s Healthcare

Paul Sylvester, General Manager for West Cornwall Hospital, highlighted the significance of this milestone, saying:
“This is a significant moment in the construction of the new Outpatient Department. Now that the external works are close to completion, we can look forward to the internal works getting underway and seeing the clinical space really start to take shape. This is a fantastic investment for West Cornwall Hospital, and we are excited to give our staff and patients in our local community an environment that will match our outstanding care.”

The project reflects the hospital’s essential role in delivering acute healthcare in Cornwall, as well as the commitment to providing care closer to home.

Collaborative Construction Efforts

Chris Couch, Area Manager at Kier Construction, praised the teamwork behind the project:
“We are delighted to have reached this stage in the project and the construction is progressing well. The collaboration across our teams and local supply chain is exceptional and together we will be providing a facility that will benefit the local community for many years to come.”

Benefits for West Cornwall Residents

Cornwall Councillor Jim McKenna expressed optimism about the project’s impact:
“The new Outpatient building at West Cornwall Hospital is progressing really well – to time and budget. When it opens in May 2025 it will enable many more people based in West Cornwall to be treated in Penzance rather than have to travel to Truro.

“I am certain this investment will help secure the future of West Cornwall Hospital and I would like to thank all those involved for engaging so effectively with residents living in the vicinity.”

This significant development is set to enhance local access to healthcare and ensure the hospital continues to play a vital role in the community.