Major Milestone for Women and Children’s Hospital: Two Key Projects to Start Immediately

The Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT) has announced that funding has been secured for two critical projects essential to the development of the new Women and Children’s Hospital in Truro. The go-ahead follows letters of agreement from the New Hospital Programme and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), marking a significant step forward for healthcare services in Cornwall.

Cardiac Department Relocation and Electrical Upgrade Confirmed

The confirmed funding means work can now begin immediately on two key enabling projects:

• Cardiac Department Relocation: This involves moving the Cardiac Department from the Link Corridor into Trelawny Wing.
• Critical Electrical Infrastructure Upgrade: Aimed at ensuring electrical resilience across the Truro site until at least 2050.

Roberta Fuller, Programme Director for the Women and Children’s Hospital at RCHT, expressed excitement about the progress:

“We are delighted to have the go-ahead for these really important projects, as our new hospital cannot be built without their completion. We look forward to working with National Grid and local construction partners to get the work done.”

£15.5 Million Already Invested

The hospital programme, which has been in development for four years, has seen £15.5 million spent to date. This has included significant design and planning work, the demolition of old houses on-site, the creation of a contractors’ compound, and improvements to car parking facilities.

Roberta also highlighted the hospital’s exploration of digital innovations, referencing the “Silent Hospital” pilot, which aims to transform the patient environment and will play a key role in the design of the new buildings.

Awaiting National Review Outcome

Steve Williamson, Chief Executive Officer at RCHT, emphasised the importance of the upcoming New Hospital Programme review. The Princess Alexandra Wing, which the new hospital will replace, has long been acknowledged as being in poor condition.

Steve remains optimistic about the future:

“Our scheme was already in an early NHP cohort because of the cramped conditions and poor state of the Princess Alexandra Wing, and it’s widely recognised that our new hospital is desperately needed. In this respect, and considering the most recent funding news, we are confident that RCHT remains on course to deliver a new Women and Children’s Hospital for the people of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.”

The outcome of the national review is expected soon, and the secured funding provides renewed hope for improved healthcare infrastructure in the region.