New Integrated Health and Social Care Facility Announced for Isles of Scilly

The Isles of Scilly are set to benefit from a significant enhancement in health and social care services, following the confirmation of national funding for a state-of-the-art integrated facility.

This development marks a pivotal advancement in the provision of care for the island communities, promising to future-proof services for generations to come.

A Landmark Development

The new facility will be situated on the grounds of St Mary’s Community Hospital and adjacent to St Mary’s Health Centre, consolidating essential health and social care services under one roof. It is poised to offer 12 residential care home beds, NHS inpatient beds, and a contemporary maternity suite. Additional outpatient services, such as x-ray, minor injury unit, dental, and consulting rooms, will also be available.

Collaboration at Its Core

This project represents a collaborative effort among Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, the Council of the Isles of Scilly, Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, primary care providers, South Western Ambulance Service, the voluntary sector, and mental health services. The unified approach aims to maintain residents’ proximity to home for healthcare whenever clinically feasible, enhancing care through digital innovations and remote support.

Debbie Richards, Chief Executive of Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, expressed her enthusiasm about the project’s potential to significantly improve local health and care facilities. “This joint project is not just an upgrade of physical infrastructure but a critical step towards the long-term sustainability of health and social care services on the islands,” she said. The national funding approval has been hailed as a vital component in ensuring that the islands’ services can continue without the need to relocate to the mainland.

Councillor Robert Francis, Chairman of the Council of the Isles of Scilly, also lauded the funding announcement as a triumph of collective effort and dedication. “The Council’s commitment to retaining on-island residential care and integrating health and social services has been significantly bolstered by this development,” Robert stated.

What’s Next?

With the short-form business case approved on 26 March 2024, the project’s stakeholders are now set to engage with residents and staff to refine the facility’s design and functionality. The procurement and transportation of construction materials will soon follow, setting the stage for the commencement of building works.

Kate Shields, Chief Executive of NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board, highlighted the project’s significance in delivering essential services tailored to the unique needs of the islands’ communities. Derek Thomas, MP for West Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, praised the project as a model for integrating health and care services in rural and isolated settings.

Looking Forward

With enabling works expected to begin in April 2024, the Isles of Scilly Integrated Health and Social Care Facility is scheduled for completion by summer 2025. This project not only promises enhanced healthcare and social services for the Isles of Scilly but also serves as an exemplar of how collaborative efforts can overcome the challenges of delivering comprehensive care in isolated communities.