New Model of Care Reduces Isles of Scilly Medical Fly Offs

The Isles of Scilly has seen a major fall in medical fly offs to the mainland as a new model of integrated health and social care begins to take shape on the islands.

A New Hospital Wing and a New Way of Working

A key milestone this year was the opening of the new Isles of Scilly Hospital Wing in July. The modular unit is already welcoming its first patients, but the work goes far beyond the building itself.

Staff Nurse Celia Hicks said the islands are entering an exciting period of collaboration.

“We are at a really exciting time on the islands of working with our partner agencies. We are having lots of integrated workshops. Not only are we learning about other people’s roles, we are identifying ways that we can work together much more effectively and efficiently for the good of the people of our islands. A lot less crossover, more streamlined services, and better care delivered closer to home. It means we are seeing the right person, at the right place, and at the right time.”

The aim is to future proof health and care for years ahead. The multi disciplinary team is already delivering more support directly on the doorstep, including a fully operational Hospital at Home service that allows patients to receive hospital level care in their own home or care home.

Head of Integrated Professions (West) Chris Mitchell described how the team has worked with the community to shape this new way of working.

“The success of the build project is mirrored by the collaboration between our health and social care teams. They have worked alongside the community on the Isles of Scilly to shape a future-ready model of care.

“What is truly inspiring is their unwavering commitment to provide care as close to home as possible. They are embracing innovative ways of working, both locally and in partnership with mainland colleagues. By strengthening these connections and building on long-standing relationships, the team is showing how this integrated approach can enhance access to services and deliver better outcomes for residents and visitors alike.”

📷Minor injury unit bay in the new Isles of Scilly Hospital wing

Digital Technology Reducing Unnecessary Transfers

A major focus has been using digital tools to connect the off islands to the hospital and improve links with the mainland. Work underway includes:

• Installing new diagnostic machines for on the spot blood tests
• Extending imaging availability, with plans to train island staff to take x rays
• Fitting large screens and cameras for remote mainland consultant appointments
• Exploring better support for people with mental health conditions and young people

These upgrades aim to strengthen assessments and prevent avoidable trips to the mainland for treatment or outpatient appointments.

📷Ward bed bay in the new Isles of Scilly Hospital wing

Fly Off Numbers Show a Clear Impact

The model of care is already delivering visible results. Between April and September 2025 there were 74 medevac fly offs from the islands, down almost 30 percent on the same period last year.

Clinical Lead Dr John Garman said the team based approach is making a difference.

“What we are able to do on Scilly is to forget the organisation that we work for and consider ourselves to be working for the team here on Scilly. It has got really big benefits to us as staff. For patients, it means that we can make the best use of resources. A patient is not treated by me working for the health centre, they are treated by us working for the whole team. This means we are able to be very patient focussed in the way that we approach patient care.”

A video shared by the Isles of Scilly Integrated Neighbourhood Team shows Celia, John and colleagues talking about how the changes are helping patients and families.

📷Palliative care room in the new Isles of Scilly Hospital Wing

What Happens Next

All of this work is aligned with the 10 Year Health Plan and the three shifts set out by Lord Darzi: hospital to community, analogue to digital, and treatment to prevention.

The new care home wing is expected to open towards the end of 2025, followed by a formal opening of the full facility in the new year. Once complete, it will be named the Isles of Scilly Health and Care Partnership.

📷Architect's impression of what the new facility might look like

📷Isles of Scilly Hospital Team