Major Health and Social Care Development Promises Bright Future for Isles of Scilly Residents

Exciting news for the Isles of Scilly as a new integrated health and social care facility has received both planning permission and national funding.

The forthcoming facility, located on the site of the existing St Mary’s Community Hospital and adjacent to St Mary’s Health Centre, will be a significant upgrade to the islands’ health and care infrastructure.

What the Facility Will Offer

The new development aims to house 12 residential care home beds, NHS inpatient beds, and a contemporary maternity suite. Residents will also have access to a variety of outpatient services such as x-ray, minor injury units, dental services, and consulting rooms.

Debbie, Chief Executive of Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, shared her enthusiasm: “I am delighted our joint project has now secured both planning permission and national funding approval. It is a fantastic opportunity to improve the islands’ health and care facilities and critical to ensuring their long-term sustainability.”

Technological Advancements at the Forefront

The project plans to make significant use of digital technologies and remote support to enhance care on the islands. This includes better connectivity between the off-islands, the hospital, and the mainland, which is expected to reduce the necessity for health-related travel.

Collaborative Efforts

The project is a collaboration involving Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, the Council of the Isles of Scilly, primary care services, Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, voluntary sector partners, and mental health services.

Robert, Chairman of the Council of the Isles of Scilly, sees the planning approval as a crucial step forward: “This project is central to protecting and sustaining the health and wellbeing of our whole community on the Isles of Scilly.”

Timeline of the Project

The Trust’s short-form business case was approved on 26 March 2024. Following this, planning permission was granted on 18 April 2024. Archaeological studies started at the end of April 2024 and are progressing well. Enabling works are scheduled for later in May 2024, with the arrival of modular build elements expected by late summer 2024.

The Isles of Scilly are set to see a range of engagement activities between summer 2024 and spring 2025, culminating in the refurbishment of St Mary’s Community Hospital in early 2025. The facility is expected to be fully operational by summer 2025.

Simon, Director and Head of Profession for NHS Estates and Facilities at NHS England, expressed satisfaction with the rapid progress: “We are very pleased that the development is progressing at pace. The scheme forms part of the NHS Strategic and Transformation Upgrades Programme and will be a catalyst to an integrated care approach on the Island.”

A Future of Enhanced Care

Kate, Chief Executive of NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board, summed up the sentiments: “I am so excited that national funding approval has been given for these essential services for the islands.”

With this development, the Isles of Scilly are poised to offer enhanced health and social care services that promise to significantly improve the quality of life for its residents.