New Hospital Wing Officially Opens on the Isles of Scilly

A year after Prince William broke ground on the new Isles of Scilly Integrated Health and Social Care Facility, a ceremony has marked the opening of its first major milestone – the new hospital wing on St Mary’s.

A Proud Moment for the Islands

On Thursday 31st July 2025, NHS staff past and present gathered alongside Council of the Isles of Scilly colleagues and wider system partners to celebrate the opening of the wing. Margaret Schwarz, Chair of Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, unveiled an engraved plaque and led the event.

“Opening the new hospital wing is a proud moment,” said Margaret. “A proud moment because a project that has been in the pipeline for many years is now becoming a reality. A proud moment because the progress made over the last 18 months has been nothing short of fantastic. Most importantly, I am proud of all the teams who have worked tirelessly to make this happen.”

Margaret also reflected on the future: “In what will be my last few months as Chair, I know I am leaving health and care services on these beautiful islands in the best possible hands. Many of our NHS staff and partner colleagues were born here. This only fuels their passion to deliver nothing but the best for their fellow residents and visitors.”

📷Staff and NHS colleagues at the hospital wing opening

Built for the Future

The new wing is just the first part of a wider development that aims to improve care across the islands. The construction process itself has been remarkable, with modular units craned into place in under a day and transported across the water using freighters, landing craft and trailers.

More than just bricks and mortar, the project is laying the groundwork for a new model of care on the Isles of Scilly. Chris Mitchell, Head of Integrated Professions, West Integrated Care Area, praised the collaborative spirit behind it.

“The success of the build project is perfectly mirrored by the remarkable collaboration between our health and social care teams,” said Chris. “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 demonstrating this integrated approach can genuinely enhance access to services and deliver better outcomes for residents and visitors alike.”

📷Commemorative plaque above the nurses' station

Connecting the Islands Through Technology

Digital tools are playing a central role in transforming care on the islands. From faster diagnostics to remote consultations, new technology is helping reduce the need for travel while improving outcomes.

Sam Huczmann, Advanced Clinical Practitioner, is leading efforts to improve diagnostic access and connect care services with the mainland.

“We are already bridging the distance to the mainland,” said Sam. “This includes connecting our care home directly with specialist teams to allow for rapid 24-hour hospital assessments and safe, supported discharges. This empowers our local teams, increases confidence, and allows our residents to recover faster in a familiar environment.

“With enhanced blood diagnostics, new ultrasound capabilities, and the upcoming programme to bring a resilient imaging service to the island, we are ending the era of diagnostic uncertainty. Ultimately, this integration of technology and a multi-skilled workforce allows us to bring great care right to the front door of our island communities.”

📷One of the bed bays in the new hospital wing

A Long-Awaited Milestone

Kate Shields, Chief Executive of NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board, praised the long-standing efforts that led to the opening.

“The opening of the new integrated health and social care facility on St Mary’s marks a significant and long-awaited milestone for the Isles of Scilly,” said Kate. “It is a moment of real pride and achievement for everyone who has been involved in bringing this ambitious project to life. From the earliest planning stages to the final touches.

“Having seen the facility in person, I have been struck by how thoughtfully it has been designed to meet the needs of both islanders and the dedicated professionals who care for them. This is not just an investment in infrastructure, it is an investment in the future of our communities.

“This facility represents exactly what we aspire to see across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly: joined-up, compassionate care that supports people at every stage of life. It is also delivering now what the NHS Plan is asking us to do across the country over the next decade.”

📷The palliative care room in the new hospital wing

What’s Next?

Following local feedback, the facility previously known as St Mary’s Community Hospital will now be called the Isles of Scilly Hospital. Once fully operational, the site will be officially named the Isles of Scilly Health and Care Partnership.

The facility will offer 12 residential care home beds, NHS inpatient beds, and a modern maternity suite. Other outpatient services like x-ray, minor injury care, dental and consulting rooms will continue.

The care home is expected to open towards the end of 2025, with the full facility set for an official opening in the new year.

📷New architect's impression image of the integrated health and social care facility