Mermaid Centre at Royal Cornwall Hospital to Undergo £600k Refurbishment

A major refurbishment is set to begin at the Mermaid Centre at Royal Cornwall Hospital, with almost £600,000 being invested to improve spaces used by patients and staff.

The funding has been made possible thanks to Duchy Health Charity and Royal Cornwall Hospitals Charity. The work aims to create a more welcoming and calming environment for everyone who visits the centre.

What the refurbishment will include

The project will deliver a redesigned waiting area, improved access throughout the building, and a refreshed courtyard garden to offer a peaceful outdoor space. Patient and staff areas will also benefit from upgraded interiors, along with improvements to a team meeting room.

The changes are designed to respond directly to feedback from patients and staff, with a focus on comfort, accessibility, and wellbeing.

What staff and charities are saying

Dr Miklos Barta, Consultant Radiologist at the Mermaid Centre, said the work would have a meaningful impact on those using the service.

“This project will make a huge difference to our patients,” said Dr Miklos Barta. “Our aim is to match the exceptional care we provide with an environment that feels calm, comfortable, and supportive. The redesigned waiting area and garden will help reduce anxiety and create a space that truly promotes wellbeing for patients and staff alike.”

Emma Bland, Chair of Duchy Health Charity, said the charity was pleased to see the refurbishment moving forward.

“Duchy Health Charity, as the current guardian of the original Mermaid Appeal Trust funds, is delighted to see the major refurbishment of the Mermaid Centre now underway.

The designs, shaped by extensive feedback from patients and staff, will significantly enhance the experience of people attending the centre at what can be an extremely worrying time in their lives. Staff too will benefit from a greatly improved working environment,” said Emma Bland.

Karen Murrish, Fundraising Manager at Royal Cornwall Hospitals Charity, highlighted the role of donors in making the project possible.

“Thanks to the generosity of donors to The Mermaid Centre Fund of Royal Cornwall Hospitals Charity, we can help create spaces that reflect the quality of care delivered at the centre. The patients are at the heart of this project, we cannot wait to see the transformation!” said Karen Murrish.

Supporting patients across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly

The Mermaid Centre provides essential breast care services for thousands of women and men from across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly each year. Recent patient surveys highlighted the need for a more relaxing environment, better seating, and access to outdoor space, all of which are being addressed through this work.

Construction is expected to begin shortly, with completion planned for Spring 2026.

Anyone who would like to support the Mermaid Centre Fund can find out more on the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Charity website, or contact the fundraising team on 01872 252858 or by email at rcht.charity@nhs.net.