University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust has officially received confirmation of government funding for the development of a new, state-of-the-art Emergency Care Building at Derriford Hospital.
This major infrastructure project, set to benefit the South West's leading trauma and acute specialist hospital, has been given the green light following approval from the Department of Health and Social Care.
The announcement of funding was confirmed in a letter from Health Minister Karin Smyth, who assured local NHS leaders that funding was available for the first wave of schemes under the New Hospital Programme.
The new facility will offer an integrated Emergency Care Building, incorporating dedicated areas for both children and frail patients, ensuring a more efficient and compassionate healthcare environment.
The ground floor will cater to the most critically ill patients
Stuart Windsor, Director of the Future Hospital Programme, said: “Since the announcement in January regarding support for our Emergency Care Building project, we have worked diligently to complete and submit the final business case for this vital facility.
We are thrilled that the government has confirmed the full funding necessary to deliver the project, which will significantly enhance services for the people of Plymouth and the wider South West peninsula.
“Construction has already commenced, and we anticipate the new building will open in 2028, followed by the creation of a dedicated children’s emergency care facility.”
The Emergency Care Building will be a four-storey structure, offering a substantial improvement in clinical accommodation.
The second floor will be dedicated to Same Day Emergency Care
The ground floor will cater to the most critically ill patients, featuring a comprehensive diagnostic imaging facility that will double the capacity of the current system.
The second floor will be dedicated to Same Day Emergency Care, designed for patients requiring urgent treatment with subsequent care provided within the community. This level will also include a short-stay area and specialised facilities for the most vulnerable patients.
On the third floor, four advanced theatres will be installed, equipped for diagnosis and treatment guided by modern imaging techniques. The fourth floor will feature five additional theatres, designed for both emergency and planned surgeries.
With demolition of the existing structures on the site nearing completion, the principal construction partner is scheduled to commence work in June 2025.
With demolition of the existing structures on the site nearing completion, the principal construction partner is scheduled to commence work in June 2025
This marks the beginning of a transformative project that will not only enhance patient care but also create a modern, world-class emergency care environment at Derriford Hospital.
Once completed, the new Emergency Care Building will represent a significant leap forward in the hospital’s capacity to deliver high-quality emergency and specialist care to the people of Plymouth and the wider South West region.
Charlotte Taylor, a representative of the New Hospital Programme, added, “This marks a significant milestone for Derriford Hospital and the wider community. The confirmed funding provides the financial certainty required to move forward with confidence, and we will continue to work closely with the Trust to ensure the delivery of a modern hospital that meets the needs of patients and staff for many years to come.”
Top image: Artist's impression of the new Emergency Care Building at Derriford Hospital