Multi-million pound extension at West Cornwall Hospital put on hold
The scheme had previously been expected to be delivered by 2023
Last updated 29th Jul 2022
Plans for an extension to a hospital to create a new outpatients and refurbished urgent treatment centre have been put on hold.
The £9.1 million project for West Cornwall Hospital in Penzance had been welcomed by councillors and the public when announced last year.
However the scheme is now said to have been paused and is no longer expected to be completed by the previously announced date of the end of 2023.
An update was provided on the project at a meeting of Cornwall Council's health and adult social care overview and scrutiny committee on Wednesday.
Andrew George, councillor for Ludgvan, Madron, Gulval and Heamoor, asked what the status of the project was during the meeting, saying he was concerned that it was delayed.
In response, Steve Williamson, chief executive of Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT) confirmed that it was "paused", adding: "On West Cornwall Hospital we are ready to proceed as soon as funding has been confirmed".
Speaking after the meeting Cllr George said: "It is disappointing that the promised investment of £9.1m, which West Cornwall Hospital desperately needs and deserves, has been put on hold. I have been pressing them to use this project to replace the beds lost through the closure of Edward Hain and Poltair Hospitals.
"It is a big disappointment that under Treasury they have insisted that it should be paused, which for me, means it has been shelved. It is going to be shelved for quite a while and I fear they will have to go back to the drawing board".
A public consultation was held in Penzance last summer giving people the chance to see the plans for the hospital extension and find out more. It was reported there was overwhelming support for the proposals.
Details of the plans on the RCHT website state: "West Cornwall Hospital in Penzance is to benefit from a modern outpatient department, with fit-for-purpose accessible space and improved facilities. The new building will support staff to continue to deliver high quality outpatient care for the people of West Cornwall and will be accessed via the existing Main Entrance.
"The project will include an expanded and refurbished Urgent Treatment Centre in the existing main block.
"The new outpatient department will provide consultation and examination rooms; treatment spaces and rehabilitation facilities. Office space and rest areas will be improved for staff".
It adds: "Included in the overall scheme is the sale of the Bellair Community Clinic, which is a short walk from West Cornwall Hospital, and the relocation of the services provided at Bellair to the new West Cornwall Outpatient Department and support accommodation.
"This move will bring together acute, community and primary healthcare staff to deliver services from one location.
"This new integrated service delivery will enhance the patient experience; support a more connected way of working and ultimately improve clinical outcomes".