HEALTH SECTOR NEWS
Plymouth Emergency Care Building reaches major milestone
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust (UHP) has marked a significant milestone in the construction of its new Emergency Care Building (ECB). A topping out ceremony took place at Derriford Hospital to celebrate the completion of the ECB’s main structural framework. Representatives from UHP, construction partner Willmott Dixon Construction, design teams, supply chain partners, and staff gathered to celebrate the achievement and recognise the efforts of everyone involved in bringing the project to life. Due for completion in April 2029,
the ECB will support the delivery of urgent and emergency care services for patients across Plymouth, South Devon, and Cornwall. The development forms a key part of the Trust’s ambition to improve patient experience, enhance clinical environments, and support future healthcare needs for the growing population it serves. Stuart Windsor, Future Hospital
Programme director at UHP, said: “The topping out of the ECB marks
for patients, staff, and our wider community.” Stephen Ford, project director at
a significant milestone for the programme and for the future of healthcare in Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall. “When it opens, this new building
will transform the way in which emergency care is provided and will provide our clinical teams with the space and state of the art equipment to provide excellent care, and will provide our patients with a facility that we can all be proud of. “The New Hospital Programme
funding for this phase of our estate development represents a huge investment in Plymouth, and the effects
IHEEM Scotland Regional Conference 2026
IHEEM is partnering with the Scotland Branch to deliver the first Scotland Regional Conference, Exhibition and Gala Awards Dinner. The event will take place on
10–11th November 2026. The Conference and Exhibition are being held at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Edinburgh, with the Gala Awards Dinner being held in the Playfair Library, University of Edinburgh. The theme for this event will
be: Scotland’s Future NHS Estate – A strategic look at how policy, investment and delivery will shape safe, sustainable and high-quality healthcare environments. The Conference will cover a
number of key topics: n Strategic investment. n Sustainability. n Digital transformation. n Infection control. n Governance & assurance. n Programme structure.
The two days will be organised as follows: n Day one – Strategy, Policy and Investment Focus on national strategy, policy priorities, and investment frameworks that will guide the future development of Scotland’s NHS estate.
n Day two – Delivery and Impact Examination of project delivery, best practice and real-world case studies, with an emphasis on measurable outcomes, lessons learned, and demonstrable impact.
To find out more and register to attend, please visit: https://uhei. uk/scotland/registration/
will be felt beyond the healthcare that is provided when the building opens. I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to reaching this point, particularly those who have supported the case for funding over many years, and our construction partner Willmott Dixon and the many colleagues, consultants, and supply chain working together to bring this ambitious project to life. “While there is still much to do
before completion in 2029, today is an opportunity to celebrate how far we have come and look ahead to the benefits this building will bring
Willmott Dixon said: “Reaching this topping out milestone is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the truly collaborative approach that has defined this project from the very beginning. Working alongside University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, our supply chain partners, and specialist consultants, we have focused on creating more than just a building. The commitment, resilience and teamwork shown by everyone involved has been exceptional. We are proud to be playing our part in delivering a hospital that will serve the people of the Plymouth and the wider Devon & Cornwall region, and one that every member of the project team can be proud of.” Department for Health and Social
Care senior responsible officer Charlotte Taylor added: “Reaching full height on the new ECB is an important milestone for Derriford Hospital and for the New Hospital Programme. This project demonstrates the progress being made to deliver modern, purpose-built facilities that will support staff to provide high- quality urgent and emergency care for patients across Plymouth, Devon, and Cornwall.”
Harrogate District Hospital to redevelop main entrance
Plans to redevelop Harrogate District Hospital’s main entrance have been approved by Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust Board.
Designed to create a modern, welcoming and fully accessible entrance that will improve the experience of patients, visitors and staff, construction work is expected to begin shortly, with a spring 2027 completion date. Access to the hospital will be maintained throughout the build, with the current front entrance remaining in use. The Trust will work with partners to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum, changes are well signposted, and patients and visitors can continue to access services safely and easily. Jonathan Coulter, chief executive
at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Coming into a hospital as a patient, carer or visitor can be an anxious and emotional experience. We want
everyone who walks through our doors to feel supported and reassured from the moment they arrive. “This project has been designed
to create a space that meets the needs of a modern healthcare setting while improving the experience for everyone who uses it. “This redevelopment will help
us create a more welcoming and comfortable environment, alongside providing high-quality retail facilities for patients, visitors and our dedicated staff. “We are committed to ensuring patients remain at the heart of everything we do, and providing long-term value for the Trust and its community.”
October 2026 Health Estate Journal 23
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