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University Hospital Plymouth’s Urology services (the Chestnut Unit) will soon move to its new home with access to extra space and state-of-the-art treatment rooms.

Work is underway on the Derriford Hospital site to redevelop the healthcare estate and make it fit for the future. The scheme of work, ‘Building for the Future’ will take place in a phased way over the next 10 years and will involve new developments as well as relocation of services, creating more space to care.

As part of this site restructure, the Chestnut Unit will be moving to the first floor of a brand new, purpose-built modular building in front of the maternity unit, near the multi-story car park. The new Chestnut Urology Investigation Unit in the modular build is currently under construction and is due to open later this year. Urology is a surgical speciality, covering the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, prostate and male reproductive organs.

Deputy Care Group Manager, Fiona Peck, said: “This is a really exciting opportunity for the department and the design of the building will support improved patient pathways.”

The services offered in Urology have increased over time and the new location provides sufficient space to significantly increase the level of activity and number of patients who can be treated. 

Unit Manager, Tracey Whittingham, said: “Following years of planning and preparation, it is exciting to see this project transform into a tangible building. The difference to our staff and patients alike is going to be huge, being able to advance the Urology Service in the South West for all.

“We are so grateful that the Trust has believed in our vision. Paul Hunter-Campbell, Urology Service Line Director and Anna Wilson, Lead Cancer Nurse Practitioner in Urology, have worked tirelessly for a number of years to make this dream a reality. I can’t wait for the future and for the change this will bring to our service, whilst improving the experience and quality of life for our patients.”

Urology will continue to work closely with the Chestnut Appeal, a charity founded at Derriford Hospital in 1999. The new unit will include space for a Charity office and the appeal will continue to raise funds for the very latest equipment and comforts for patients which are beyond what is offered on the NHS, making the unit the very best it can be. This includes funding for training a psychosexual counsellor, offering a dedicated service for male continence, funding pioneering equipment and technology to be housed in this new space. There will also be a conference room where our support group can meet each month.

"This purpose-built unit is going to be amazing for anyone who needs to access urology services, in particular men with Prostate, Testicular or Penile Cancers,” said Lesley-Ann Simpson, Chief Executive Officer at the Chestnut Appeal.

“This unit will be giving men gold standard care in the South West, where it will be possible, even the norm, to have a consultation, scan, biopsy and results the very same day. I can't wait for this service to be up and running, and continuing to strive to be the best we can be.”

For more information on the work of the charity, please visit www.chestnutappeal.org.uk 

In addition to the benefits for Urology patients, the move will release space on level 7 of Derriford Hospital for an expansion to the Endoscopy Unit.