New Emergency Care Building reaches full height as project hits major milestone
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust (UHP) has marked a significant milestone in the construction of its new Emergency Care Building (ECB), with partners, staff and contractors coming together to celebrate the building reaching its highest point.
The traditional "topping out" ceremony took place at Derriford Hospital, recognising the progress made on one of the Trust's most important infrastructure projects. The milestone signifies the completion of the building's main structural framework and marks the transition to the next phase of construction.
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 Emergency Care Building will provide 4 clinical floors of modern, purpose-built facilities designed to 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 University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, said: "The topping out of the Emergency Care Building marks 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 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 for patients, staff and our wider community."
Stephen Ford, Project Director at 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 Emergency Care Building 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.
I want to thank University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, Willmott Dixon and everyone involved in reaching this stage. We look forward to continuing to work closely with the Trust as construction progresses and this new facility moves closer to opening for patients.”
Minister of State for Health, Karin Smyth, said: “Patients and NHS staff in Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall deserve modern facilities that are safe, efficient and fit for the future.
“This milestone at Derriford Hospital shows the New Hospital Programme making visible progress for local communities, as work continues on a new Emergency Care Building that will support faster access to urgent and emergency care for patients across the South West.
“Backed by the government’s long-term investment in the NHS estate, we are rebuilding and modernising hospitals across the country so staff have the buildings, equipment and technology they need to deliver better care for patients, closer to home.”
Fred Thomas, Member of Parliament for Plymouth Moor View, who spoke at the ceremony, said:
“This is a huge milestone for Derriford and for Plymouth. The new Emergency Care Building will give NHS staff the modern facilities they need to help patients get the best care possible.
“It has been brilliant to see the building taking shape, and a huge congratulations to everyone who has worked so hard to get the building to its highest point.
“There is still much more to do to get our NHS back on its feet, but I’m proud that this Labour Government is investing in the services and facilities our communities need.”
