News from University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

Dear partners and stakeholders,

One of the things that has struck me most during my first year at University Hospitals Plymouth is what can be achieved when organisations and communities come together around a shared purpose. The stories in this edition of our stakeholder newsletter are a reminder that improving health and care is never the work of one organisation alone. It depends on strong partnerships, dedicated people and a shared commitment to delivering the best possible outcomes for our communities.

There is much to be proud of within these pages. From being named the top clinical research recruiter in England, to opening new facilities that will improve access to diagnostics, cancer care and cardiac services, we continue to invest in the future of healthcare across Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall. These developments not only improve care for patients today, but help ensure our services are equipped to meet the needs of future generations.

This edition also highlights the progress we are making through innovation. The successful launch of our new electronic patient record (Epic) marks a significant milestone for the Trust and will help support safer, more connected care across our services. Alongside this, our vaccination outreach work and continued expansion of community-based services demonstrate our ongoing commitment to bringing care closer to where people live.

As we continue to develop our Future Hospital Programme, including the Emergency Care Building and wider health developments across our estate, we remain focused on creating facilities that support both outstanding patient care and a positive experience for our staff, patients and visitors.

Above all, these achievements are made possible by people. I am delighted that this edition also recognises the incredible contribution of our volunteers, celebrates colleagues who are leading the way in research and innovation, and showcases the many partnerships that strengthen health and care across our region.

We have our AGM on 26 September, and everyone is welcome to attend. This year, we're doing something a little different by combining it with a Careers Showcase, designed to inspire young people who are exploring their future education and career options. You can book your place here.

Thank you for your continued support, collaboration and challenge. Together, we are building on strong foundations and creating a healthier future for the communities we serve.

Neil Macdonald
Chief Executive

Featured Content

Developments

Developments

University Hospitals Plymouth featured by BBC as Trust named top clinical research recruiter in England

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust (UHP) recently hosted a visit from the BBC, to report on the Trust’s national research success and to highlight how expanding clinical research in the South West is transforming patient care.

As part of their coverage, BBC Spotlight interviewed two research participants, Lucy and John, who shared their personal experiences of taking part in clinical studies and why contributing to research is important to them. They offered insight into how research can access to new treatments and improve quality of life. It was especially moving to hear both Lucy and John describe how they hope their involvement in clinical trials will make a difference for others in the future.

Clinicians Dr Stephen Mullin and Professor Daniel Martin also feature, explaining that growing research capacity in the South West benefits local communities and how delivering trials outside of London gives patients earlier access to world‑first innovations and improves quality of life across the region.

We are grateful to Lucy and John, for generously sharing their experiences and to Abigail Patrick and all the staff on Lind Ward, for providing space and support for interviews.

The Combined Labs teams also helped accommodate filming, showcasing some of the behind-the-scenes laboratory work going on which the public very rarely sees.

The success of the visit was due to the generosity of patients, staff and various teams, giving time out of their working day to help celebrate the achievements of research at UHP.

Michael Visick, Research and Development Clinical Director, said: “Our success is driven by collaboration, with teams across all departments working together to make research accessible to thousands of patients.”

There are now more than 200 active studies underway across a wide range of clinical areas, from neonatal research to world‑first, in‑human trials for complex diseases. This sustained investment in research and development has positioned UHP as a national leader in clinical trials. Crucially, it benefits patients by providing earlier access to innovative and emerging treatments closer to home. It also strengthens the Trust’s growing reputation as a destination for leading clinicians and academic partners, helping to attract skilled staff and new research opportunities to the region.

Visit the Be Part of Research website to learn more about research, search for opportunities and sign up to be contacted about studies that interest you.

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State-of-the-art Cath Labs enhances cardiac care for patients in Plymouth

Patients across Plymouth and the surrounding areas are set to benefit from faster, safer and more advanced heart care, following the completion of a major refurbishment of the cardiac catheterisation laboratories (cath labs).

A cath lab is a highly specialised clinical suite used to diagnose and treat a wide range of heart conditions. Within these suites, expert teams carry out procedures such as coronary angiography, angioplasty and stenting, electrophysiology studies, pacemaker and defibrillator implantation, and complex structural heart interventions including Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) and heart valve repair.

The new facilities will support the treatment of some of the most serious and common cardiac conditions, including coronary artery disease, heart attacks, heart failure, arrhythmias and structural heart disease. Access to cutting-edge equipment is expected to significantly improve patient outcomes.

The refurbishment introduces advanced imaging technology that allows procedures to be performed using significantly lower radiation doses, improving safety for both patients and clinical staff. The upgraded environment has also been designed to enhance efficiency, enabling clinical teams to work more effectively and carry out procedures with greater precision.

Dr Shankar Sangaraju, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist said: “This new facility is genuinely transformative. Having state-of-the-art equipment and the space to work effectively means we can offer our patients care that matches the very best anywhere in the country, right here in Plymouth. It is a source of great pride for the whole team, and I know how much hard work has gone into making it a reality.”

The upgraded Cath Labs represent a major step forward in delivering high-quality cardiac care locally, ensuring patients have access to world-class treatment closer to home.

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New Oncology facility officially opened in memory of Gordon Sparks

A new extension to the Plymouth Oncology Centre (POC) at Derriford Hospital has been officially opened by the Sparks family and Plymouth Argyle Football Club’s Kevin Nancekivell, in memory of the late BBC Radio Devon presenter and Argyle commentator, Gordon Sparks.

On Thursday 11 June 2026 a celebration was held to mark the official opening of the new £18.5 million building, which includes a new decant bunker housing a brand-new state-of-the-art linear accelerator (LINAC) to deliver external beam radiotherapy, as well as a dedicated High Dose Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy facility, to deliver internal radiotherapy. The extension also includes an impressive new entrance to the POC, as well as new offices for the Radiotherapy Physics, Treatment Planning and Clinical Trials teams.

“The new building has been many years in the making,” explains Chris Bowen, Radiotherapy Services Lead at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust (UHP). “For a number of years the Radiotherapy department has had three LINAC machines, all of which are older than we would like. Now, with the construction of a new radiotherapy decant bunker, we not only have the room for a brand-new, advanced treatment machine, but we can also begin to replace our older machines without affecting the service we deliver.”

The demand for radiotherapy steadily increases year upon year, with one in four cancer patients now requiring radiotherapy treatment during the course of their disease.

Radiotherapy treats cancer using beams of ionising radiation to target tumours. This radiation is produced either by a treatment machine (LINAC), which produces high powered x-rays delivered externally into the body, or by using radioactive isotope sources delivered internally close to the cancer (brachytherapy).

It is expected that the new £1.9 million LINAC machine will improve the precision and efficiency of treatment delivery, reduce individual treatment times, enhance patient access to advanced techniques and allow UHP to provide approximately 700 additional treatments of radiotherapy per year.

“Up until now, we’ve had to share one of the radiotherapy bunkers with the Brachytherapy service,” adds Chris. “The new dedicated Brachytherapy facility includes a treatment room, theatre area, patient waiting area and recovery spaces, which not only will provide a better patient experience overall, but it also allows us to expand the services for Brachytherapy, which we’ve been unable to do until now.”

The Radiotherapy team decided to dedicate the opening of the new facility to a former and fondly-remembered patient, Gordon Sparks. Following fundraising inspired by Gordon, donations were made to The Chestnut Appeal and to Plymouth Hospitals Charity’s Mustard Tree Fund, which supports patients and families using the Mustard Tree Macmillan Cancer Support Centre at Derriford Hospital. 

Heather Sparks, Gordon’s wife, said: “Gordon was always passionate about Derriford Hospital, the staff and the service it provided. He liked to offer support when he could and when he needed treatment himself he was cared for excellently. I feel honoured to have been asked to open the new Plymouth Oncology Centre extension in Gordon’s memory. It is a wonderful tribute to him and the whole family are incredibly touched by this dedication.”

Heather cut the ribbon to officially open the new building, together with Argyle First Team Coach Kevin Nancekivell. Kevin visits Derriford Hospital every year with the Argyle squad to deliver Christmas presents to the children’s wards. He was awarded the Freedom of the City of Plymouth for his services to Argyle and to the city of Plymouth in 2025.

Kevin said: “I’m honoured and proud to be asked alongside Heather to open this new facility. This will, I’m sure, enhance the existing excellent standard of care that is provided at Derriford, and will reflect the commitment in providing the highest level of cancer care for everyone in Plymouth and the surrounding area.

“In opening this new facility, we are honouring Gordon Sparks, who, as everyone knows, was a much-loved member of Argyle and the city of Plymouth.”

Thanks to the new LINAC machine, UHP will soon begin to deliver Surface Guided Radiotherapy (SGRT) which, when available on all machines, will mean that patients will no longer need to have small tattoos made on their skin to enable their body to be lined up correctly for treatment. Instead, the new machine will utilise a scan of the patient's body position and contour, giving real-time feedback to the therapeutic radiographers during the patient’s set-up and treatment, to confirm the body position is correct before delivering any radiation dose. SGRT will also enable quicker and more accurate set-ups, as well as reducing the requirement for x-rays.

Chris Bowen adds: “Here at the Plymouth Oncology Centre we already offer a range of specialist services to our local and regional populations. As a relatively small department we punch well above our weight in terms of the range of services we are able to provide for our patients and are always looking for opportunities to improve and innovate. With the completion of this new extension and the new opportunities the new technology can provide, we are really excited that now we can further develop the service, advance our techniques and provide our patients with greater access to the latest treatment regimes. 

“Our dedicated team of therapeutic radiographers, clinical scientists, engineers, treatment planners and dosimetrists are committed to delivering both clinical excellence and compassionate care. We aim to create a warm, welcoming and supportive environment throughout every patient’s cancer journey while ensuring they receive the expert treatment they need and deserve.” 

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UHP awarded new vaccination outreach contract

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust is one of seven providers, announced by NHS South West, to be awarded contracts to deliver vaccination outreach services, to improve access for local communities.

The three-year contracts began on 1 September 2026 and will support communities where vaccination uptake is lower, including areas experiencing higher levels of deprivation and people who may face barriers to accessing routine health services.

Darryn Allcorn, Chief Nursing Officer & Director of Integrated Professions at UHP explained: "We are really pleased to have been chosen to deliver this service to our local population. Vaccinations are one of the most effective ways to protect people from serious illness and, for many years, we have ran successful local vaccination roll outs. This development will enable us to expand the expertise we can offer in this area. The outreach service will be able to use local data and insight to see where support is most needed and reach those under-served areas, helping to close the gap in health inequalities."

Dr Georgina Angel, Consultant in Public Health and Screening and Immunisation Lead for NHS England South West said: “Vaccinations save lives. But we know that access is not the same for everyone, and some people face additional barriers when engaging with health care and vaccinations.

“These new outreach services are an exciting and significant step forward in bringing services more closely in line with the needs of local communities. Building trust and developing stronger relationships is at the heart of service design, improving access and supporting vaccine conversations where it is needed most.”

Seven providers will deliver vaccination outreach services across the South West, aligned to local Integrated Care Board areas:

• One Care for Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board
• Banes Enhanced Medical Services (BEMS) for Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board
• Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust for Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board
• University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust for Devon Integrated Care Board
• Dorset Health Care University NHS Foundation Trust for Dorset Integrated Care Board
• Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust for Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board
• Somerset NHS Foundation Trust for Somerset Integrated Care Board

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Rachael's miraculous recovery takes her from palliative care to opening a new facility, thanks to specialist pain management device

A Plymouth patient has made a miraculous recovery as a result of receiving a rare highly specialist implant to control her pain for cancer care.

In 2023 Rachael Johnson was diagnosed with a large stage 4 tumour in her colon and was losing weight rapidly. After spending eight weeks receiving palliative care from St Lukes, things weren’t looking hopeful.

“I felt absolutely awful. I was so weak. All I could do was lay there. The morphine and ketamine they were giving me just wasn’t doing anything to control the pain, and my body wasn’t coping,” explains Rachael.

Thankfully Rachael was referred to the Chronic Pain Management Services team at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust (UHP) and that sparked the start of her amazing journey to recovery.

“When I met Dr Bagchi, I was told about an intrathecal pain pump that can help to control pain,” Rachael adds. “I was in absolute agony - I couldn’t eat, sleep or even talk, so although the surgical procedure to insert it into the base of your spine sounded scary, everything was just so bad that I just said yes to having it done.

“It took a little while to work, but then just like that, I was out of pain and suddenly I was able to cope with my cancer treatment. Believe it or not, a couple years later and now the tumour has vanished. We’re hoping that in 2029 I’ll be cancer-free and the pain pump can be removed.” 

Rachael’s mum Suzie cannot praise the support her daughter received enough: “It’s absolutely revolutionised Rachael’s life, and mine. Watching your own daughter in so much pain is just awful. But I was shocked at just how much of a difference pain management can make in keeping someone alive. Rachael’s pain went from 100% to almost completely nothing. Once her pain was under control, it helped her to focus on her recovery from cancer. I honestly don’t think she would have recovered without the help she received from the team. You cannot fault them, they really look after you here.”

Rachael, who lives locally in Plymouth, was invited to cut the ribbon at an official ceremony to mark the opening UHP’s Chronic Pain Management Service in its new home. The team have recently moved into a newly refurbished space at Plymouth Marjon University, following a collaboration between the two organisations. The purpose-designed facility nine clinic rooms, a dedicated group therapy space and access to an on-site gym, enabling the team to deliver a broader range of pain management approaches. It marks an exciting new chapter for the service and the patients it supports.

Lindsey Pollard, Nurse Consultant at UHP said: “There aren’t many centres in the UK that are able to provide this specialist device for palliative care cancer patients. Having provided 25 of these pain pumps to patients this year alone, we are in fact the biggest implanter in the country. Thanks to Dr Bagchi’s expertise, and our close-working relationship with neurosurgery, we are glad that we are able to offer this rare pain management solution to our patients.

“It makes a massive difference. The pump itself is able to deliver medication that is 300 times more potent, allowing us to deliver significantly lower doses of the drug, obtaining pain relief without the side-effects that are often associated by morphine-based drugs when taken by mouth or a patch. It enables patients living with a palliative cancer diagnosis to have a much greater quality of life - some have gone from hospice care to being able to go back on holiday, ride horses and even drive tractors to work on a farm. 

“At the end of the day, life is not about surviving, it is about living.”

Find out more about the Chronic Pain Management Service and their new location.

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Our Future Hospital

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.”

Planning application approved for further health development at Colin Campbell Court

A planning application has been approved by Plymouth City Council for a new health development at Colin Campbell Court.

The second Community Diagnostic Centre will provide a range of integrated acute, primary, and community diagnostic services. It will be based at Colin Campbell Court, alongside the recently developed Community Diagnostic Centre, which opened to patients last month.   

John Stephens, Director of Estate and Facilities at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, said:

"We're delighted that planning permission has now been granted, marking another important milestone in our plans to develop Colin Campbell Court as a centre for modern healthcare in the heart of Plymouth.

"This has been made possible through the close partnership between the NHS and Plymouth City Council, with a shared ambition to improve access to healthcare while supporting the regeneration of the West End.

"We are continuing to work with our clinical teams and partners to finalise the range of services that will be delivered from the building. Our focus is on creating facilities that best meet the needs of our communities, making it easier for people to access high-quality care closer to where they live, work and shop."

The location in the city’s West End, is key as it means we can offer high quality diagnostics tests to people close to where they live, making it easier for them to attend appointments. 

Councillor Maria Lawson, Cabinet member for Health and Adult Social Care, said; “The momentum for better health in Plymouth is really building, and the good news keeps coming! Securing planning permission for a second Community Diagnostic Centre is fantastic news — it means more tests, quicker results, and earlier diagnoses for thousands of people across our city. This is real investment in Plymouth’s future, bringing high‑quality NHS services closer to where people live, work and care for their families.

“With the first Community Diagnostic Centre already welcoming patients in Colin Campbell Court, and the Peninsula Dental Education Practice thriving in New George Street, the West End is becoming a vibrant centre for community health and wellbeing. These projects aren’t just improving access to care — they’re breathing new life into the area, supporting local businesses, and creating a place where people feel proud to live and visit.

“This is a huge step forward for Plymouth and will play a key role in helping to make our residents healthier. I’m delighted to see our city continuing to attract the investment and innovation our residents deserve.”

Image: artists impression of the proposed building

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New Plymouth Community Diagnostic Centre Opens to improve access to NHS tests

The Plymouth Community Diagnostic Centre has been officially opened by Luke Pollard MP and University Hospitals NHS Trust colleagues, marking a major milestone in improving access to diagnostic services for local people.

Located on Western Approach in Plymouth City Centre, the £22 million facility will provide a wide range of vital tests, scans and checks in a convenient, community-based setting. The new centre is expected to deliver more than 91,600 diagnostic tests each year, with capacity for up to 330 appointments per day, helping reduce waiting times and improve patient experience.

The PCDC is equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic technology, including two MRI scanners, two CT scanners - one of which is a specialist cardiac CT scanner, and two X-ray rooms. Additional services include ultrasound, phlebotomy, lung function testing and audiology.

By bringing these services into the heart of the city, the centre will help patients access care more quickly and closer to home, while also easing pressure on Derriford Hospital. The central location also enables patients to attend multiple appointments in a single visit and benefit from nearby amenities, such as shops and cafés, supporting a more convenient and flexible healthcare experience.

John Stephens, Director of Estates and Facilities at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust said: “Receiving planning permission back in March 2024 honestly feels like only yesterday. To now be standing in this completed facility, seeing those plans brought to life, is something we can all be incredibly proud of.

“This centre will make a significant impact. Over 300 patients will pass through here every single day, seven days a week. That represents a huge step forward in tackling the health inequalities we set out to address, and in supporting earlier detection of disease - which we know is crucial to improving outcomes and saving lives”.

Luke Pollard, Member of Parliament for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport said: “It was a huge honour to open the new Plymouth Community Diagnostic Centre. For years I have been campaigning for a new health village in our city and today marks a major step forward.

“With the new Peninsula Dental Education Practice, PCDC at Colin Campbell Court brings healthcare to the high street. These facilities will deliver vital diagnostic services such as MRIs, CT scans and X-rays, and by moving over 91,600 tests a year into the city centre, we are making healthcare more accessible for residents, while taking pressure off Derriford Hospital.

This is a fantastic achievement for Plymouth. Well done to everyone involved for making this happen.”

Inside the building, patients and visitors will find thoughtfully designed spaces featuring artwork created by local artists through community competitions. Each floor has its own theme to support wayfinding, from sea-inspired scenes with flowing wave motifs, to vibrant cityscapes and countryside views.

Councillor Maria Lawson, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said: “This building is a real game changer for the West End. It will bring thousands more visitors into the area, supporting local businesses and revitalising this part of the city centre.

“Crucially, it will also make it much easier for Plymouth residents - particularly those nearby - to access vital medical services such as CT scans, X-rays and blood tests. That’s a significant step forward in tackling long-term health issues. It’s a great day for the city.”

Dr Trevor Smith, NHS England South West Regional Medical Director, said: “I’m really pleased to see the Plymouth Community Diagnostic Centre reach this important milestone.

“This modern building in the heart of the city will help many more people get tests and scans, more than 91,600 each year and appointments every day from 8am to 8pm.

“By bringing these services closer to home, people can be seen more quickly and easily, helping reduce waiting times and spot health problems earlier.

“This centre is a great example of how partnership working can improve health outcomes while contributing to the wider regeneration of the city."

Minister of State for Health (Secondary Care), Karin Smyth said: “This government has got the NHS on the road to recovery, with the waiting list down by more than 400,000 compared with June 2024 and a record 29 million diagnostic tests and scans carried out last year, but there's still a lot more to do.

“The NHS should fit around people’s lives, not the other way around. This brand-new, state-of-the-art centre for Plymouth is going to offer convenient tests, checks and scans - without a trip to hospital.

“Community Diagnostic Centres like this one are a vital part of how we’re rebuilding the NHS and getting people seen on time again. More of these will soon be opening across the country through our £237 million investment in new, expanded and enhanced centres just like this.”

Staff welcomed the first patients on 23 June 2026. All appointments are by referral only. The centre is open from 8am - 8pm, every day.

The opening of the Plymouth Community Diagnostic Centre represents a significant step forward in delivering faster, more accessible diagnostic services for the local community.

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Behind the Building

Celebrating our Colleagues and Volunteers

UHP volunteer honoured at Downing Street Reception marking 78 years of the NHS

35,000 hours of kindness: UHP celebrates Volunteers' Week 2026

In Partnership

Our new electronic patient record has launched

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust successfully went live with the Epic electronic patient record (EPR) system in July.

This marks a significant milestone in the Devon-wide digital transformation programme, bringing UHP together with Royal Devon and Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trusts on a single shared patient record. The new system enables staff to access patient information quickly and securely, helping to improve patient safety, care quality and the overall patient experience.

UHP would like to thank all staff and partners whose dedication and collaboration made this achievement possible. The Trust is also grateful to patients, families and carers for their support and patience throughout the transition. Patients are already beginning to benefit from MY CARE, the Epic patient portal, which provides easy access to health information, appointments and care updates via a computer, tablet or mobile device. More information about MY CARE is available on the UHP website.

UHP would also like to thank primary care colleagues for their support and patience during the transition to Epic. The Trust recognises that some challenges were experienced during implementation and continues to work closely with partners to optimise the system and deliver benefits across the wider health and care system.

While go-live represents a major achievement, the focus now turns to optimising the system, learning from users and realising the full benefits of Epic across the health and care community.

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Invitation to University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust’s Careers Showcase and Annual General Meeting

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust (UHP) is inviting local people to discover more about their local healthcare providers and explore the wide range of careers available in the NHS at a Careers Showcase on Saturday 26 September at Derriford Centre for Health and Wellbeing (DCHW).

The event aims to bring together members of the public to meet services, education partners and community organisations for a day designed to provide a greater insight on the type of work we do and to inspire young people to consider a future career in healthcare.

A key focus of the event will be encouraging young people to explore the many career opportunities available within the NHS. From the traditional routes of nursing, midwifery and medicine, to pharmacy, research and development, healthcare sciences, administration, estates, digital and other support roles, visitors will be able to meet staff from across the Trust and learn about different routes into employment, training and apprenticeships.

Plymouth continues to face challenges around youth unemployment, with rates remaining higher than many areas of the country. The Careers Showcase aims to help demonstrate the breadth of opportunities available locally and highlight the rewarding careers that exist within the NHS.

Visitors can also sign up for a range of behind-the-scenes experiences and tours of selected areas of the hospital, such as Children's Theatres, the Research and Development Unit and Pharmacy services.

The Careers Showcase will also be held at the same time as UHP’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) focusing on the theme of “change and celebration” at the DCHW. The AGM will highlight the Trust’s achievements over the past year while looking ahead to future developments in patient care, research and community services.

Patient partnership and involvement will be a key focus, with presentations from both the Patient Council and the Young Person’s Patient Council, reflecting on achievements to date and plans to further embed patient voices across divisions and services.

The celebration theme continues with:

• Research achievements, recognising UHP’s success as the leading recruiter to NIHR clinical trials nationally and outlining future ambitions.
• Improvements in planned care, highlighting reductions in waiting times and improved RTT performance for patients.

James Brent, Chairman at UHP said: “As one of the largest employers in the region, we have a responsibility not only to provide excellent healthcare, but also to create opportunities for local people to develop rewarding and meaningful careers. This Careers Showcase is a fantastic opportunity for young people, students, families and those considering a career change to discover the enormous range of roles available within the NHS, many of which they may never have considered before.

“We know that Plymouth continues to face challenges around youth employment, and we are passionate about helping people understand the different routes into work, training and apprenticeships. From clinical and scientific careers to digital, estates, administration and support services, there is a place for people with a wide variety of skills and interests.

“I am also delighted that the event will take place alongside our Annual General Meeting, giving local people the chance to learn more about the achievements of their Trust, meet our staff and partners, and help shape the future of healthcare in our community.”

The AGM takes place on Saturday 26 September, 9.00 - 10.15am in the Board Room of the Derriford Centre for Health and Wellbeing (DCHW), with the Careers Showcase starting at 9.30am in the sports hall downstairs. Please RSVP for the AGM by emailing communications.phnt@nhs.net and Register for your place for the Careers Showcase

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