News from University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
News from UHP - March 2026
New clean energy upgrades to help cut bills
Embracing collaboration to improve patient safety in theatres
Emergency Care Building Update
Plymouth Community Diagnostic Centre on track for summer 2026 opening
Dartmoor
UHP Consultant chosen for Women in Surgery London exhibition
Chestnut Appeal Chief Executive Officer awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM)
Hospital Radio Plymouth shortlisted for several awards
Plymouth's Anchor Institutions unite to support parents with new online resource
Message from Neil Macdonald
Dear partners and stakeholders,
Mid-February, under slightly brighter skies, I joined a site visit of the new Emergency Care building at the front of the hospital with the Future Hospital Programme team. The last time I was on site was for the ground breaking event in October, so some four months later, I was able to get a proper feel for the scale of the building and the impact it will have on how we will care for our patients in the future.
There’s been a huge amount of excavation work and the concrete frame of the building is now progressing well. As part of the visit, I climbed on to what will be the new Level 7 floor for Same Day Emergency Care and saw the start of the columns for the floor above. Even at this level, the views across the front of the hospital were impressive, and so I have high hopes that the design of the building will mean plenty of light and bright spaces to work in as we continue with the modernisation of our estate.
The team spoke to me about the current stage of building design sign off and the importance of our clinical leads in this process. I understand that this is really time critical and that lots of you are involved in reviewing the layouts and making sure the building will work as intended. In just over three years’ time, we’ll be walking around inside a finished building, and whilst it’s difficult to ever fully ‘future proof’ the design, your voice and opinion counts and the small changes being agreed now will prevent bigger cost challenges later on in the scheme's delivery. I look forward to seeing the rest of the building emerge in the coming months!
Best wishes,
Neil
Developments
New clean energy upgrades to help cut bills at University Hospitals Plymouth
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust will benefit from new funding to install clean energy upgrades, helping to reduce energy bills.
Last week the government announced that eighty-two NHS trusts, eight military sites and one prison will receive a share of £74 million to adopt clean energy technologies and improve their energy efficiency, helping to bring down bills and create savings that can be reinvested into frontline services.
UHP has been allocated £703,000 to install 2,824 LED light fittings across seven buildings on the estate, including nine wards at Derriford Hospital. By replacing inefficient fluorescent lighting, the project will help to reduce energy consumption by 540 MWh annually, which equates to a cost saving of £130,000 per year.
The project is due to commence at UHP in the spring and is expected to complete towards the end of the year. It builds upon the £1.2 million funding already provided in the past 12 months, which is enabling the installation of an additional 2,200 LED lights and 1,400 solar panels approximately across our estate.
“This successful clean energy funding award demonstrates our continued commitment to delivering the ambitions of our Green Plan and achieving our net zero carbon targets through the installation of clean energy technologies across our estate,” explains John Stephens, Director of Infrastructure and Site Services at UHP. “As well as reducing our carbon footprint, the new lighting will enhance the care environment, helping us to provide a better experience for our patients.”
Minister for Energy Consumers Martin McCluskey said: “More money will go straight to frontline services as hospitals, prisons and military sites benefit from cheaper bills and cutting-edge green technology. “This is our clean power mission in action - cutting bills, investing in public services and providing energy security for our country.”
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: “With lower bills for hospitals, better value for money, and a cleaner, more efficient NHS, everybody wins. “Every penny of these savings will be redirected straight back into frontline care and delivering an NHS patients, staff and the whole country can be proud of again. “This investment will help us build an NHS fit for the future.”
More than £9 million will be delivered in partnership with Great British Energy (GBE) for batteries and solar panels, building on the publicly owned energy company’s £255 million investment in solar power for hospitals, schools and military sites last year.
Embracing collaboration to improve patient safety in theatres
Patient safety specialists at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust and University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust have spent a day in the life of each other’s operating theatres, demonstrating how shared learning and fresh perspectives can help drive safety improvements in healthcare.
Facilitated by Health Innovation South West, to improve patient safety and quality in their operating theatres, the productive peer-to-peer exercise was built on strong support from senior leadership and staff open to embracing an opportunity to test assumptions and improve system working through open communication.
Recognising that theatre environments can be siloed, coupled with a lens of curiosity, patient safety specialists in Devon were keen to understand how their practices aligned to those of neighbouring trusts, and what they could learn about how their differences to prevent low harm events.
The South West Patient Safety Collaborative, hosted by Health Innovation South West, connected the teams and a plan was made for each team to spend a day in the other’s theatre environment. Together they agreed an observation framework focused on safety practices and processes, and provided feedback directly to the other team.
While theatre teams initially had reservations about being observed by peers, these were swiftly overcome by the realisation that there was much to learn from each other.
For Susan Pendleton, M atron at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, the familiarity and expertise of the teams made it easier to share constructive feedback: “The observations were reassuring as they aligned with areas already being worked on, highlighting the value of peer reviews”.
Maria Patterson, Associate Director of Patient Safety and Quality at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The teams enjoyed meeting each other, which helped alleviate feelings of isolation in the theatre environment”, said Maria. “This proactive and positive engagement ensured that the collaboration was not perceived as a critical assessment, but rather as a constructive and supportive exercise.”
Teams taking part described sessions as engaging and constructive, soliciting good practice and areas for improvement, such as the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist and documenting team briefs and debriefs. Both trusts recognised the importance of transparency and openness in making the exercise productive and to help foster a culture of continuous improvement.
Senior support was also vital. “The chief nurses were hugely supportive and enthusiastic about the collaboration”, said Maria. “This support was crucial in ensuring the success of the initiative and demonstrated the importance of system-wide collaboration and continuous learning.”
The exercise has encouraged both trusts to reconsider their strategies for sharing incidents, actions or changes internally within their organisations, including by way of digital alerts, newsletters and matron updates to theatre teams.
By addressing barriers and maintaining open communication, other trusts can also benefit from similar collaborative exercises.
As for advice to other patient safety teams interested in exploring peer-to-peer collaboration exercises? “Be brave and reach out”, advises Maria. “Schedule meetings and agree on specific areas for observation”, emphasises Susan.
Learn more about our work to improve system and patient safety in the South West .
Peninsula patients benefit from Mechanical Stroke Thrombectomy Service 24/7
xxxxx xxxxxx xxxxx
Royal College of Emergency Medicine awards Derriford Hospital Silver accreditation for Sustainability
Derriford Hospital’s Emergency Department has today been awarded a Silver accreditation, as part of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine’s (RCEM) GreenED programme .
After only joining the programme in 2023, University Hospitals Plymouth (UHP) became one of the first NHS Trusts in the country to be awarded a Bronze accreditation by the RCEM in 2024. Thanks to a multidisciplinary approach to becoming a greener organisation, UHP’s Emergency Department (ED) at Derriford Hospital is now one of only six Trusts in the country to have achieved the highly coveted Silver award.
The GreenED programme is an RCEM initiative set out to drive environmentally sustainable practices within the speciality of Emergency Medicine. The various evidence-based actions required to attain each level of the programme contribute to national net zero targets and create financial savings, while also ensuring that improvements in patient care are paramount.
“This recognition is well-deserved,” explains Kirsty Wavish, Sustainability Manager at UHP. “Not only have colleagues in the ED worked incredibly hard to improve timely access to care for our patients, but they are also spearheading greener initiatives across the Trust. It’s been a real team effort.”
For the Bronze accreditation, the team worked on a number of activities with the aim of reducing carbon emissions, including making better use of energy, waste segregation and using sustainable clinical items such as cannulation materials. They also audited the department’s paper use, and reviewed sharps bins and the use of glove and personal protection equipment.
Building upon these efforts for the Silver award, the team have now switched from single use to reusable items where possible. Procedural packs were reviewed to ensure they contain only necessary equipment, as well as medications with high carbon emissions across the department, switching to more effective, sustainable solutions.
“With the ED leading the way to adopt more sustainable behaviours, colleagues are also collaborating with other departments across the Trust,” adds Kirsty. “For instance, inspired by GreenED conversations, a colleague in Imaging had the idea to instigate the use of reusable tourniquets. A lot of what is in the framework provided by the RCEM requires systemic change, and ED has given us the platform to do just that.”
Dr Ian Higginson, President of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine and Consultant in Emergency Medicine at UHP, said: “On behalf of the College - a massive congratulations to the team at Derriford who have been awarded a Silver accreditation through our GreenED programme.
“This accomplishment has been driven by a dedicated, innovative team, who have reduced emissions, as well as waste and saved costs - all to tackle the climate crisis. Dr Daisy Stevens has done a brilliant job leading on this, supported by many colleagues including Sophie Underdown and Kirsty Wavish from the Trust’s Sustainability team.
"I’ve been proud to play my part in this, and it means a lot that my own department and our organisation have got behind it all.
“A healthier planet means healthier patients, and we have a duty to act to protect both. As a College, we are proud to support Emergency Departments across the UK, and beyond, in playing their part to become more environmentally friendly.”
Dr Daisy Stevens, Speciality Doctor in Emergency Medicine, adds: “I am incredibly grateful and immensely proud that our department has been awarded the Silver accreditation for our GreenED work. This recognition reflects the commitment, creativity and determination of our entire team. The department has gone above and beyond their normal roles to embed sustainable practices into our everyday work. Achieving this award has truly been a collective effort, and it highlights what can be accomplished when people share a common purpose and passion for improvement.
“The aim of GreenED is to achieve the triple bottom line: delivering better care for patients, in ways that are better for the environment, identifying more sustainable options that reduce waste and deliver meaningful cost savings. We firmly believe that environmental responsibility and excellent patient care go hand in hand.
“This achievement is an important step in our ongoing journey to create a healthcare service that is high-quality, sustainable, and fit for the future. The next challenge is working for Gold.”
Guided by its Green Plan, UHP is working to embed sustainability across all its services. The Plan sets out how the Trust will reduce carbon emissions, cut waste and water use, improve air quality and biodiversity, and limit avoidable single-use plastics. The construction of the new Emergency Care Building will enable the Trust to strengthen its commitment to environmental sustainability, including increasing access to renewable energy and driving innovation in sustainable emergency care.
For more information, please visit https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/sustainability/
Our Future Hospital
Emergency Care Building Update
This time last year we had the good news that the New Hospital Programme had prioritised Derriford Hospital to start construction on the Emergency Care Building during 2025, and we were planning for final approval of the Full Business Case through internal and external governance committees.
The demolition of Plym Theatres was well underway and the road to the front of the hospital was reconfigured to allow bus and taxi access only as we prepared the site for the build compound. This was a challenging and disruptive period for everyone, but is now established and operating well.
The visible approach to the hospital has changed significantly, with the construction activity dominating the landscape and the two tall cores of the building highlighting the scale of new development.
Despite the wettest January and possibly February on record, we’ve been reflecting on just how much has been done on site over the last few months.
Both concrete cores have now been completed and these huge structures will eventually accommodate lifts, stairs and plant areas on each side of the building. The methodology for building the cores is known as slipform concrete, involving continually moving formwork (shuttering) to build the vertical structures. In good weather, we saw the first core creep up at a rate of almost 1m per day.
The site team has also completed the majority of the ground floor (Level 6) slab and has been building the vertical columns and formwork to hold the floors on Levels 7 and 8. The extension will comprise 4 floors of clinical care, with a further 2 floors of plant to run the building.
At the front entrance of the hospital, a canopy is being formed to protect people entering and exiting the hospital while the ‘envelope’ of the building is being constructed.
Our focus is now on the internal building design, and specifically the layouts of each floor and any time critical changes. We have been working with our Clinical leads, who contribute greatly to the design of the building and are supported with site tours, giving them the opportunity to speak with the construction teams to help follow the process of how the design feeds the construction.
Back in January, we also launched a pioneering initiative designed to tackle social exclusion and open doors to careers in construction as part of the social value commitment from Willmott Dixon during the construction of the new Emergency Care Building. You can read more about this in “Our Partnerships” section of the newsletter.
Watch our short video where we hear from our clinical teams and we share a timelapse of the construction so far.
Plymouth Community Diagnostic Centre on track for summer 2026 opening
Progress on the new Plymouth Community Diagnostic Centre at Colin Campbell Court continues at pace and remains on schedule for a Summer 2026 opening. Construction partners have completed the external cladding and scaffolding is being removed, signalling significant progress on the building’s exterior.
Inside the facility, up to 120 contractors are working hard to complete the internal fit-out ahead of the planned delivery of new diagnostic equipment in May.
Clinical leads from University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust recently toured the new centre to inspect key areas and inform final design considerations for patient flow and clinical efficiency. Teams from Phlebotomy, Audiology, Imaging and Physiological Measurement explored their future workspaces and shared vital insights to help optimise the layout for both patients and staff.
Lead Cardiologist Vicky Church said: ““The new Diagnostic Centre looks absolutely fantastic. It’s going to be brilliant to have all of the diagnostic tests available in the same space for patients.”
The Community Diagnostic Centre will:
- Offer up to 330 appointments every day
- Operate seven days a week
- Deliver more than 91,600 imaging tests annually
Once operational, the Community Diagnostic Centre will provide a wide range of vital tests — including CT and MRI scans, X-rays, ultrasounds and more — in a community-based setting. By offering these services outside Derriford Hospital, the centre will help patients receive faster diagnoses closer to home, reducing waiting times and supporting earlier treatment.
Located in Plymouth’s city centre with excellent transport links and nearby parking, the facility will be easily accessible for people across the city and wider region. Operating seven days a week, the centre is designed to improve access to diagnostics and drive better health outcomes for the community.
Once complete, the facility will play a crucial role in improving access to diagnostic services and delivering better patient outcomes for the South west peninsula.
Dartmoor article in here
xxxx xxxx xxxx
Celebrating Staff
UHP Consultant chosen for Women in Surgery London exhibition
Manuela Cresswell, Consultant Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Surgeon at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust has been chosen to have her portrait displayed at the Hunterian Museum, inside the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) in London, as part of the ‘Insight: Portraits of Women in Surgery’ exhibition which shines a light on women working in surgery across the UK.
Attending the exhibition on Thursday (12 February) Manuela reflected on why it was important for her to be a part of this exhibition: “I feel humbled and privileged to be part of this wonderful initiative. Female surgeons are still a minority, and we need to challenge societal bias and make them more visible to the world”
As the first ever female ENT consultant at Derriford, this project is close to Manuela’s heart: “Women only make up an estimate of 17% of surgeons worldwide, there is still work to be done in showing people that women can be a multitude of things, including mothers, wives and surgeons”.
The exhibition also focuses on the surgeons’ personal experiences that influenced their careers, for Manuela that was something she witnessed as a teenager, she told the RCS: “I witnessed a road traffic accident with multiple casualties and fatalities. My parents, both doctors, were first at the scene, and watching their calm triage, teamwork, and difficult decision-making left a lasting impression on me. I realised I wanted the skills to help in moments of crisis.”
Additionally, Manuela was asked what advice she would give to future surgeons, she said: "You are never the finished product. Early in training it is easy to compare oneself to senior consultants and feel like an impostor, forgetting that their expertise has been shaped over decades. The focus should be on personal growth: working consistently, learning from excellent trainers, and practising self-kindness. Progress is built slowly through persistence and reflection. Learn to quiet down the inner voice that says ‘you are not good enough’”.
Manuela was photographed by Paige Nolan, UHP Communications Officer who is proud to have contributed to such an important project.
The exhibition is free to enter and is due to run from Friday 6 February to Saturday 18 April 2026. You can read the official Hunterian museum press release on their website.
Image: Manuela Cresswell, Consultant Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Surgeon
Chestnut Appeal Chief Executive Officer awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM)
Lesley-Ann Simpson, Chief Executive Officer of The Chestnut Appeal has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for her Services to Men’s Health. The Chestnut Appeal charity raises awareness, funds equipment and technology, and supports patients with prostate, testicular and penile Cancer.
This award comes after 22 years of Lesley-Ann being at the helm of the charity and is an award that recognises hard work, contribution to the community and hands-on-service, all of which Lesley-Ann is well versed in.
Humbled by the award, Lesley-Ann said: “I’m truly honoured to receive the British Empire Medal. When I began this journey more than twenty years ago, I never imagined it would lead to this. I simply wanted to make sure men felt seen, supported, and less afraid to talk about their health - even the ones who would honestly rather run a mile than have a check-up.
“This medal carries the stories of the men and families I’ve met along the way. Those who trusted us at their most vulnerable. Those we’ve sadly lost. And those who have survived and gone on to live full, healthy lives. They're the reason I get up each day with the determination to keep going”.
Andrew Dickinson, Consultant Urological Surgeon at UHP, who works closely alongside Lesley-Ann said: “I am absolutely delighted for her, there isn’t a better person to have been awarded this. It really shows that she has gone the extra mile all the time over the last 22 years”
Lesley-Ann’s official acceptance speech for receiving the medal concludes with: "I am so proud, emotional, and deeply thankful. I’ll continue this work with the same passion and stubborn determination I’ve always had. Men’s health matters, and every life we save makes every moment worthwhile.”
University Hospitals Plymouth would like to offer Lesley-Ann a huge congratulations and thank her for all the hard work she has done, and will continue to do for men’s health.
Image: Lesley-Ann Simpson, Chief Executive Officer of The Chestnut Appeal
Hospital Radio Plymouth shortlisted for several awards
The team at Hospital Radio Plymouth (HRP) have been shortlisted for seven awards at the 2026 Hospital Broadcasting Awards. These nominations include awards for newcomer, station promotion, presenter awards and station of the year.
Speaking about the nominations, Keith Jolley, HRP Chairman and station manager, said: “It’s great to have these nominations, I think shows that we must be doing something right as a team. We’ve put a lot of effort into this station, and it’s nice to see that hard work pay off”.
The radio station team are no strangers to awards, having previously won Station of the Year five times, but this is the first time that HRP have been shortlisted for so many awards at the same time.
Reflecting on the year, Keith said: “It’s been an interesting twelve months, and it has been tough at times - we’ve had a lot of change, and we’ve all worked hard to make this station something special.
We have moved on site at Derriford, our training process is improving, and we have well implemented new technology to make it easier for listeners to get involved.
Everyone who works here does so on a voluntary basis, they work hard because of their passion for Hospital Radio, so I think being shortlisted for these awards is proof of their dedication”.
The station has also worked incredibly hard this year to be more visible, with ward visits by the team, and having members of the University Hospitals Plymouth executive team visit, including CEO Neil Macdonald, and UHP Chairman James Brent, which Keith says has been a great boost in visibility.
This year marks 100 years of Hospital Radio, and 57 years of Hospital Radio Plymouth, so this is a particularly special year for Hospital Radio stations. Looking ahead at the year, Keith said: “We’ll be celebrating in several ways, including a 100-hour broadcast in the summer, and a party in October. It will be a great way to celebrate the radio station, and if we win any awards it will be a bonus”
“We are very grateful to the hospital, and to all the staff and listeners. It’s rewarding to be able to do this every day, and the love of the job has kept me volunteering here for the past 34 years, I started in 1992 and I haven’t looked back since.”
The awards finals take place in Bolton in March, good luck to the team at Hospital Radio Plymouth, and congratulations on all your hard work in receiving these nominations.
Image: Hospital Radio Plymouth
Team
In Partnership
New Building Lives Academy launches at Derriford Hospital to create pathways into construction careers
A pioneering initiative designed to tackle social exclusion and open doors to careers in construction launched today on 19 January as part of the social value commitment from Willmott Dixon during the construction of Derriford Hospital’s new Emergency Care Building.
The Building Lives Academy will be delivered in partnership with Willmott Dixon and Greenlight Training Ltd, and supported by Sphere Solutions, Seetec and regional recruitment and supply chain partners.
The academy offers entry-level qualifications, hands-on work experience, and employability support for individuals who are economically inactive or facing barriers to employment. Participants will gain essential skills, get support with CV writing, job hunting and interview practice to help them find employment. Participants can also achieve a Constructions Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card and qualifications such as a Level 1 Certificate in Construction Operations or Health and Safety at Work.
Each cohort will train 10 to 15 local residents, providing tailored courses throughout the construction programme. Graduates will be supported into work placements with Willmott Dixon and its supply chain partners, ensuring uninterrupted pathways to employment.
One of the first to participate in the initiative is Philip from Launceston (pictured below). He explains: “It’s really nice to have something in place to help people improve their lives. I have dyslexia and, at times, it’s been hard - that’s a reality for a lot of people. I’m enjoying the training and hope to get my CSCS card and a job.”
Nicki Collas, Deputy Director of the Future Hospital Programme at University Hospitals Plymouth, said: “This initiative, a first of its kind for Plymouth, is a brilliant example of using the size and scale of our construction programme to positive effect. We are hugely grateful to Willmott Dixon and Greenlight for providing the facility and resources, which will help improve lives within our city”.
Harvey Smith, Greenlight’s Commercial Director, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to ensure this milestone project leaves a legacy for the city and positively impacts as many individuals as possible who are looking to enter the construction and built environment sectors. Greenlight is thrilled to have been selected by Willmott Dixon as the academy delivery partner.”
Daffne Aguilar, Willmott Dixon’s Social Value Manager, said: “‘The Willmott Dixon project team are thrilled to launch the first cohort of Building Lives Academies. Supporting individuals in our community who face barriers to employment - and equipping them with meaningful new skills - is just as vital as addressing the talent gaps within our industry. This programme gives people a pathway to grow, succeed, and step confidently into the roles our sector needs, and we are proud to be part of that impact.”
The Emergency Care Building will transform urgent and emergency care across the South West peninsula, replacing Derriford’s 50 year old Emergency Department with modern, purpose-built spaces. This development marks a major milestone for UHP, which runs one of the busiest emergency departments in the region and serves as its major trauma centre.
Image: Staff from Willmott Dixon Construction and UHP Future Hospitals Team
Plymouth's Anchor Institutions Unite to support patents with new online resource
Recognising a gap in accessible information for families, the partners have worked closely with the Plymouth Online Directory to ensure parents can easily find the guidance, services, and resources they need to support their children’s health, education, and wellbeing.
A coordinated response for families:
This collaboration builds on the Civic Engagement Agreement signed last year, which committed the city’s major employers to tackling inequality and driving inclusive growth. By focusing on parents, the organisations are addressing one of the most important foundations of community wellbeing, ensuring families have the right information at the right time.
The improved parents’ resource hub will provide:
• Clear signposting to local services, from childcare and schools to health and wellbeing support.
• Guidance on financial assistance, housing, and employment support for families.
• Practical advice for navigating challenges such as special educational needs, healthcare access, and community activities.
• A single, trusted platform where parents can find up-to-date information tailored to Plymouth.
Sarah Brampton, Deputy Chief Executive, University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, commented: “Health and wellbeing are deeply connected to family life. This partnership ensures parents can access trusted advice and services that help children stay healthy and thrive.”
Councillor Tudor Evans, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “Parents are at the heart of our communities. By working together, we can make sure families feel supported and informed, helping children to thrive and ensuring Plymouth remains a city of opportunity for all.”
John Gane, Managing Director, Babcock Devonport, added: “Supporting families is vital to building a resilient workforce and a stronger community. This initiative ensures parents have the tools they need to guide their children towards brighter futures.”
Professor Richard Davies, Vice-Chancellor, University of Plymouth, said: “Education begins at home, and parents play a crucial role in shaping aspirations. By making information more accessible, we are empowering families to unlock opportunities for lifelong learning and growth.”
What this means for Plymouth:
The initiative reflects the Civic Engagement Group’s shared commitment to tackling inequality by supporting families at the earliest stages of life. By strengthening parental access to information, the partners aim to:
• Improve child health and educational outcomes.
• Reduce stress and uncertainty for families navigating complex systems.
• Build stronger connections between parents and local services.
Accessing the resource:
Parents can explore the new hub Plymouth Online Directory here.
This marks another step in the Civic Engagement Agreement’s mission to deliver social value and inclusive growth for Plymouth. By working together, the city’s largest institutions are ensuring that families, the foundation of our communities, have the support they need to thrive.
Search articles
