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It is just over a year since His Royal Highness, Prince William broke the first ground for the new Isles of Scilly Integrated Health and Social Care Facility. Now a special ceremony has been held to mark the formal opening of its new hospital wing.

The event marks the first phase of the wider project, both to build the facility and develop a new model of care.

NHS staff past and present were among those who gathered on Thursday 31 July 2025. Alongside them were Council of the Isles of Scilly colleagues and wider system partners. Margaret Schwarz, Chair of Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust led the celebrations by unveiling an engraved plaque:

"Opening the new hospital wing is a proud moment. A proud moment because a project that has been in the pipeline for many years is now becoming a reality. A proud moment because the progress made over the last 18 months has been nothing short of fantastic. Most importantly, I am proud of all the teams who have worked tirelessly to make this happen.

"In what will be my last few months as chair, I know I am leaving health and care services on these beautiful islands in the best possible hands. Many of our NHS staff and partner colleagues were born here. This only fuels their passion to deliver nothing but the best for their fellow residents and visitors."

The build has been impressive. Each batch of modules that make up the hospital and care home wings was craned into place in less than a day. Not to mention how our teams overcame the odds of time and tide to transport the units to the islands. This involved a freighter, landing craft, trailers and cranes.

However, this project has always been more than just a building. The vision is to future-proof the islands health and care services for years to come. Led by our NHS and adult social care team of teams, the new model of care aims to achieve just that.

Chris Mitchell, Head of Integrated Professions (West) explains how it also supports our goal to treat more people at home or as close to home as possible:

"The success of the build project is mirrored by the remarkable collaboration between our health and social care teams. They have worked alongside the community on the Isles of Scilly to shape a future-ready model of care.

"What is truly inspiring is their unwavering commitment to provide care as close to home as possible. They are embracing innovative ways of working, both locally and in partnership with mainland colleagues. By strengthening these connections and building on long-standing relationships, the team is showing how this integrated approach can enhance access to services and deliver better outcomes for residents and visitors alike."

A key focus is using digital technology to better connect the off-islands to the hospital and the hospital to the mainland. Progress is being made on work to provide imaging machines, better access to diagnostics, and ultrasound training. This includes opportunities to upskill colleagues to be able to use diagnostic equipment on the islands.

Sam Huczmann, Advanced Clinical Practitioner is leading that work. He says digitally-enabled care is not just a concept; it is about fundamentally changing our community's experience:

"We are already bridging the distance to the mainland. This includes connecting our care home directly with specialist teams. This allows for rapid 24-hour hospital assessments and safe, supported discharges. It empowers our local teams, boosts confidence, and allows our residents to recover faster in a familiar environment.

"With enhanced blood diagnostics, new ultrasound capabilities, and the upcoming programme to bring a resilient imaging service to the islands, we are ending the era of diagnostic uncertainty. This integration of technology and a multi-skilled workforce allows us to bring great care right to the front door of our island communities."

All of this work aligns to both the 10-year Health Plan and the 3 shifts highlighted by Lord Darzi: Hospital to community, analogue to digital, and treatment to prevention.

Kate Shields, Chief Executive of NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board summed that up during a speech at the formal opening:

"The opening of the new integrated health and social care facility on St Mary's marks a significant and long-awaited milestone for the Isles of Scilly. It is a moment of real pride and achievement for everyone who has been involved in bringing this ambitious project to life. From the earliest planning stages to the final touches.

"Having seen the facility in person, I have been struck by how thoughtfully it has been designed to meet the needs of both islanders and the dedicated professionals who care for them. This is not just an investment in infrastructure, it is an investment in the future of our communities.

"This facility represents exactly what we aspire to see across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly: joined-up, compassionate care that supports people at every stage of life. It is also delivering now what the NHS Plan is asking us to do across the country over the next decade."

Following feedback from staff and residents, St Mary's Community Hospital will now be called the Isles of Scilly Hospital. Once it is fully up and running, the integrated facility will be named the Isles of Scilly Health and Care Partnership.

The facility will provide 12 residential care home beds; NHS inpatient beds; a modern maternity suite. Other outpatient services will continue. These include x-ray; a minor injury unit; dental and consulting rooms.

We expect the new care home wing to open towards the end of 2025. This will be followed by a formal opening of the whole facility in the new year.