Jul 13, 2023

New 21st Century Scanning Suite and Dedicated Haematology/Oncology Ward with Philips Ambient Experience opens at Royal Cornwall Hospital

Farnborough, United Kingdom – Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) – joins NHS staff at Royal Cornwall Hospital in celebrating the opening of a new 21st century scanning suite and dedicated Haematology and Oncology ward, complete with Philips MRI Ambient Experience.

The Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT) has opened the new, purpose-built Trelawny Scanning Suite, and Haematology/Oncology Ward at its Treliske site in Truro. The new extension to the Trelawny Wing became fully operational on 26th June 2023, almost three years to the day when the building work started.

The new Trelawny Scanning Suite has two state-of-the-art MRI scanners (with room for a third MRI scanner when funding allows), four ultrasound rooms, in-bed waiting areas that are separated from outpatient areas, an observation area, and a generous anaesthetic room. Both MRI suites are fitted with ambient experiences and special visual effects including film choices that can be selected by the patient and which are designed to keep them calm during their treatments, often reducing the need for anaesthetic.

The stunning reception and waiting area is spacious and welcoming with a floor to ceiling mural and a dedicated waiting area for children, complete with an interactive play mat. The new reception also supports the existing, adjoining CT scanning department located right next door – bringing all the Trelawny Wing imaging services together.

Lowen Ward, the haematology and oncology ward at RCHT, is now in its “forever home”. It has expanded to 24 beds, six more than previously. Of these, there are 12 side rooms, 8 of which are individually ventilated, which is vital for patients with a weakened immune system. A peaceful palliative care suite with its own private courtyard garden provides a relaxing space for end-of-life care and a dedicated molecular radiotherapy suite also provides a calming environment for those cancer patients requiring specialist, isolated treatment. The Lowen unit also has a day assessment area enabling some patients using the 24-hour oncology care hotline to bypass the emergency department, and facilitating earlier discharge from the ward with ongoing ambulatory care.

Whilst “statement” walls of art can be enjoyed in the main reception area and in private rooms, RCHT also worked in partnership with Falmouth University students who undertook a project as part of their course work to provide art illustrations in the non-clinical areas.

Our clinical teams in the Imaging Department and on Lowen Ward are thrilled to be in their new homes. We have always prided ourselves on the great care we give our patients, but this bespoke facility, designed and created with our patients and workforce in mind, takes that pride and care to the next level. It makes the unit a fantastic place to work and an outstanding place for patients to receive treatment. I believe we now have one of the best cancer facilities in the country and we hope it will also become a magnet for more clinical staff wishing to work with us here Cornwall.”

Bryson Pottinger

Consultant Haematologist at RCHT and Clinical Lead for the project

As the NHS celebrates its 75th birthday, we are delighted to have opened this new unit at the Royal Cornwall Hospital. It was first conceived more than 10 years ago as an essential need, and a key element of our longer term reconfiguration of the hospital site, which will continue with the upcoming Women and Children’s Hospital Programme. The new building is an amazing space - bright, modern and fit for the 21st Century - that will, alongside our truly dedicated staff, provide outstanding care to patients in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. I’d like to congratulate the whole project team; the successful completion and delivery of this high-quality facility – on time and on budget – is down to the superb collaboration and partnership working between RCHT, BAM, Stride Treglown and Philips Healthcare.”

Steve Williamson

Chief Executive Officer at RCHT

We are very proud to have delivered this important suite expansion for the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust and for the people of Cornwall. The success of this scheme can be put down to the passion of our whole team, and the outstanding cooperation between all parties working on the project. More than 1,500 people have been involved in the construction; at the peak of the build, we had 130 people on site. We are very proud that 80% of our workforce came from Cornwall and Devon, 40% of whom live within a 25-mile radius of the site. BAM has a strong track record of working alongside RCHT, and I am also looking forward to continuing our relationship to deliver the new Women and Children’s Hospital in the coming years.”

Graham Kingdon

Construction Director for BAM Construction

After three years of partnership and collaboration, this marks an extraordinary milestone for both staff and patients at Royal Cornwall. The purpose-built spaces have not only been designed meticulously to support patients and their families, but also the clinical teams behind their care. The Philips Ambient experience is a brilliant example of this, with light and visual technology that creates an energising environment for staff to work within, and puts patients at ease during scans, reducing anxiety and leading to fewer rescans. It's a privilege for Philips to be a part of this achievement that will benefit the local community for years to come.”

Mark Leftwich

Managing Director for Philips UK and Ireland

This project has been an outstanding achievement for RCHT and a showcase for our colleagues at NHS England and the New Hospital Programme. We have clearly demonstrated our ability to manage complex builds, and we very much look forward to continuing our relationship with BAM and other strategic partners as we move forward with the Women and Children’s Hospital Programme.”

Steve Williamson

About Royal Philips

Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a leading health technology company focused on improving people's health and well-being through meaningful innovation. Philips’ patient- and people-centric innovation leverages advanced technology and deep clinical and consumer insights to deliver personal health solutions for consumers and professional health solutions for healthcare providers and their patients in the hospital and the home. Headquartered in the Netherlands, the company is a leader in diagnostic imaging, ultrasound, image-guided therapy, monitoring and enterprise informatics, as well as in personal health. Philips generated 2022 sales of EUR 17.8 billion and employs approximately 74,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. News about Philips can be found at www.philips.com/newscenter.

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