The Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT) has announced a key milestone in Penzance with the topping out of West Cornwall Hospital’s new outpatient department.

The roofing is complete and external wall cladding is now in place.

West Cornwall Hospital general manager Paul Sylvester said: “Now that the external works are close to completion, we can look forward to the internal works getting underway and seeing the clinical space really start to take shape.”

The £9m ($9.46m) project construction commenced in January and is expected to span 15 months.

The facility is slated to welcome patients in May 2025, following the finalisation of interior fittings and equipment commissioning.

Cornwall councillor Jim McKenna said: “The new Outpatient building at West Cornwall Hospital is progressing really well, to time and budget. When it opens in May 2025 it will enable many more people based in West Cornwall to be treated in Penzance rather than have to travel to Truro.

“I am certain this investment will help secure the future of West Cornwall Hospital and I would like to thank all those involved for engaging so effectively with residents living in the vicinity.”

Designed to enhance patient care, the new building will have advanced facilities suitable for both in-person and remote consultations.

Additionally, this project represents a step towards sustainability within the trust's facilities, as it is the first to incorporate solar panels for renewable energy generation.

The investment in the outpatient department indicates that West Cornwall Hospital is effectively providing acute hospital care in Cornwall.

Kier Construction area manager Chris Couch said: “We are delighted to have reached this stage in the project and the construction is progressing well. The collaboration across our teams and local supply chain is exceptional and together we will be providing a facility that will benefit the local community for many years to come.”