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Making a difference to the people of Cornwall
200 miles of cycling in three days! Eleven intrepid, fantastic riders heartily embraced the enormous challenge of Pedal4Patients 2023 and cycled through our gorgeous Cornwall last weekend (we did tiptoe briefly into Devon with a Plymouth start) culminating in the glorious finale at Land’s End.
Dedicated Healing Garden Opens for Critical Care Patients
The new Critical Care Healing Garden, which is located immediately below the Critical Care Unit at the Royal Cornwall Hospital, has been filled with sensory plants, two outdoor hospital bed spaces, a rehabilitation bridge, peaceful seating areas for families, carers and staff, and beautiful bird sculptures made from Cornwall granite and bronze, donated by Cornish artist, Kurt Jackson.
National industrial action update
This article provides information on upcoming industrial action (strikes). Regardless of any strike, it is vital that patients who need urgent medical care continue to come forward as normal, especially in emergency and life-threatening situations.
New electronic patient record to help provide safer care in Cornwall
Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT) is making a significant change to improve healthcare in the region with the development of a new electronic patient record (EPR) system
Another incredible first for Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust Charity!
RCHT Charity is thrilled to bring you Underworld, a unique opportunity to silent disco under Gaia, the stunning, glorious, art installation of the world that’s visiting Truro Cathedral
Home Haemodialysis Suite transforms lives
Thanks to kind donations and fundraising for RCHT Charity the Renal Ward at Royal Cornwall Hospital’s NHS Trust was able to fund a home haemodialysis training suite.
RCHT welcomes Lord Markham CBE
Lord Markham’s visit to the Royal Cornwall Hospital underlined the Government’s commitment to our new Women and Children’s Hospital, scheduled to open in 2028.
RCH’T20’ Cricket event for one and all!
The brainchild of RCHT Deputy Director of Finance, Ian Dean, the day will involve fast paced, fun T20 format cricket with 4 teams of 11 players battling it out. The winning two teams will face each other in a final match later in the day, with the winners being crowned RCH’T20’ champions.
West Cornwall Hospital’s Urgent Treatment Centre extends hours in time for busiest summer weeks
From today, Monday 31 July, the Urgent Treatment Centre at West Cornwall Hospital will be open from 8am until midnight, seven days a week

Cornwall Masons visit to see their funding in action
Representatives of the Freemasons of Cornwall paid a visit to Royal Cornwall Hospital this week to see their funding in action.
New Outpatient Department confirmed for West Cornwall Hospital
A new Outpatient Department is to be built at West Cornwall Hospital which will be open to patients by the end of March 2025. This follows confirmation of the allocation of funding, and an approval to proceed with the submission of the Full Business Case (FBC) from NHS England (NHSE).
Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust awarded the Gold Employer Recognition Award for 2023
Organisations from across the country have been recognised by the UK Government for supporting the Armed Forces community. This is a record high since the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme launched in 2013.
Mermaid Project enters its final phase of work
We’re just over 8 months into the 12-month programme to replace three mammography scanners with associated works within the Mermaid Centre
5k Across the Bay Complete!
A pod of 38 swimmers completed a 5k sea swim across Falmouth Bay on Saturday 8th July to raise funds and boost awareness of the need for advanced robotic surgery in Cornwall.
Strikes Will Cause Major Disruption Over the Next Week, says Top NHS Doctor
Major disruption caused by industrial action over the next fortnight will have a serious impact on the NHS
Shortlist for NHS 75 Photography Competition Announced
A shortlist of the 75 NHS colleagues and volunteers who took part in a photography competition to mark 75 years of our NHS has been announced, with images including a portrait of Britain’s oldest volunteer – 102-year-old Beryl Carr – and a patient playing the violin during her brain surgery.
Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall visits RCHT
Every three or four years, the Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall, Colonel Edward Bolitho visits RCHT at our request to receive an update on health matters relating to the Cornish community which he can report back to the royal household in his role as HM’s representative in the Duchy.
Dying Matters – on the wards
How the RCHT Charity Butterfly Cornwall Fund is having an impact for patients and their loved ones at Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust
New service for Radiotherapy patients is launched at the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust
Last year, the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust launched a pilot programme for a Late Effects service across the South West. The Late Effects Clinic is aimed specifically towards patients who have had previous radiotherapy to either their breast or pelvic areas and are struggling with any pain and/or discomfort following their initial treatment.
New pilot initiative for RCHT CESR School aims to break down barriers in recruitment
To help drive recruitment, a new pilot initiative, which is being run within the Specialist Services and Surgery Care Group at the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, is looking to provide support for Specialist Doctors, currently employed at RCHT, to become consultants though their CESR School.
Research Showcased at Cornwall Stroke Conference
A presentation on local stroke research was given by Katja Adie, Consultant Stroke and Eldercare Physician and Keren Northcott, Research Sister, at the recent Cornwall Stroke Conference.
The Urology Department at The Royal Cornwall Hospital gets a makeover
An unveiling of new artwork donated to the Urology Department by artist Kurt Jackson and the Chestnut Appeal for Men’s Health charity took place on Thursday 27th April
Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust partners with Inclusion Matters to help support patients with the cost of living
This innovative new service aims to contribute towards both Adult Social Care and the Sustainable Healthcare Green Plan by preventing the need for potential further healthcare input.

Emergency alerts on mobile phones on at 3pm on 23 April
UK mobile devices will test emergency alerts on April 23rd, including a distinct siren-like sound and a message display. Consider the impact on vulnerable people and prepare accordingly. Opt-out of severe and extreme alerts in your settings. Learn more about the emergency alert test and how to opt-out on the website.
Important Changes to the Adult Safeguarding Referral Process
Cornwall Council is introducing new ways to make adult safeguarding referrals. Changes come into effect on April 3, 2023. Make direct referrals by phone or through the new portal on the Cornwall Council website. RCHT professionals can still follow the existing process.
Disruption to St Michael’s Hospital Telephones – Tuesday 25th July 2023
On Tuesday 25th July 2023 between 9am – 12 Noon there will be up to three hours downtime on external incoming calls to St Michael’s Hospital.