University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust (UHP) has marked a significant milestone in the construction of its new Emergency Care Building (ECB), with partners, staff and contractors coming together to celebrate the building reaching its highest point.

The traditional "topping out" ceremony took place at Derriford Hospital, recognising the progress made on one of the Trust's most important infrastructure projects.

The milestone signifies the completion of the building's main structural framework and marks the transition to the next phase of construction.

Representatives from UHP, construction partner Willmott Dixon Construction, design teams, supply chain partners and staff gathered to celebrate the achievement and recognise the efforts of everyone involved in bringing the project to life.

Due for completion in April 2029, the Emergency Care Building will provide four-clinical floors of modern, purpose-built facilities designed to support the delivery of urgent and emergency care services for patients across Plymouth, South Devon and Cornwall. The development forms a key part of the Trust's ambition to improve patient experience, enhance clinical environments and support future healthcare needs for the growing population it serves.

Stuart Windsor, Future Hospital Programme Director at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, said: "The topping out of the Emergency Care Building marks a significant milestone for the programme and for the future of healthcare in Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall.

“When it opens, this new building will transform the way in which Emergency Care is provided and will provide our clinical teams with the space and state of the art equipment to provide excellent care, and will provide our patients with a facility that we can all be proud of.”

The New Hospital Programme funding for this phase of our estate development represents a huge investment in Plymouth, and the effects will be felt beyond the healthcare that is provided when the building opens. I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to reaching this point, particularly those who have supported the case for funding over many years, and our construction partner Willmott Dixon and the many colleagues, consultants and supply chain working together to bring this ambitious project to life.

While there is still much to do before completion in 2029, today is an opportunity to celebrate how far we have come and look ahead to the benefits this building will bring for patients, staff and our wider community."

Stephen Ford, Project Director at Willmott Dixon said; “Reaching this topping out milestone is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the truly collaborative approach that has defined this project from the very beginning.”

Minister of State for Health, Karin Smyth, said: “Patients and NHS staff in Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall deserve modern facilities that are safe, efficient and fit for the future.

“This milestone at Derriford Hospital shows the New Hospital Programme making visible progress for local communities, as work continues on a new Emergency Care Building that will support faster access to urgent and emergency care for patients across the South West.

“Backed by the government’s long-term investment in the NHS estate, we are rebuilding and modernising hospitals across the country so staff have the buildings, equipment and technology they need to deliver better care for patients, closer to home.”