Scanning suite and oncology ward with Philips Ambient Experience opens at Royal Cornwall Hospital

Health technology company Royal Philips, which has its UK headquarters at Farnborough, celebrated with staff at Royal Cornwall Hospital at the opening of a new 21st century scanning suite and dedicated Haematology and Oncology ward, complete with Philips MRI Ambient Experience.

Philips Healthcare says its Ambient Experience Solutions delivers higher productivity, more efficient processes, and a better care experience for patients, family and staff.

The Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT) opened the new, purpose-built Trelawny Scanning Suite, and Haematology/Oncology Ward at its Treliske site in Truro.

The new Trelawny Scanning Suite has two state-of-the-art MRI scanners (with room for a third scanner when funding allows), four ultrasound rooms, in-bed waiting areas 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.
Lowen Ward, the haematology and oncology ward at RCHT, has expanded to 24 beds, six more than previously.

Bryson Pottinger, Consultant Haematologist at RCHT and Clinical Lead for the project, said: "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.”

Steve Williamson, Chief Executive Officer at RCHT, added: "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.”

Mark Leftwich, Managing Director for Philips UK and Ireland, said: "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.”