Cornwall secures millions for Women’s and Children’s Unit

Perran Moon, Wes Streeting, and Jayne outside the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro

After years of delay and broken promises, Cornwall is getting the investment it deserves. Following the 2024 General Election, the Government launched a full review of the New Hospital Programme (NHP)—a scheme that originally promised 40 new hospitals by 2030, but lacked proper funding and planning. The review uncovered that the programme had no funding beyond March 2025 and was years behind schedule.

Thanks to the hard work and leadership of Health Secretary Wes Streeting, the plan has now been put on a reliable and sustainable basis. The programme is now backed by rolling five-year waves of investment, rising to £15 billion per wave from 2030. The NHP will deliver on all previously included hospital schemes, with those at highest risk, such as RAAC-affected buildings, prioritised.

I am so pleased that Cornwall will benefit from this Programme. The Women’s and Children’s Unit at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro, alongside Derriford Hospital in Plymouth, will receive long-overdue funding. Construction on Truro’s unit is expected to begin between 2027–2028, with up to £500 million allocated to complete the work.

I remember being in that same ward 19 years ago with my newborn son, while holes were being drilled in the ceiling above us. It has been a nightmare for too long, and I am thrilled this much-needed rebuild is happening.

Since being elected last July, Cornwall’s four Labour MPs have pushed relentlessly for this funding. We even brought Wes Streeting to the site two years ago so he could see the urgency for himself.

This Government is getting on with the job—rebuilding our NHS and delivering the facilities Cornwall needs and deserves.