Community 1st’s Integral Role in Advancing the Isles of Scilly Integrated Health and Social Care Facility

Significant progress is being made on the Isles of Scilly in the development of a new Integrated Health and Social Care Facility, which is a vital project set to transform local healthcare services. Community 1^st is at the heart of this ambitious project, playing a key role in driving the project forward.

This is one of the most complex and logistically demanding projects ever attempted in such a remote UK location. Transporting over 80 shipping containers of materials to the islands by sea, often in challenging weather conditions, which has required meticulous planning and coordination. With limited access routes and geographical constraints, delivering and installing modular units has been no small feat. Yet, against all odds, what many once thought nearly impossible is now becoming a reality.

A major milestone was achieved in May 2025 with the successful installation of 17 modular units, which will form the new care home component of the facility. These units were carefully craned onto pre-laid concrete foundations in under 12 hours, an impressive display of teamwork, planning, and execution. At peak times, up to 40 people have been working on site to keep the project on track.

Community 1st’s commitment goes well beyond logistics. The organisation has actively involved the local community throughout the development, including engaging students from the Five Islands School. These initiatives highlight the importance placed on community engagement and social value, ensuring that the new facility reflects the unique needs and aspirations of the Isles of Scilly population.

Visitors to the site, including healthcare leaders and local councillors, have consistently praised the quality, speed, and ambition of the work to date. The transformation underway is a powerful testament to the collaborative efforts of all partners and to Community 1st’s leadership in managing such a complex and critical build.

Located on the site of the existing St Mary’s Community Hospital and adjacent land, the new facility will include 12 residential care home beds, NHS inpatient beds, a modern maternity suite, and a range of outpatient services including x-ray, dental, minor injuries, and consulting rooms.

As the project continues to move forward, Community 1st remains committed to ensuring that this state-of-the-art facility not only meets clinical standards but also truly serves the people of the Isles of Scilly, now and into the future.

Ken Jones, Community 1^st General Manager said: “With very little time to plan this project in advance and with little precedence for delivering a project like this on the islands, the whole journey has been a challenge of responding to events that couldn’t really be planned for.

Accommodation, material logistics and the challenges of refurbishing the existing building have created numerous hiccups along the way, but the entire team has pulled together to find solutions and keep things moving.

The hospital team have been very accommodating, and we recognise the difficulties and disruption the works have caused to their daily lives, but like everyone else, they recognise the importance of this significant investment in the Islands’ healthcare infrastructure and the long-term benefits to every islander.

Whilst it’s been a challenge for me to keep everything moving in the same direction as the project leader, I really couldn’t have done it without the partnership working ethos that the entire contracting team have adopted and the trust and free reign the Cornwall Partnership NHS Trust executive and estates team have given me to be able to make decisions on the fly and flex the scope to accommodate the unexpected.

This truly has been an unforgettable project for me, and I suspect for everyone else involved.”