Eye Infirmary sets sights on expansion with approval

Plans for a 42,000 sq ft Eye Infirmary in Plymouth have been backed. The proposals were drawn up to replace the existing facility, which is operating at full capacity, with the situation having been “largely exacerbated” by the pandemic.Stride Treglown, on behalf of University Hospitals Plymouth Trust, submitted the application in December 2021.It noted that the current venue had a “growing backlog of patients” with a failure to meet RTT standard waiting times, exceeding 52-week waits due to demand exceeding available capacity.There are also a “significant number of patients” on speciality waiting lists with overdue follow ups.The department has reached its capacity in terms of estate and therefore the ability to recruit further to respond to the growing demands of the department.”As a response, the project aims to relocate the Royal Eye Infirmary outpatient department, theatre suite and associated accommodation.”This would also release “valuable estate” on the Derriford site – including two theatres and associated accommodation – back to the Trust.As such, plans were drawn up for a 41,975 sq ft three-storey building.”The proposed development will enable University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust to deliver significant improvements to healthcare across Plymouth and the wider area,” said a planning statement.The application has now secured delegated approval.