11/03/2026
Introducing Operation Cornwall
Our new Women and Children’s Hospital programme team is getting out and about this month as part of Operation Cornwall, our collaborative social value initiative encouraging youngsters to get involved in designing aspects of our new hospital.
Dressed to impress in hard hats and hi-viz, more than 400 primary school children, aged 9 and 10, are taking part in day-long workshops across Cornwall run by RCHT alongside our design team, who are providing specialist expertise at the events, and Cornwall Council’s STEAM Education and Outreach team. The idea is to encourage and excite school children – our future workforce – about our new hospital and the potential career paths that Cornwall can offer in construction, design, engineering and related industries.
During the workshop, children look at specific aspects of our new hospital: what the outdoor spaces, ward areas and entrance might look like, as well as think about how patients might access the new hospital through transport planning and parking. They use Lego, creative writing, illustration and even junk modelling to showcase their designs.
“This is a really exciting opportunity for school children to learn more about the new Women and Children’s Hospital, to get creative around many of the design elements, and think about some of the key issues that project managers might face along the way,” says Mike Horrocks, Senior Project Manager and Social Value lead.
“These children are Cornwall’s future. Many of them will have been born in our old Princess Alexandra Wing, but their children will likely be in born in the new hospital, so it is fantastic for them to be a part of what it could look like. The energy they bring to the workshops has been amazing so far, and we can’t wait to see how we can incorporate some of their ideas.”
Social value is a critical element in the delivery of the new Women and Children’s Hospital in that we will deliver additional economic, social and environmental benefits and create a legacy that goes beyond providing immediate healthcare. Our goals are focussed around four key priorities: Local skills and employment; Responsible business growth in the region; Healthier, safer and more resilient communities; and Net Zero Carbon / investment in our natural environment.
“Together with our contractors and supply chain, we want to create a truly innovative programme of activities that will be a catalyst for delivering long-term community benefits,” says Mike. “Our ultimate aim is to build more than a hospital; we’re seeking to build a better future for Cornwall.”
Our thanks to all our partners for supporting this amazing initiative:
Todd Architects, Lavigne Lonsdale, Arup, White Arkitekter, Turley, Arcadis, Cornwall Council, New Hospital Programme, Mike Horrocks, Matthew Hird, Mark Johnson, Joe Hobbins, Fritha Durham, Inga Geach, Jack Gregory, Matt Williams, Lienelle Geldenhuys, Joanna Bako MIET, Alexis Carlyon.
