£22.7 million investment in North Devon Hospital

It will get new staff residences

North Devon’s Liberal Democrat MP Ian Roome has welcomed £22.7 million of government funding for new staff residencies at North Devon District Hospital (NDDH).

He called it “a hard-won result after months of pressure in parliament and on the ground” but said far more needed to be done to bring forward investment in the hospital where many buildings are more than 50 years old.

The money to the NHS Royal Devon University Healthcare Trust which runs NDDH at Barnstaple comes from the New Hospital Programme of planned rebuilds and improvements across the country up to 2039.

NDDH’s full upgrade, which includes a new clinical building, is in the third wave of funding which means it could be waiting more than ten years before getting the eight new theatres and ICU beds health bosses say are desperately needed to meet demand.

Work will begin on site next Monday (October 27) with the demolition of two existing residences over the next three months to make way for modern accommodation that will meet the needs of colleagues and students in north Devon.

Once complete the new residences will provide 120 ensuite bedrooms, including four fully accessible family apartments and six single fully accessible ensuite rooms, with shared kitchen, living and dining spaces alongside various amenity spaces.

Mr Roome, who campaigned for investment in the hospital after winning the north Devon seat in the general election last July and raised it several times during prime minister’s questions, secured a visit from health minister Karin Smyth in June after launching a successful community petition which received 6,000 signatures.

The previous autumn Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said NDDH had “one of the strongest cases for major investment in the country” when he had a tour of the theatres and facilities.

Mr Roome, a former mental health nurse and head of fundraising at the Royal Devon Hospitals Charity, said: “This is a real result for our campaign, and I’m pleased ministers have finally listened but more must be done and quicker.

“I’m still pushing for the full package, including an upgraded ICU, modernised operating theatres, and a new MRI suite. I’ll keep the pressure on until we get that.

“North Devon staff go above and beyond every day. They deserve up-to-date equipment and properly funded wards.”

Chris Tidman, Royal Devon deputy chief executive officer said: “This is an important step in the Our Future Hospital (OFH) Programme and marks a significant investment in the future of North Devon District Hospital.

“The redevelopment is essential for attracting and retaining healthcare professionals, ensuring the hospital remains at the forefront of healthcare delivery for the region.”

He said that whilst the redevelopment would bring many benefits, some temporary disruption was unavoidable. 

The Royal Devon was working closely with its contractors to ensure measures were put in place to keep disruption to a minimum and ensure the safety of all hospital users.

Some additional parking restrictions will be temporarily put in place in the main patient car park to allow for movement of lorries to support works on site. These will be limited to outside of main outpatient hours whenever possible.

“We appreciate the understanding and support of our patients and visitors as we begin this exciting phase,” he said.

Karin Smyth, minister of state for health said: “This redevelopment at North Devon District Hospital shows how government investment is delivering real improvements for NHS staff and patients.

“With £22.7m of funding, we’re providing modern, high-quality accommodation for hardworking NHS staff. Building better facilities means staff can focus on what matters most: providing outstanding care – a key part of our Plan for Change.”