UPDATE: Demolition has begun at North Devon District Hospital as part of a vital £22.7 million redevelopment to replace outdated staff accommodation. This significant project, funded by the Government’s New Hospital Programme, aims to enhance living conditions for NHS staff and students on the Barnstaple site.
With the demolition of two old residences, the new facility will feature 120 ensuite bedrooms, including four fully accessible family apartments and six single fully accessible ensuite rooms. These modern accommodations will also offer shared kitchen, living, and dining spaces, alongside various amenity areas designed to support the well-being of healthcare professionals.
The project is a pivotal part of Phase 1 of the Our Future Hospital Programme. However, it falls short of the hospital’s broader needs after the facility lost out on funding for a complete rebuild, previously promised by the former government, which has now been postponed until at least 2035.
On-site today, North Devon MP Ian Roome expressed enthusiasm for the progress, stating, “The demolition of the old residences is a really important first step for the Our Future Hospital programme. It frees up the land we need for the next phases after all the hard campaigning for proper investment.”
Roome highlighted the historical significance of the old blocks, which were built in 1978 and have long exceeded their operational life. “It’s brilliant to see them making way for modern, purpose-built facilities,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of recycling demolition materials as a positive aspect of the project.
Despite the excitement, Roome stressed the need for continued pressure for additional investments, including an upgraded ICU, modern operating theatres, and a new MRI suite. The government has pledged funding for the MRI suite as part of this development.
Chris Tidman, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Royal Devon, remarked, “This is an important step in the Our Future Hospital 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.”
As construction progresses, the trust has warned of temporary disruptions, including parking restrictions in the main patient car park to accommodate construction vehicles. Local residents have voiced concerns on social media about difficulties finding parking during hospital visits, prompting the trust to limit disruptions to off-peak outpatient hours whenever possible.
This redevelopment is more than just a construction project; it embodies a commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure in North Devon, with the potential to improve the quality of life for both staff and patients alike.
Stay tuned for further updates as this important development unfolds.
