Over 25 per cent of hospital repairs classed as “high risk”

Research by the Liberal Democrats has revealed that 25.75 per cent of repairs needed at North Devon District Hospital are classified as ‘high risk,’ sparking alarm over patient safety and service disruption. 

This comes as Health Secretary Wes Streeting confirmed construction delays, with work not expected to begin until 2035-2038.

The hospital requires £43,994,520 worth of repairs, with those categorised as ‘high risk’ posing an urgent risk of serious injury or major disruption to services if not addressed promptly.

Local Liberal Democrat MP Ian Roome criticised the delays, saying: “We must not be left in the dark as to what the consequences will be for people in North Devon. The Health Secretary must publish the full impact assessment on what this delay means for our area and just how at risk patients here are.”

Ian Roome has also issued an open letter, signed by nearly 5,000 people, urging Wes Streeting to visit North Devon District Hospital to see the conditions first-hand.

Mr Roome added: “People here in North Devon have had what was promised to us ripped away. We were told that this building would rescue our local health services, instead we will now have to put up with years of delays without the quality of care we desperately need.

“The previous Conservative government has shown utter contempt for our community, making promises they never intended to keep. The new government’s lack of ambition to deliver on what was pledged is equally shocking.”

The announcement has caused widespread concern among residents, who fear the impact these delays will have on local health services.