Minister told North Devon’s hospital can’t wait 10 years

A Government health minister has been told ‘2035 is too late’ after she visited North Devon District Hospital to see and hear first-hand the need for urgent investment in its ageing facilities.

Karin Smyth was given a tour of the hospital by health trust bosses, North Devon MP Ian Roome and heard from doctors and clinical staff how it badly needed funding sooner rather than later, especially for its 50-year-old operating theatre and intensive care unit.

Earlier this year the Labour Government announced that major investment to redevelop the hospital, promised by the previous government, had been put on hold until at least 2035 and possibly later, due to a lack of money.

The minster was accompanied around the hospital by Royal Devon trust deputy chief executive officer Chris Tidman, trust chair Dame Shan Morgan and Mr Roome, who has been calling for a government representative to come and see the situation for themselves.

Above: North Devon MP Ian Roome speaks with Health Minister Karin Smyth during her visit to North Devon District Hospital. Credit: Ian Roome

She was shown around the Intensive Care Unit, operating theatres and the Women’s and Children’s Unit by NHS staff and the Our Future Hospital team.

During the visit, staff spoke candidly about the mounting challenges caused by the hospital’s old facilities, which caused ‘serious day-to-day operational difficulties’.

Mr Roome said: “It was essential we showed the minister around to see the reality. This government is staking its reputation on rescuing our NHS, so it was vital that we made our case now.

“Large parts of North Devon District Hospital still date back to 1978 and we need investment in its critical care infrastructure in particular, before it’s too late. As senior doctors told the Minister very plainly today in Barnstaple - 2035 will be too late.”

Above: The Health Minister and local representatives outside North Devon District Hospital during her visit. Credit: Royal Devon

Recently the government committed to an early investment of £30million to support the rebuild of the 50-year-old staff accommodation block at the hospital and to increasing MRI scan capacity, which the trust has welcomed but said the theatres and ICU were ‘in critical need of replacement’.

The trust shared plans with the minster to develop a phased schedule of renewal it said would ‘make best use of taxpayer funds and ensure our clinicians can deliver modern, efficient care to the people of North Devon and beyond’.

Mr Roome added: “Our trust have been quite clear; what they most need is a new surgical unit, costing around £120m. Their plans are targeted and realistic, so the ball is back with the Government.

“As I urged the minister - nobody expects miracles, but patients in North Devon need to see action.”

The visit also provided an opportunity for staff to share their experiences of care at the hospital.

Deputy CEO Chris Tidman said: “We were delighted to be able to show the minister around NDDH and to highlight not only the brilliant care our teams deliver daily to patients, but also how targeted investment in updating our facilities could unlock efficiency and save money for the taxpayer”

Dame Shan Morgan added: “I am delighted to have been able to have such a positive conversation with Minister Smyth today about the real need for further investment in NDDH. We look forward to continuing to work together with the Department for Health and Social Care to deliver a hospital that meets the needs of our patients and staff.”

The Gazette has contacted the Department of Health to ask if the minister wishes to comment on her visit to North Devon.