MP welcomes North Devon hospital investment but says ‘more needed’

News of £22.7million in Government funding for North Devon District Hospital has been welcomed by North Devon MP Ian Roome, but he says this is ‘only the first step’.

Yesterday (Monday, October 20) it was announced Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was receiving the money to redevelop two staffing accommodation blocks at the hospital in Barnstaple, replacing ageing buildings.

The work will start on October 27 as part of Phase 1 of the Our Future Hospital Programme, which will also include a new MRI scanner suite.

Mr Roome has campaigned for better funding for the hospital since he was elected and stepped it up further when the Labour Government announced earlier this year that a redevelopment of the whole hospital, promised by the previous government, had been put back until at least 2035.

The campaigned helped secure a visit from health minister Karin Smyth after Mr Roome launched a successful community petition with thousands of signatures and he has questioned the Prime Minister multiple times alongside Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey about urgent upgrades needed to keep services local and safe.

So while he was pleased by yesterday’s news, Mr Roome has said more needs to be done and sooner.

He said he had spoken to NHS leadership and many staff members working at the hospital, who had emphasised to him the pressing need for urgent investment in some of the hospital’s most critical infrastructure.

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Mr Roome added: “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.”

Above: North Devon MP Ian Roome with Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey during a visit to North Devon District Hospital to hear about plans for the new MRU unit. Credit: Alison Stephenson-LDRS

The health trust said some temporary disruption was unavoidable while the old accommodation was being demolished and construction work was taking place, but said it would be working closely with contractors to keep disruption to a minimum and ensure the safety of all hospital users.

Some parking restrictions will be temporarily put in place in the main patient car park to allow for movement of heavy goods vehicles. The trust said these will be limited to outside of main outpatient hours whenever possible.

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.