‘nobody expects miracles, but patients in North Devon need to see action’
Staff from the ICU explain the challenges of operating in the hospital’s ageing infrastructure to Health Minister Karin Smyth.
North Devon District Hospital’s outdated intensive care and operating theatre units were laid bare to Health Minister Karin Smyth during a visit aimed at highlighting the urgent need for government funding.
The minister recently toured key departments including the intensive care unit, operating theatres and the women’s and children’s unit. She was accompanied by local Liberal Democrat MP Ian Roome, Deputy chief executive officer Chris Tidman and chair Dame Shan Morgan, along with staff and the Our Future Hospital team.
Health Minister Karin Smyth and local MP Ian Roome meet staff outside North Devon District Hospital during a site visit highlighting urgent funding needs.
NHS staff spoke candidly about the daily operational and clinical difficulties caused by the hospital’s ageing infrastructure, much of which dates back to 1978. They stressed that problems such as failing ventilation systems, some of which have never been upgraded, pose risks to both patients and staff.
Ian Roome said: “It was essential we showed the Minister around our intensive care unit and operating theatres 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.
“Our NHS 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.
“North Devon District Hospital has been doing its best with what it has for far too long, and I thank every single person who’s backed the campaign so far. I will continue to push for the investment it needs; the fight for our hospital goes on.”
Health Minister Karin Smyth and local MP Ian Roome
The visit followed a recent government commitment of £30m for early investment to rebuild the hospital’s 50-year-old staff accommodation block and to expand MRI capacity. According to the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, this funding is much needed to attract top clinicians and reduce diagnostic waiting times.
However, trust leaders stressed to the minister that further significant funding will be needed to replace the ageing intensive care and surgical facilities. They presented a phased renewal plan designed to use public money effectively while enabling delivery of modern, efficient care.
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.”
Health Minister Karin Smyth and local MP Ian Roome meet staff
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.”
An open letter initiated by Ian Roome and signed by nearly 6,000 local residents has previously urged the government to act on the condition of the hospital’s estate.