The government has committed early investment ahead of rebuild
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey with North Devon Liberal Democrat MP Ian Roome outside the MRI modular unit during his October’ 2024 visit to North Devon District Hospital.(Image: Alison Stephenson, LDRS)
The trust that runs a Devon hospital in need of an urgent upgrade is seeking planning permission to replace a modular MRI unit on site with a purpose built facility more than three times the size.
The current situation does not meet the long term demands of North Devon District Hospital (NDDH) at Barnstaple which is the most remote mainland acute hospital in England.
Many clinical buildings are more than 50 years old and there are several bolt-ons and modular units. But it will be at least another decade before the hospital gets a rebuild according to the government’s timetable of upgrades under the New Hospital Programme.
Labour did, however, recently commit to an early investment of £30 million to support a new staff accommodation block at the hospital and to increasing MRI scan capacity.
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust says by integrating a new MRI unit within the current hospital it would improve operational efficiency and patient experience.
“It will enhance diagnostic capabilities, improve patient access to essential imaging services and ensure a more seamless integration within the hospital’s infrastructure,” said planning agents Stride Treglown in documents to North Devon Council.
The MRI facility will create 248m2 of internal floorspace over two-storeys – the existing modular unit has 77m2.
This investment aligns with the hospital’s commitment to delivering high-quality healthcare and meeting the growing needs of the local community, said the agents.
The proposed works also involve minor alterations to the roof of the link corridor which connects into the existing modular unit on site and will also connect into the new MRI facility.
North Devon Council will decide on the planning application at a future meeting.
The planned rebuild of North Devon District Hospital, originally promised for completion by 2030 under the previous Conservative government, will now take place between 2035 and 2038 with costs estimated at £1 billion to £1.5 billion.
Concerns have been raised about the potential impact this delay may have on patient safety in the region and Liberal Democrat MP for North Devon Ian Roome is continuing his campaign to get a new surgical care unit, estimated £120 million, built ahead of schedule.
He reiterated this during a recent visit to NDDH by health minister Karin Smyth.
Lib Dem leader Ed Davey also visited the hospital last October and said staff were working in conditions they shouldn’t have to.
The hospital needs triple the amount of operating theatres and eight new intensive care beds to meet capacity and future growth.
It’s current theatres are nearing the end of their shelf life.
North Devon Council will decide on the planning application for the MRI facility at a future meeting.