Funding confirmed for emergency department

DERRIFORD AIMS TO TRANSFORM ITS FACILITIES

- SARAH ELMES

DERRIFORD Hospital is to receive £180.1 million from the Government to begin Phase One of an 'ambitious' redevelopment of the site which will double the size of Plymouth's current Emergency Department.

The major funding boost was announced yesterday as University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust (UHP) looks to transform the dated facility in the north of the city.

Not everyone is happy with the plans, however. Luke Pollard, Labour MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, said "few will be fooled that this welcome extension is a new hospital", adding the new emergency department extension "will be full on day one because primary care in Plymouth is in crisis"

However, Johnny Mercer, Conservative MP for Plymouth Moor View, said the funding announcement "demonstrates a huge financial commitment to services which will be fit for the future, providing high-quality care and better health outcomes for all our communities."