Hospital seeks approval for new, larger MRI unit

THE trust that runs North Devon District Hospital Devon is seeking planning permission to replace a modular MRI unit on site with a purpose built facility more than three times the size.

- by ALISON STEPHENSON Local Democracy Reporter

The current building does not meet the long term demands of the hospital in 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.