Senior doctors warn minister 2035 will be too late for hospital rebuild

A GOVERNMENT health minister has visited North Devon District Hospital (NDDH) to see firsthand the need for urgent investment ahead of the delayed rebuild of the site.

- by ABI BRADSHAW

Staff from North Devon welcomed Minister for Health Karin Smyth to the hospital last week showing the need for targeted phased investment in the site ahead of the full hospital rebuild plan expected to start no later than 2038.

Ms Smyth toured the hospital and in particular she was shown operating theatres and the intensive care unit, and told more about the critical need to redevelop these areas much earlier in the interests of both the taxpayer and the people of North Devon.

Significant funding is required to address risks to patient care, in particular the full redevelopment of operating theatres and the intensive care unit, which are 50 years old and in critical need of replacement.

Ms Smyth was joined on the visit by the hospital trust's deputy chief executive officer, Chris Tidman, chair, Dame Shan Morgan, and North Devon MP Ian Roome.