Residents rally together in bid to save hospital wing
The meeting was held at Colyford community hall on Friday afternoon
At a glance
Seaton residents have gathered together with the aim of saving a hospital wing from potential demolition.
Attendees say the wing was funded for by the community, so they should have a say on its future.
NHS Devon has previously said the site’s high rent and other charges were a "poor use of taxpayers' money" amid a £40m budget deficit.
- Published
Hundreds of residents have rallied together in a bid to save a wing of Seaton Hospital which is at risk of being demolished.
According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, attendees said the wing’s construction was funded entirely by the community, and that they should therefore have the say about its future.
Devon’s Integrated Care Board, pays rent on the wing to NHS property services, but has considered handing it back to its landlord to save money.
Residents fear if that happens, the wing could be demolished.
Representatives from the Devon ICB and NHS Property Services were invited to the meeting, but didn’t attend
Among the attendees was Dr Mark Welland, chair of the Seaton & District Hospital League of Friends who said a major issue in his discussions with the Devon ICB and NHSPS related to the costs of rent.
He added; “We have a real opportunity with this void space to do good things."
Paul Arnott, leader of East Devon District Council, assured campaigners that the authority was keen to help.
"East Devon District Council, as the closest body democratically that is able to do something financially about this situation, does stand ready to help, but any details have to be subject to confirmation.”
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- Published25 October 2023