Hospital gets £22.7m for new staff accommodation

Royal Devon said it was a "proud milestone" and a crucial part of its "commitment to improving facilities"

A hospital has received funding to build new accommodation for staff and students.

The North Devon District Hospital in Barnstaple has received £22.7m from the New Hospital Programme for the redevelopment of its current facilities.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust said work would start on Monday, 27 October, with the two existing buildings demolished and replaced with 120 bedrooms that would "meet the needs of colleagues and students".

Chris Tidman, Royal Devon deputy chief executive officer, said the "redevelopment is essential for attracting and retaining healthcare professionals".

Royal Devon said the redevelopment would include shared kitchen, living and dining spaces.

Karin Smyth, Minister of State for Health, said "with £22.7m of funding, we're providing modern, high-quality accommodation for hardworking NHS staff".

Charlotte Taylor, joint senior responsible owners at the New Hospital Programme said: "This is a really important step in the delivery of the scheme which will provide much-needed improvements to healthcare facilities in the area."

The trust said as part of an £80m programme, it was also investing in a new single MRI suite, and a new National Institute for Health and Care Research hub, both at the hospital.

As part of the investment, at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital it said a new hybrid theatre and surgical hub would be built.