Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has appointed BAM Construction to deliver the first phase of a major redevelopment programme at North Devon District Hospital.

Known as Our Future Hospital, the project will upgrade the hospital’s facilities for staff and patients alike, so that the Trust can deliver more modern, integrated healthcare which meets the current and future needs of local people.

The redevelopment is part of the Government’s New Hospital Programme, the biggest hospital building programme in a generation which aims to deliver 40 new hospitals across England by 2030.

BAM Construction has been appointed to deliver phase one of the programme, which will see the redevelopment of staff accommodation. This work is key to boosting the hospital’s recruitment and retention levels, to support future models of care, and will also enable the development of new clinical buildings at the hospital site, which the Trust plans to deliver in programme’s second phase.

Chris Tidman, Deputy Chief Executive and Senior Responsible Officer (SRO) of the Our Future Hospital Programme, said: “The Trust is delighted to have appointed BAM to deliver phase one of the redevelopment at North Devon District Hospital. With much of the estate at North Devon now over 50 years old, this programme is vital to both the future health and wellbeing of local people and the wider Devon healthcare system.”

“We look forward to working alongside BAM to begin the journey of creating a hospital which is fit for the future, enables new technologies, and allows us to deliver high-quality, modern services to people across North Devon.”

Tim Chell, BAM Regional Director, said: “We are delighted to be working on this exciting new project at North Devon District Hospital. Not only will the new accommodation provide much needed facilities for the hospital, but our local team and local subcontractors will give a real economic boost to the North Devon economy.”

Last week, Health and Social Care Secretary Victoria Atkins visited North Devon District Hospital to learn more about the Trust’s plans for Our Future Hospital. The Secretary of State said: “It was a privilege to meet staff and patients here at North Devon District Hospital, and to see for myself the exciting progress being made in upgrading the estate as part of the government’s New Hospital Programme.”

A CGI impression of new staff accommodation at North Devon District Hospital