The Royal Devon has received £22.7million from the New Hospital Programme to proceed with the redevelopment of staff residences at North Devon District Hospital (NDDH).

Chris Tidman, Royal Devon Deputy Chief Executive Officer: "This is an important step in the Our Future Hospital (OFH) Programme and marks a significant investment in the future of North Devon District Hospital.

"The redevelopment is essential for attracting and retaining healthcare professionals, ensuring the hospital remains at the forefront of healthcare delivery for the region."

Work will start on site from Monday 27 October, with the demolition of two existing residences over the next three months to make way for modern accommodation that will meet the needs of colleagues and students in north Devon.

While the redevelopment brings many benefits, some temporary disruption is unavoidable. The Royal Devon is working closely with its contractors to ensure measures are put in place to keep disruption to a minimum and ensure the safety of all hospital users. Some additional parking restrictions will be temporarily put in place in the main patient car park to allow for movement of lorries to support works on site. These will be limited to outside of main outpatient hours whenever possible.

Once complete the new residences will provide 120 ensuite bedrooms, including four fully accessible family apartments and six single fully accessible ensuite rooms, with shared kitchen, living and dining spaces alongside various amenity spaces.

This investment in our colleague accommodation is a proud milestone and a crucial part of our commitment to improving facilities as part of Phase 1 of the Our Future Hospital Programme at NDDH. We appreciate the understanding and support of our patients and visitors as we begin this exciting phase.

Karin Smyth, Minister of State for Health: "This redevelopment at North Devon District Hospital shows how government investment is delivering real improvements for NHS staff and patients.

"With £22.7m of funding, we’re providing modern, high-quality accommodation for hardworking NHS staff. Building better facilities means staff can focus on what matters most: providing outstanding care – a key part of our Plan for Change."

Charlotte Taylor, Joint SRO, New Hospital Programme: "I am delighted to confirm that the New Hospital Programme has provided the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust with £22.7m to deliver the redevelopment of staff residences at North Devon District Hospital. This is a really important step in the delivery of the scheme which will provide much-needed improvements to healthcare facilities in the area."

Ian Roome, MP for North Devon: "This is a real, hard-won result for North Devon, and I’m pleased we have secured this funding after a sustained campaign by the community. This is only phase one of securing our hospital's future with the need for new surgical facilities, an upgraded Intensive Care Unit and modernised operating theatres.

"North Devon District Hospital staff go above and beyond every day: they deserve up-to-date accommodation and the very best facilities we can provide for patients."

The redevelopment of colleague residences is just one of the ways we are investing in our facilities and upgrading our spaces to deliver excellent patient facilities and a great place to work for our colleagues, using external funding. Other projects that are either underway or where funding commitments have been given include:

• a new single MRI suite at North Devon District Hospital

• new hybrid theatre at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford)

• new surgical hub at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Heavitree)

• creating a new community diagnostic centre (CDC) in Bideford and expanding the CDC at the Nightingale Hospital Exeter with three additional scanners

• delivering enhanced Same-Day Emergency Care facilities at both Exeter and Barnstaple

• a new NIHR research hub in north Devon.

These schemes are part of a programme of investment totalling over £80m over the next two to three years to modernise our estate, so that we can deliver high quality and efficient care to our patients.