The Royal Devon is investing in improvements to urgent and emergency care services across northern Devon to help more patients receive timely care, closer to home where appropriate and in the setting best suited to their needs.

As part of a wider programme to improve urgent care services, the Trust is introducing a range of developments that will strengthen services, improve patient flow and ensure care remains safe and sustainable for years to come.

A key part of this work is the expansion of same day emergency care (SDEC) services, alongside enhanced community-based alternatives to hospital admission and improvements to how patients access urgent care. Together, these developments will help ensure patients receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time.

SDEC is a nationally recognised model of care which enables patients to be assessed, diagnosed and treated on the same day, avoiding an overnight hospital stay where clinically appropriate. Across the NHS, SDEC services are helping patients receive faster care while reducing pressure on emergency departments and inpatient beds.

A new, expanded same day emergency care (SDEC) facility at North Devon District Hospital, funded through external capital investment from NHS England, will enhance urgent care services at NDDH and help ensure they remain fit for the future.

To create the new facility, the Trust is proposing to reconfigure existing space within the hospital so it can be used more effectively. While this will change how some areas are used, it will not reduce access to care for local people. Instead, it will enable more patients to be treated safely on the same day, helping them avoid unnecessary hospital admissions, receive treatment sooner and return home more quickly.

Chris Tidman, Deputy Chief Executive at the Royal Devon, said: "We are investing in North Devon District Hospital and in the future of healthcare services for northern Devon. These changes are about strengthening and sustaining local services, ensuring patients can continue to receive safe, high-quality care both now and for years to come.

“By expanding same day emergency care, improving access to urgent support in the community and making the best use of our hospital facilities, we can help more patients receive timely treatment, avoid unnecessary hospital stays and get home sooner when it is safe to do so."

Alongside these changes, community services that provide 24-hour care at home will be expanded. A dedicated Single Point of Access (SPOA) team will also continue to provide specialist clinical advice and take direct calls from ambulance and community teams, helping ensure patients are directed to the most appropriate service first time.

These improvements are being introduced ahead of winter, when, like many NHS trusts, demand on urgent and emergency care is expected to increase significantly. By acting now, the Trust can improve patient flow, reduce delays and ensure services are better prepared to meet the needs of patients during periods of sustained pressure.

Together, these improvements will strengthen urgent and emergency care services across northern Devon, helping more patients receive timely treatment while supporting the long-term sustainability of local healthcare services. They form part of the Trust's ongoing investment in North Devon District Hospital and its commitment to providing safe, high-quality care for the communities it serves now and in the future.