North Devon hospital takes a step towards future upgrade

BAM UK & Ireland has been appointed to construct new on‑site staff and student accommodation at North Devon District Hospital in Barnstaple, in a move aimed at tackling long‑standing workforce recruitment and retention challenges at one of England’s most remote acute mainland hospitals.

The £18.6 million contract, awarded by Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, will deliver 120 ensuite bedrooms and four family apartments for clinical staff.

The development aims to ease long commutes and housing pressures that have made recruiting and retaining healthcare professionals in North Devon difficult. 

Residents will share communal kitchen, living and dining spaces, and benefit from a range of amenities designed to support staff wellbeing.

The scheme is backed by £22.7 million from the national New Hospital Programme, reflecting central government investment in modernising NHS infrastructure. 

It marks the first phase of the Trust’s Our Future Hospital (OFH) Programme, a long‑term plan to redevelop key facilities at North Devon District Hospital, including clinical buildings and diagnostics.

North Devon District Hospital, run by the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, is the principal acute hospital serving a largely rural and coastal population across northern Devon. 

With 423 beds and an emergency department, it provides urgent and specialist services including orthopaedics, stroke care and cancer treatment. 

The hospital opened in 1979, replacing the historic North Devon Infirmary, and occupies a site with buildings now more than 50 years old.

In April 2022, the hospital became part of the newly formed Royal Devon Trust following the merger of the former Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust with the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust. 

The combined organisation now delivers services across northern, eastern and mid‑Devon, and employs more than 15,000 staff.

The hospital’s inclusion in the government’s New Hospital Programme, one of 40 priority sites earmarked for major investment, reflects long‑term concerns about ageing estate and the need for modern, resilient facilities. 

Local MPs and NHS leaders have highlighted the challenges posed by outdated buildings and the critical need to secure future funding for key infrastructure such as intensive care units and operating theatres.

The OFH Programme was established to coordinate the comprehensive redevelopment of North Devon District Hospital so it can meet growing demand and health needs for years to come. 

The programme’s objectives include modernising clinical facilities, improving patient experience and creating a work environment that is fit for staff.

Phase zero of the scheme saw the roll‑out of a new Electronic Patient Record system in 2022, a digital foundation for modern care. 

Phase one, now underway, focuses on enabling works and the construction of modern staff accommodation. 

Later stages will include new clinical buildings with expanded intensive care, maternity, emergency and diagnostic facilities, designed to replace outdated parts of the estate and provide flexible future‑proofed space.

Work has already begun on site, with demolition of two existing staff residence blocks in late 2025 to make way for the new accommodation. 

The residences will feature ensuite rooms and accessible family apartments, complemented by social and wellbeing spaces for NHS staff, locums and students.

A key element of BAM UK & Ireland’s appointment is its commitment to sourcing more than 80 per cent of project spend locally, supporting jobs and training opportunities for young people and those not currently in education, employment or training. 

Partnerships with local organisations including Jobcentre Plus will underpin these efforts.

Tim Chell, Regional Director at BAM UK & Ireland, said the project will support the Trust’s efforts to attract and retain staff in a challenging rural environment while creating lasting value for the wider community.

Chris Tidman, Deputy Chief Executive of the Royal Devon Trust, described the new accommodation as a “major milestone” in the trust’s long‑term plan to build a better hospital. He emphasised that modern, on‑site residences will be essential in attracting skilled health professionals and underpinning future sustainability of local healthcare services.

Construction is planned to minimise disruption to the live hospital environment, with careful coordination to protect ongoing patient care. 

The new accommodation is expected to be completed as part of the first phase of the OFH Programme, laying the groundwork for wider redevelopment of clinical facilities at the Barnstaple site.