MP urges NHS Devon to convert local hospital into neighbourhood health centre

Report by Duncan Williams for Pulman's Weekly News

Richard Foord, MP for Honiton and Sidmouth, is calling for one of East Devon’s five community hospitals to be repurposed as a neighbourhood health centre, to better support the area’s ageing population.

In a letter to Steve Moore, chief executive of NHS Devon, Mr Foord emphasised the need for targeted investment in local healthcare, particularly in Sidmouth and Seaton, where a significant proportion of residents are elderly or disabled.

Citing the 2021 Census, Mr Foord noted that around a quarter of residents in both towns have a disability, and approximately 10% provide unpaid care for a friend or relative. He also pointed out that average ages in the area have risen faster than both the national and regional averages.

“This means that there are five hospitals in my constituency with the potential for essential investment in local health services, amid a rapidly expanding older population,” Mr Foord wrote. “Sidmouth and Seaton are home to a demographic largely over the age of 65, who are not necessarily comfortable with NHS England’s increasing use of AI and technology.”

The hospitals identified include Honiton, Sidmouth, Axminster, and Seaton - all of which have some available space - while Ottery St Mary Hospital is reportedly at full capacity. Mr Foord commended the condition of the Seaton, Honiton and Ottery St Mary facilities, which are relatively modern, and confirmed that Axminster Hospital, though older, remains in good repair.

The MP has previously raised the issue with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, and has submitted further questions in Parliament.

( Photo: LibDems 📸 )