Local MP Sends a BIG Message with giant Hospital Letter

MP for North Devon, Ian Roome, has thanked the public for their outpouring of support for North Devon District Hospital at a critical moment.

The local Liberal Democrat MP, who has led a campaign for essential upgrades at North Devon District Hospital that has gathered almost six thousand names, collected dozens more signatures on a giant letter to the Health Secretary that appeared in Barnstaple High Street last weekend.

Ian said: “The community is fiercely loyal to our hospital and its staff, but if we don't modernise the infrastructure, it simply won't keep pace with changing demands on the NHS.”

“Despite empty promises, five years went by under the last Conservative government without any sign of new funding under the New Hospital Programme. If the new government allow another ten years to go by without vital upgrades to our hospital's most critical care facilities, it will be a disaster.”

The MP recently challenged the Secretary of State for Health & Social Care, Wes Streeting MP, in the House of Commons, asking for a Ministerial visit to North Devon to see need for urgent investment – something the Minister agreed to.

Queues quickly formed in the High Street as local residents and shoppers waited to add their name to the giant letter calling for that pledge to be met.

Volunteers and local councillors, including Devon County Council Liberal Democrat Group Leader Caroline Leaver, have been hard at work rallying support across the area served by the Hospital, which is among the remotest in the UK.

More than 5,900 names from across North Devon, Torridge and North Cornwall have now been added to the letter online.
“The Hospital is very dear to me – I worked alongside countless colleagues at NDDH for many years, and my children were born there,” added Ian.

“My deepest thanks to everyone who keeps fighting this battle - seeing the public’s support restores your faith.”