Bam will build 120 ensuite bedrooms and four family apartments for clinical staff at the Barnstaple hospital, where long commutes and limited local housing have made recruitment difficult. Residents will share kitchen, living and dining spaces and will have access to a range of amenities designed to support staff wellbeing.
The accommodation scheme is backed by 拢22.7m from the national New Hospital Programme and represents the first phase of North Devon District Hospital鈥檚 long-term plan to redevelop clinical facilities.
Tim Chell, regional director of Bam UK & Ireland, said: 鈥淲orkforce pressures are one of the biggest challenges facing the NHS, particularly in rural and coastal locations. By providing high-quality on-site accommodation, this project will play an important role in helping North Devon District Hospital attract and retain staff, while supporting the long-term resilience of local healthcare services.
鈥淭he scheme builds on Bam UK & Ireland鈥檚 experience in delivering complex healthcare projects and supporting NHS clients through carefully planned construction that responds to local needs, operational demands and creates lasting value for the wider community.鈥�
Chris Tidman, deputy chief executive of the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: 鈥淭he creation of our new staff and student accommodation at North Devon District Hospital represents a major milestone in our long-term plan to build a better hospital to meet the needs of local people now and in the future. These modern, on-site residences will be essential for attracting and retaining healthcare professionals and supporting our recruitment and retention of skilled staff.聽
鈥淲e are pleased to be partnering with Bam UK & Ireland for the build and are looking forward to work getting under way. The project is being delivered through the trust鈥檚 Our Future Hospital (OFH) programme and marks the next vital step on our path towards developing our clinical buildings, including new fit for purpose operating theatres, intensive care unit, increased diagnostic facilities and the creation of new women鈥檚 and children's facilities.鈥�