Richard Foord raises Seaton Hospital with new NHS CEO
Richard Foord has written to NHS Devon’s new acting chief executive seeking assurances over the future of community hospitals in East Devon and warning against further cuts to local services.
In a letter dated February 25 to Libby Ryan-Davies, who took up the post on February 1, Richard asked for confirmation that community hospitals in Axminster, Ottery St Mary, Honiton, Sidmouth and Seaton were “safe”.
Richard said he remained “a strong advocate for local health services”, describing the provision of care in market towns as “the very essence of neighbourhood healthcare”. He also raised concerns about high rental costs charged by NHS Property Services (NHSPS) for buildings, whihc is a core reason why a wing in Seaton remains vacant.
The Seaton Hospital Steering Committee, elected at the big public meeting in November 2023, is continuing to monitor the situation. With Richard’s backing, we recently made a submission to the House of Commons’ Health Select Committee’s inquiry into the government’s proposed neighbourhood health hubs.
Libby Ryan-Davies is Devon NHS’s third CEO since we launched the new campaign for Seaton Hospital. The rapid turnover of NHS officials is an extra reason why it is difficult to keep them focused on the issues.
Seaton & Colyton MATTERS 