MP launches petition to save Derriford Hospital’s urgent care facility

The future of Derriford Hospital’s new Urgent and Emergency Care Facility is uncertain after the government's New Hospital Programme Review, announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves on July 29.

This move has raised concerns among patients across South West Devon, with some sharing their concerns with their local MP, Rebecca Smith.

In response, Ms Smith has launched a petition to protect the funding for the hospital's expansion. 

The project is designed to double the space available for patient care. 

Derriford Hospital has stressed the need for clarity from the government, warning that any delays could push the project’s completion beyond its planned spring 2025 opening.

Rebecca, who has previously worked with hospital leaders as a Councillor, intends to present the petition to Parliament if necessary. 

She explained: “I welcome the fact that the Government is still considering this essential scheme. The capacity challenges at Derriford Hospital are in plain sight. Its health workers operate in an extremely challenging environment. Every day my inbox is filled with emails from constituents who are left waiting for treatment at Derriford Hospital.”

Ms Smith highlighted recent improvements at the hospital, including the opening of the South West Liver Unit and the Royal Eye Infirmary, but expressed concern over the potential impact of being removed from the New Hospitals Programme.

She urged locals to sign the petition, stating, “The £180m funding secured from the previous government was hard-earned - we must fight to keep it.”

For those unable to sign digitally, support can be mailed to Rebecca at the House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA.

View the petition here: https://www.rebecca-smith.org.uk/campaigns/rebecca-launches-petition-save-derriford-hospitals-new-urgent-and-emergency-care-facility