Work starts on new eyecare unit

Staff from Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust joined with members of the League of Friends and the teams responsible for the design and build of the new unit, to mark the start of its conversion

Building work is underway to create a new Eye Hub at South Molton Community Hospital, with local fundraising contributing almost half of the £1.25 million cost of the facility.

When it opens next year, it will provide diagnostic services and treatments for people with new eye problems and those managing long-term conditions such as glaucoma or retina problems. The Eye Hub is being built in the former renal unit, which moved to Barnstaple. “Thanks to the generosity of local people, we were delighted to offer a donation of £500,000 towards the cost of this new ophthalmology unit, which will mean that local people with eye conditions won’t have to travel to Barnstaple for check-ups,” said David Goodman, chairman of the South Molton Community Hospital League of Friends.

The unit will have the potential to provide 50 appointments per session, significantly increasing the capacity within the ophthalmology service, and reducing waiting lists that built up during the Covid pandemic.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is covering the remaining setup and ongoing running costs, including recruitment of new staff and training.