BAM UK & Ireland appointed to deliver on-site staff accommodation at England most remote acute mainland hospital
BAM UK & Ireland has been appointed to deliver an £18.6 million contract to construct new staff and student residences at North Devon District Hospital in Barnstaple, tackling workforce recruitment and retention challenges at England’s most remote acute mainland hospital.
The development will provide 120 ensuite bedrooms and four family apartments for clinical staff at the 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.
Serving a largely rural and coastal population, North Devon District Hospital is a critical hub for healthcare across the region. The accommodation scheme is backed by £22.7 million from the national New Hospital Programme and represents the first phase of the Trust’s Our Future Hospital Programme, a long-term plan to redevelop clinical facilities.
The project aligns with national priorities to modernise NHS infrastructure and support workforce sustainability. BAM UK & Ireland will draw on its extensive experience delivering complex healthcare projects in live operational environments, ensuring construction is carefully planned to minimise disruption while creating lasting value.
A key focus of the scheme will be supporting the local economy. More than 80% of project spend is expected to be sourced locally, and BAM UK & Ireland will work closely with community partners—including Jobcentre Plus—to create employment and training opportunities for young people aged 16+ and those currently not in education, employment, or training.
“Workforce 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.
The scheme builds on BAM UK & Ireland’s 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.”
Tim ChellRegional Director at BAM UK & Ireland
Chris Tidman, Deputy Chief Executive of the Royal Devon, said:
“The 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.
“We are pleased to be partnering with BAM UK & Ireland for the build and are looking forward to work getting underway. The project is being delivered through the Trust’s 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’s and children's facilities.”