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Senior doctors issue vote of no confidence in North Devon District Hospital leaders over maternity unit suspension
Overview
Consultants at North Devon District Hospital have passed a vote of no confidence against the executive board of the Royal Devon University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. The vote follows the continued suspension of birthing services at the maternity unit, with doctors warning that the loss of local services threatens patient access to safe, timely, and equitable healthcare. The Trust expressed disappointment over the vote but stated it respects the strength of feeling and remains committed to patient safety and sustainable services.
Key points
- Senior doctors and consultants at North Devon District Hospital issued a vote of no confidence against the hospital's executive board.
- The vote is driven by the continued suspension of birthing services at the maternity unit.
- The medical advisory committee warned that the erosion and centralisation of services threaten local healthcare access and sustainability.
- The Royal Devon University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust stated it was disappointed by the vote but respects staff feelings and remains committed to safe, high-quality care.