Report of a public meeting on the 20th November 2025 held at the Lantern, Ilfracombe to discuss ‘The Future of Healthcare in Ilfracombe’
The meeting was well attended with between 70-80 people present representing a cross section of the Ilfracombe public. Attendees included people from early years provision, local health providers, Town Councillors, retired staff from the Tyrrell, parents, holiday business owners, and residents representing the older members of our community. People also came from villages surrounding Ilfracombe (Woolacombe, Morthoe, Combe Martin and Lee) who are equally affected by cuts to local health services.
The meeting was chaired by Trevor Huggins (Tyrrell Hospital League of Friends Member and Ilfracombe Town Councillor). Questions were posed to a panel consisting of Andrea Beacham (One Northern Devon/NHS) Sara Wilson (Devon County Council), Phil Harris (Devon Mind), Harrison Perrin (Manager of SMD Pharmacy), Frank Biederman (Devon County Councillor and caseworker for Ian Roome MP) and Sue Matthews (Campaigner for Save Our Hospital Services). Representatives from One Devon Integrated Care Board (which commissions local health services) and the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Trust (who staff and administer local health services) were invited but both declined. A statement from the ICB was read out by the Chair which detailed that an MIU review was currently being undertaken.
Prior to the Q&A session a brief overview was given by Terry Elliott (League of Friends Member) setting out the most recent statistics from the English Indices of Deprivation for health inequality in Ilfracombe (GOV.UK, 30th October 2025). Health inequality is defined as life expectancy and the age people reach without disease. Central Ilfracombe remains one of the most health deprived areas in England. There was also information presented on the wide range of health and well-being services which have been removed or diminished in the Town over the last 20 years. Data was also given on failed health and regeneration funding bids for Ilfracombe. Finally there was information presented from a short survey which the League of Friends conducted about people’s experience of minor injuries over the last 12 months prior to the closure of the MIU at the Tyrrell Hospital. The slide presentation is contained in the Appendix.
Questions directed to the panel were wide ranging and various themes emerged from the points raised and the answers given. The themes are presented below;
Accountability to local people
There was a feeling in the room which people expressed as Ilfracombe feeling overlooked or sidelined. Several questioners mentioned the lack of accountability from decision makers to the communities they serve. It was noted that the ICB and the Healthcare Trust had failed to respond to the issues raised in previous correspondence or send representatives to the meeting. Communication between the ICB/Healthcare Trust and the Ilfracombe people was seen as poor by those raising these questions and there were underlying issues of fairness. Sue Matthews highlighted the opportunity for the public to submit questions to ICB board meetings. A member of the public made the important point that our minor injuries unit had been closed before the review was completed. Surely any decisions should have waited until the outcomes of the review were decided?
Health equity rather than just equality
This concept was explained by Andrea Beacham and is about providing services to those areas with the highest need beyond what might be provided elsewhere in order to address poor health outcomes. Need should be better measured. This theme recurred in response to several questions about the levels of health derivation in Ilfracombe and as to why services were removed given the level of need.
Additional pressures and expectations on existing services in Town that are struggling.
People attending, and the panel, heard that early years practitioners, pharmacies and the GP practice are all being expected to do more around health and well-being but with no additional funding, or without the staff or skills. In early years it was highlighted by a provider the additional problems of long waiting lists to see specialists in child development, SEN diagnosis or speech and language. Both the County Councillors present were anxious to follow this up after the meeting.
The difficulties of unlocking funding.
Noting the presentation at the beginning of the meeting and the failure of several significant levelling up bids, there was discussion by the panel as to why this was, especially given the high level of deprivation. It was felt by panelists that Ilfracombe as a hotspot of deprivation is masked by the higher levels of affluence in wider North Devon. A member of the public expressed concern that communities have to bid against each other for health pots to improve health care. Panelists Andrea Beacham, Sue Matthews and Cllr Sara Wilson felt it was important to highlight Ilfracombe’s health deprivation in such a way so as to be able to unlock funding for investment in health services close to the community. Sue Matthews expressed that the current system of funding is not working as money should not be going to communities with low levels of health deprivation whilst Ilfracombe misses out. Andrea also highlighted that Chris Whitty (Public Health) recognised that coastal communities experience similar problems to each other. Building a network of these communities should create a stronger voice. A bid for Ilfracombe is being considered for the Coastal Navigator network. This will look at how to make the case to the Government to draw down funding
The lack of proper partnership working and integrated care.
This was mentioned by several panelists and it was acknowledged that despite phrases and initiatives, joint-working and commissioning which achieved results was thin on the ground in places like Ilfracombe. Frank Biederman acknowledged that any newly formed local government structure in the wake of reorganisation should recognise the needs of communities like Ilfracombe and prioritise them. Panelist Phil Harris felt that the community itself and the third sector were important partners and resilient at finding solutions in the face of reduced funding. Sue Matthews said she would like to see Devon County Council at the forefront of a push to get Ilfracombe the health services it needs.
The importance of early intervention and prevention to save health and money further down the line.
This was mentioned several times by panelists in response to questions about what should happen next or what the future of healthcare should look like in Ilfracombe. A member of the public raised the issue that having a prevention/early intervention service saves money in the long term and that there is a cost to health deprivation which is paid for further down the line.
The issue of traveling further to access acute or essential healthcare.
Several questioners mentioned the difficulty of accessing minor injuries and services further away, particularly as the bus service to the hospital is inadequate. This was also highlighted in the responses to the MIU questionnaire (see Appendix).
The need for a new community hospital.
Terry Elliott raised the issue of the age of the Tyrrell Hospital and its inadequacy to meet modern healthcare needs. If services under the 10 year plan are being moved more into the community then she proposed that where they are held needs to be fit for purpose and with modern equipment.
Proposals
The building of a new, fit for purpose modern community hospital that can offer clinics and diagnostics to meet the complex health needs (physical and mental) of a rural and coastal community with high levels of deprivation.
The reintroduction of an accessible minor injuries service recognising the additional pressures of an increase in population due to tourism in the summer and the level of health inequality in Ilfracombe.
Improved communication and consultation with the health population of Ilfracombe from the ICB and the Healthcare Trust.
Improved partnership working with Devon County Council (or the new devolved unitary local government body) at the helm pushing for improved funding and investment in Ilfracombe to tackle deprivation and health inequality. This would include enhanced health services in Town and preventative services to improve life expectancy and the age to which people live well without disease.
Accurate recording of health needs in the Ilfracombe community by the ICB and the Healthcare Trust working in partnership with health providers in town.
Tackling clinical waiting lists especially in services for SEN children with speedy diagnosis and support to ensure early help and to avoid delays which put children’s progress and well-being at risk.
References
GOV.UK (2025) English indices of deprivation 2025:Statistical release Available at https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/english-indices-of-deprivation-2025/english-indices-of-deprivation-2025-statistical-release
