We are writing to ask if you would let your community know that the North Dartmoor Health Initiative  has produced a Health Service Survey to discover current and potential usage of Okehampton Hospital. The North Dartmoor Health Initiative is a community pressure group formed in 2017 to save Okehampton Community Hospital from the fate experienced by other small Community Hospitals. It has the sole purpose of campaigning for better health provision in Okehampton and the surrounding area.

Okehampton Community Hospital still hosts over 40 clinics and specialisms, even though its wards and GP practice were closed in 2016. But not enough people know that this facility is there for us. At a time of great pressure on the NHS, we believe that Okehampton and its surrounding area should use this facility more.

This short survey is to find out whether residents are:

·      Aware of the hospital.

·      Use the hospital when applicable.

·      Would use the hospital as an alternative to RDE/ Derriford, if possible.

We want to improve health service provision in Okehampton and the surrounding area, which is getting less than its fair share of NHS Devon’s resources. Therefore, we need to give hard evidence to the NHS of what is needed. A copy of the letter and questionnaire are included. People should be encouraged to complete the survey form online if possible. Links are in the letter.  Paper forms available on request.

For the North Dartmoor Health Initiative

Jan Goffey, George Dexter, Richard Colman

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1st September 2025