No plans for the hospital to move to private sector control says League of Friends chairman Dr Phil Taylor

AN Axminster GP has moved to reassure residents that the town’s community hospital is unlikely to switch to private sector control.

Concerns about changes to the NHS prompted members of the town’s seniors’ forum to seek assurances about its future when they met in November.

Now Dr Phil Taylor, chairman of the Axminster Hospital League of Friends, has written back to allay their fears.

He told them: “Of course we are taking a very close interest in any changes affecting Axminster and other hospitals – there is no suggestion that these hospitals would be moved into the private sector.

“They will continue to be looked after by North Devon Care NHS Trust until their three year contract runs out and then there will be discussions as to who will run them then.

“It is anticipated that it will be an NHS provider.

“Of course, the government and secretary of state are in ultimate charge.”