Delivering strategic communications support for Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Freshwater supported Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust with strategic communications and engagement for its new hospital programme at North Devon District Hospital, helping build understanding and support for the Trust’s Our Future Hospital plans.
The work focused on supporting phase one delivery and preparing for phase two, which will introduce new clinical buildings, while demonstrating the importance of the programme for patients, staff and the wider Devon healthcare system.
75 pledges
of stakeholder and public support at launch
Coverage secured
with BBC News
£1.4m announced
for a new clinical research hub
Brief
Freshwater was commissioned to deliver communications and engagement to support phase one of the Our Future Hospital programme and help prepare for phase two.
The Trust required immediate support around key milestones, alongside a longer-term engagement approach to build momentum and create a community of supporters across North Devon.
Delivery
We developed a clear project narrative and key messages in collaboration with the Trust’s communications, strategy and estates teams, ensuring messaging reflected the critical importance of the programme for local healthcare provision.
Alongside internal and external communications for major announcements, including new admin facilities and contractor appointment, we produced media releases, website content and staff updates.
Working with our in-house designers, we created on-site and digital visuals to highlight the tangible impact of investment, such as additional beds and new wards. We also delivered a summer open day to launch the programme publicly, supported by collateral and site tours, and introduced a dedicated engagement website where staff, patients and the public could learn more and pledge support.
Following launch, we continued to manage content updates and developed an online supporter community to sustain engagement.
Results
The launch open day generated strong local engagement, securing 75 pledges of stakeholder and public support for the Our Future Hospital programme, with that figure continuing to grow via the engagement portal.
Freshwater also secured regional media coverage with BBC News and the North Devon Gazette, helping prompt further calls for government backing from local politicians, including the newly elected MP for North Devon, Ian Roome.
Momentum continued beyond launch. In October 2024, the Royal Devon University Healthcare confirmed £1.4m in funding for a new clinical research hub at North Devon District Hospital, while January 2025 marked the opening of Yeo View, the first completed phase one development and a key milestone in the wider programme.