NHS chiefs have given 12 months notice to tenants using parts of Teignmouth Community Hospital.

Leaseholders Sure Start, which use the former nurses home on the Mill Lane site, and the GP surgery which uses space on a building also on site, have been given 12 months to quit by Torbay and South Devon NHS Trust.

This means future ‘options’ for the hospital site will not be ‘restricted’ by sitting tenants.

But the NHS has warned the ‘substantial backlog of

maintenance work’ at Teignmouth Hospital ‘poses on ongoing risk which requires careful management to ensure the safety of those using the building’.

News of the notices came in a briefing to members of Teignmouth Hospital Stakeholder Group, set up by Devon County Council in response to proposals to change health services in the town.

Despite huge opposition to the possible closure of the hospital over many years, the NHS maintains the current hospital buildings are ‘not fit for purpose’ and

‘decisions will need to be made about its future’.

The NHS stresses no decisions have yet been made.

Built in 1954, it was the first NHS hospital in the country.

But the existing building has deteriorated to such an extent that last year a comprehensive assessment identified significant fire safety risks, particularly affecting the first and second floors which had to close.

The latest briefing to members of the group stated: ‘The critical estate risks require us to actively consider options.

‘We have carefully considered the potential renovation of Teignmouth Hospital.

‘This potential renovation has been thoroughly assessed and unfortunately, the substantial projected costs required to restore the building to an acceptable standard made this option equally unfeasible.

‘The high cost of refurbishment, combined with significant safety concerns and the building’s current condition, means we must consider alternative, sustainable solutions to ensure safe and equitable access to services for the local population.’

Some services have already relocated.

In July, the Chronic Pain Team, which had used the now shut down first floor, moved to Ashburton Health and Wellbeing Centre.

The unit was based at Torbay Hospital but moved to Teignmouth during the Covid-19 pandemic as the site offered more space to see people in line with social distancing requirements of the time.

The future of health services in the town, including the hospital, have been the subject of intense discussion and scrutiny over the last decade.

Fears the hospital may be closed sparked an outcry with protesters claiming it is essential for residents.

But the NHS aims to create an ‘integrated model of community-based care’.

Plans for a health and wellbeing hub in the town centre were scrapped after costs spiralled.

The report said: ‘This model aimed to bring together primary care, health and social care, and community wellbeing services in a cohesive and accessible way.

‘However, escalating costs ultimately rendered the development unachievable.

‘Despite extensive negotiations with Devon Integrated Care Board and NHS England, a viable solution to meet increased capital costs could not be found.

‘As we said at the time the decision not to proceed with the health and wellbeing centre was taken, we are reviewing alternative options.

‘This could include relocating those services identified in the 2020 consultation for relocation to Dawlish Community Hospital while we explore local solutions for those services which are heavily used by local people in Teignmouth.’