THE quality of the service and dedication of staff at Okehampton Community Hospital has been praised by West Devon?s Conservative spokesman.
Geoffrey Cox visited the hospital recently to see how it was progressing since it opened just over a year ago.
Health and social care locality manager Val Mansfield introduced him to patients and staff.
Mr Cox also met John Marvin, chairman of the Friends of Okehampton Community Hospital, and treasurer Martin Perry.
Mr. Cox, who is prospective Tory candidate for West Devon and Torridge, said the hospital was a ?great achievement? and he was impressed with the dedication of staff and the quality of the service to patients.
?However, it was pointed out to me that often people do not need to be in hospital and are not necessarily ready for a nursing home.
?We need more care housing with intermediate support for those who need it in Okehampton.
?I believe it is important that the Castle Hospital site is preserved for this purpose and that the government should support the plan.?
The Times reported last month that West Devon and Torridge MP John Burnett wants the Castle Hospital site to be purchased by social services so that it can be used as extra care housing for those who require supportive living.
He said it would be ?short-sighted? if the site was allowed to be designated for general housing and sold to the highest bidder.