Further government funding announced for Torbay Hospital
Torbay Hospital has the third oldest hospital estate in the country, and significant investment is needed to maintain and improve existing buildings while plans for a new hospital progress. The Tower Block has recognised estate and fire safety risks linked to its age, design and condition, which the Trust continues to manage through maintenance, practical safety measures, staff training, evacuation planning and ongoing investment.
Joe Teape, Chief Executive of Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“This funding will help us build on the work already under way to manage and reduce fire safety risks in the Tower Block.
“It is a welcome and important step, but further capital investment will be needed to continue the improvement work in the Tower Block.
“Torbay Hospital has one of the oldest hospital estates in the country and significant investment will continue to be needed to maintain and improve our existing buildings while we plan for the future. We will continue working with local, regional and national partners to secure the investment we need. We are grateful to our local MPs, Steve Darling, Martin Wrigley and Caroline Voaden, who continue to champion Torbay Hospital and make the case for that investment.”
Torbay Hospital remains part of the national New Hospital Programme. The programme has been reorganised into a series of delivery waves, and Torbay and South Devon is currently included in Wave 2, with a planned construction window between 2032 and 2035.
While planning continues for the future hospital, the Trust is continuing to invest in its current estate. Recent investment includes the £14.2 million redevelopment of the Emergency Department and improvements to maternity facilities. Work is also under way to refurbish the day theatres, relocate the Surgical Admission Unit, expand the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery department and improve the hospital’s electrical infrastructure.
Share your experience of staying at Torbay Hospital
Healthwatch Torbay is working with Torbay Council to understand local people’s experiences of leaving hospital and how the discharge process could be improved.
We want to hear what worked well, what could have been better, or anything in between. This could include how well you were kept informed, whether you felt involved in decisions, and whether the right care, medication, equipment or follow-up was in place when you left.
The survey is for people who have left hospital within the last 12 months. A carer, relative or friend can also complete it about someone they supported.
Your feedback will help identify what is working well and where improvements may be needed, informing local health and care services and future planning around hospital discharge in Torbay.
This work also sits alongside wider research by Healthwatch England looking at hospital discharge nationally, helping us build a clearer picture of people’s experiences locally and across the country.
Click here to share your experience
The survey takes around 10–15 minutes to complete.
We’d be really grateful if you could also share this with your members, contacts or anyone you think may have a recent experience to contribute.
If anyone would prefer help completing the survey, they can call Healthwatch free on 0800 520 0640.
