Torbay Hospital secures £2.3 million funding for urgent safety works

Health officials have landed £2.367million funding to reduce 'critical infrastructure risks' at Torbay Hospital.

But the fight goes on for the long-awaited £350million rebuild of the ageing complex, some of which is 'held together' by scaffolding.

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust announced that it has been awarded an £2.367 million from the national Estates Safety Fund.

This investment will support essential works, including:

• Ventilation upgrades for cancer services
• Improvements to water systems
• Enhanced fire safety measures
• Roof edge protection

The funding builds on the £7.3 million secured earlier this year, reinforcing the Trust's commitment to tackling the most urgent risks across the hospital's estate.

Chief Executive Joe Teape said: “This additional funding is a vital boost that will help us address some of our most urgent safety risks.

"While it won’t solve all the challenges of our ageing estate, it demonstrates our determination to do everything possible to keep patients and staff safe. We remain committed to securing the major investment needed to deliver modern facilities for our communities and staff.

"I would like to express my gratitude to all our colleagues who work tirelessly to minimise the impact of our ageing estate on patient experience and safety.

"I am also grateful for the continued support and advocacy from our three local MPs, Caroline Voaden, Martin Wrigley and Steve Darling, for the major investment we need for Torbay Hospital.”

Torbay has one of the oldest estates in the country and earlier this year was notified of delays to the New Hospital Programme.

While this additional funding will help mitigate immediate risks, the need for significant long-term investment in the Torbay Hospital estate remains.

Torbay MP Mr Darling met with Health Minister Karen Smyth last week to make the case for urgent investment in Torbay Hospital.

He said that as the third oldest hospital in the country, it faces serious challenges.

"The deteriorating tower block and repeated sewage leaks are not just structural issues—they are disrupting patient care and putting lives at risk, " said Mr Darling.

"I also raised the importance of protecting coronary care and emergency intervention services, which have been under threat in recent months. The Minister listened carefully and acknowledged the seriousness of these concerns.

"I’m pleased to report that Torbay Hospital has secured £2.367 million from the Estates Safety Fund to address urgent infrastructure risks. These were the very issues I highlighted during our discussion. This funding is a welcome step forward, but it is far from enough. We still need at least £350 million to rebuild a hospital that is currently being held together by scaffolding."