Fears for Torbay heart unit as NHS reviews services

The Torquay Chamber of Commerce, Torbay's MP Steve Darling and Kevin Foster are amongst those calling for urgent action to protect Torbay’s heart services as NHS Devon prepares its “case for change.”

Campaigners have reacted with concern to the latest moves from the NHS Devon Integrated Care Board (ICB) on heart services in Devon.

After the last-minute withdrawal of a previous plan to send heart attack patients from Torbay to Exeter, the ICB will on Thursday (31 July 2025) consider the next steps in what it calls: “Developing a case for change for cardiovascular disease, cardiology and cardiac surgery services.”

The update appears deep within the agenda – starting on page 194 of a 437-page board paper set – and outlines NHS Devon’s intention to review all elements of heart care in the region.

The ICB says the document will not propose specific changes but aims to support “engagement and evidence gathering”. However, campaigners warn it could form the basis of future plans to centralise services, putting Torbay Hospital’s heart unit at risk.

The document includes a list of “initial findings”, stating:

• “There are productivity opportunities in acute hospital services which need to be grasped to ensure we are sustainable and responsive to the needs of patients now and in the future.”

• “Devon spends a higher amount than other ICBs on secondary care cardiology services.”

Kevin Foster commented, “After the devastating news earlier this year of the Government’s decision to kick back the start of vital rebuilding work at Torbay Hospital for a decade, we cannot allow this decision to be followed by a wider move to remove vital services and downgrade our hospital.

A ‘case for change’ is not a neutral move, as accepting such a document could be used as the basis of forcing through future changes which would harm our Bay’s health services.”

The Torbay Heart Campaign is holding a public meeting at Livermead House Hotel, Torquay, on Tuesday 29 July. Doors open at 5pm for a 5.30pm start. All residents are welcome.