Torbay and South Devon NHS warns of ‘particularly difficult’ winter with long emergency department waits

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust has offered a stark warning to local residents that this winter is going to be “particularly difficult” with “very busy days” and long waits in the emergency department ahead.

Sam Wadham-Sharpe, Chief Operating Officer at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, spoke to the Torbay Weekly about the challenges that the trust will be facing this winter.

The colder months are traditionally a challenging time for the NHS, with a surge in seasonal illnesses increasing demand for healthcare services.

Sam confirmed this pressure and said: “We know there will be times when our Emergency Department is extremely busy and some people will wait longer than any of us would want.”

However, he explained that the trust has put several measures in place to help manage the demands of winter and ensure that patients continue to receive the care they need.

Sam said: “We have planned carefully for winter and I am confident we are focusing on the things that will make the biggest differences for patients.”

He particularly highlighted the expansion of the Same Day Emergency Care service at Torbay Hospital, which will care for up to twice as many patients as before.

He added: “It means more people who need assessment, tests or treatment, but don’t need to stay in hospital overnight, can receive the care they need and return home the same day.”

“That’s often a better experience for patients and their families, while making sure an inpatient bed is available when someone’s care requires an overnight stay.”

The trust has also increased specialist support for older people living with frailty.

This service provides support for people at home through community services and virtual wards.

Sam also spoke about the introduction of a mobile X-ray service, meaning that people are able to have diagnostic tests without needing to come into hospital, reducing pressure at the sites.

Alongside the seasonal challenges, the trust is also preparing for some significant changes to the services at Torbay Hospital.

Sam said: “This winter we are also managing the temporary service changes needed to support the fire safety work in the Tower Block, and we have planned these alongside our winter arrangements.”

This comes after Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service issued the trust with a fire enforcement notice, following inspections that found fire safety concerns at Torbay Hospital’s Tower Block.

It was confirmed that temporary service changes will be put in place while improvements are carried out on the building.

Sam added: “Our aim is to maintain as much inpatient capacity as we safely can while that work takes place.”

“No services are closing and they will continue to be provided within Torbay and South Devon.”

Alongside the trust’s preparations, Sam has also stressed the importance of getting vaccinated.

He has urged the trust’s colleagues to get their flu vaccinations to protect both themselves and the patients, in hopes of alleviating the amount of team members affected by seasonal illness this winter.

He extended this message to the public and said: “If you’re eligible, please take up your vaccinations and make sure you have the medicines you need, particularly ahead of Christmas and New Year.”

Those eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine this winter include people aged 65 and over, as well as anyone who will turn 65 by March 31, 2027.

The vaccine is also available to people aged 18 to 64 with certain long-term health conditions, pregnant women, care home residents and people with weakened immune systems.

Eligibility also extends to people who are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or who receive Carer's Allowance, as well as people aged 16 and over who are rough sleeping or staying in a homeless hostel or night shelter.

Frontline health and social care workers are also able to get the vaccine through their employer.

However, despite the measures put in place, Sam cautioned that residents should still expect some disruption.

He said: “I don’t want to pretend that having a winter plan means people won’t experience pressure.”

“There will be very busy days and there will be waits.”

“We will be looking at what is happening across our hospital and community services every day so that we can respond as pressures change.”

As the winter months approach, he also reminded residents to support one another, encouraging people to check in on those that could be at risk.

He said: “Please look out for older or vulnerable friends, relatives and neighbours during colder weather.”

Alongside this advice, Sam highlighted the options available to residents who need medical help over the winter months.

He said: “If you need urgent care for something that isn’t life-threatening, our Newton Abbot Urgent Treatment Centre now offers same-day appointments, so please call 01626 324631 before travelling if you can.”

Alternatively, those needing urgent help but are unsure where to go can access NHS 111 online or by phone.

While the trust is anticipating a challenging winter, Sam stressed that patients should not be deterred from accessing emergency care when they need it.

He gave a strong message: “If you are seriously ill or need emergency care, please don’t hesitate to seek help.”

“We are here for you.”