Thousands of leaflets are being delivered, with hundreds rushing to sign an online petition as the backlash grows to the decision by Health Secretary Wes Streeting to delay for up to a decade the start of work on a vital rebuilding project at Torbay Hospital.
The Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, made a statement to MPs on Monday 20th January 2025 during which he confirmed Torbay would be one of the projects moved into what he termed as “Wave 2”, meaning construction may not start until 2035. This is despite Torbay having the third-oldest hospital buildings in the country still in daily use.
In contrast the promised scheme at Plymouth’s Derriford Hospital, in a Labour held constituency, will start later this year and is expected to be completed by the original date of 2030. Prior to last year’s general election both Labour and Liberal Democrat politicians had dismissed the idea a change of Government would affect the rebuilding project at Torbay, with Labour pledging to progress the project as part of the new Hospital programme.
The Building a Brighter Future project for Torbay Hospital would have been the biggest single investment in South Devon’s healthcare services since the NHS was founded in 1948. It was committed to under the previous Conservative Government, with plans at an advanced stage, planning permission secured and construction on enabling works ready to start last year in order to deliver the new buildings by 2030.
Despite their pre-election promises, the Labour Government announced in September they had placed Torbay Hospital’s rebuild on a list of projects “under review”. This prompted 1,000 residents to sign an online petition organised by Kevin Foster, calling on the Health Secretary to honour the pledges made. Since the delay was announced hundreds of residents have added their names with the total growing daily.
Local campaigner and former Torbay MP Kevin Foster said: “The delay to the rebuild of Torbay Hospital was a huge blow to our bay, so it’s no surprise residents are angry and want to have their say about it. I would urge all who want to see the promises made before the election honoured to sign the petition today.”
In response to the comments of the 3 Lib Dem MPs for South Devon on the delay Kevin added: “It’s no surprise to see them looking to blame anyone but themselves for this decision. Despite the warnings given before the election about a new government being unlikely to prioritise our area, they asked Labour voters to back them to help get a Labour Government. They now need to own the result of doing so for our hospital.”
You can find the petition at: https://www.kevinjfoster.com/campaigns/torbay-hospital-rebuild-must-be-delivered
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