Plans for Paignton to have a new Community Ambulance Point (CAP) have been confirmed today in response to a petition being presented to the Board of the South West Ambulance Foundation Trust (SWAFT) by health campaigner and former Torbay MP Kevin Foster.
The Save Paignton Ambulance Station campaign was backed by nearly 900 residents, with campaigners delivering thousands of leaflets across Paignton alerting residents to the proposed closure. The Trust currently leases the building where Paignton Ambulance Station is located, from St John Ambulance. The existing lease agreement ends on 13 September 2025and the Trust has been advised it will not be renewed as St John Ambulance intends to sell the building.
During his address to members of the Trust Board, Kevin Foster emphasised the concerns of residents about the loss of the Ambulance Station and the impact it could have on local health services. He also highlighted the health challenges of an aging population and areas of deprivation within Paignton, all of which place demands on health services. He stressed many residents are fearful about the future for health services in our bay with the loss of the Ambulance Station coming after a recent proposal for Heart Attack victims to be taken to Exeter rather than Torbay Hospital.
During the meeting it was confirmed by the Trust’s Director of Paramedic Practice that staff at Paignton’s Ambulance Station had already been consulted on moving their base to Torquay. Yet he also confirmed plans for Paignton to have a Community Ambulance Point (CAP).
CAPs are modular buildings that are used by staff to facilitate welfare provision, operational standby and rest breaks. They operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Trust Director described how Paignton’s CAP would be used like an “in-shift station” for ambulance crews and invited Kevin Foster to visit one to see how they operate.
During the meeting it was confirmed that SWAFT are engaging with Torbay Council about suitable sites for the CAP in Paignton and are shortly expecting to receive a list of possible locations for them to consider.
Commenting Kevin Foster said:
“The simple message from the petitioners is Paignton needs an ambulance station, so it was deeply disappointing to hear the trust is already moving to relocate staff from Paignton to Torquay.”
“The announcement of plans for a Community Ambulance Point in response to the petition is a more positive development. Yet I want to see for myself what this type of facility means in terms of support for staff and, crucially, service provision before claiming any sort of victory.”
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