Local Lib Dem MPs Urge Government to Bring Forward Torbay Hospital Rebuild in Upcoming NHS 10-Year Plan

Liberal Democrat MPs representing the south of Devon have called on the Government to include the Torbay Hospital rebuild in the NHS 10-Year Plan, expected to be announced on Thursday, 3rd July.

The Government has said the plan will set the strategic direction for the NHS over the next decade and deliver major reforms to modernise healthcare delivery.

Caroline Voaden MP (South Devon), Martin Wrigley MP (Newton Abbot), and Steve Darling MP (Torbay) are urging ministers to release £350 million in long-promised funding for urgent upgrades to Torbay Hospital.

The previous Conservative government pledged to rebuild the hospital but failed to deliver. Earlier this year, the current Government announced that work may not begin until 2035.

Torbay Hospital remains one of the oldest in the country, with more than 80% of its estate rated poor or bad. The site has faced sewage leaks, ventilation failures, and even a case of tuberculosis exposure in its morgue.

The MPs are also pressing the Government to take immediate action on social care. The current review is not due to be completed for another three years. They argue this delay is worsening the crisis in the NHS and have called on ministers to complete the review by the end of the year to tackle underlying issues that are impacting frontline services.

Steve Darling, Liberal Democrat MP for Torbay, said:

“The 10-Year Plan must rebuild health services in Torbay, and that starts with bringing forward the hospital rebuild. After years of Conservative neglect, we simply cannot wait any longer. We’re crying out for action, and ministers must not turn a blind eye.”

Caroline Voaden, Liberal Democrat MP for South Devon said: 

“Labour won the election promising change, but all they’ve delivered so far is more of the same. Nowhere is this clearer than in Torbay Hospital. Their decision to postpone desperately needed repairs until 2035 epitomises the dither and delay politics they rallied against in opposition. 

“The Health Secretary clearly hadn’t visited the Hospital before making this decision. If he had, he’d have seen the terrible state one of the UK’s oldest hospitals is in and realised repairs couldn’t wait. The Government must change course and bring forward the renovation Torbay Hospital’s staff and patients deserve.”

Martin Wrigley, Liberal Democrat MP for Newton Abbot added:

“It’s time that the government changed course from the previous Conservative path. The community hospitals in the trust; Newton Abbot, Dawlish, and Teignmouth, need Torbay hospital up and running or they won’t be able deliver the care my constituents need.”