Lobbying the Government for Torbay

The new Health Secretary, James Murray, has a hot potato sitting in his in-tray from the Torbay Heart Campaign. 

Campaign  leader Susie Colley  has wasted no time in bringing to his attention the fears that the Bay’s vital heart care and diagnostic services are gradually being moved to Exeter.   

In a letter released to the media she says: ” I am writing to request your urgent assistance regarding a series of decisions being taken by Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, NHS Devon Integrated Care Board, and Torbay Council that appear to be contributing to the progressive transfer of acute and diagnostic services away from Torbay Hospital and towards Exeter. 

Local residents are increasingly concerned that decisions are being made incrementally, without adequate public scrutiny, consultation, or transparency, resulting in the gradual erosion of services relied upon by communities across Torbay, South Devon and the wider catchment area. 

Of particular concern are proposals relating to the centralisation of pathology services in Exeter, supported by a reported £7.5 million loan from Torbay Council to Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. Serious questions remain unanswered regarding the financial rationale, clinical impact, governance processes, consultation requirements, and consequences for urgent histopathology and frozen section services that support cancer surgery and other time-critical procedures. “ 

The Pulse has reported before on how Totnes and South Hams residents rely on Torbay Hospital both for emergencies like heart attacks and ongoing care, and the NHS’s responses. 

The campaign is raising money for any legal challenge and so far around £4,500 has been donated.