Torbay MP sounds alarm bells over bay health services

'This is a canary-in-the-coalmine moment'

Demand for beds at Torbay Hospital has created a ‘canary in the coalmine’ warning over the state of the bay’s healthcare system.
Torbay’s Liberal Democrat MP Steve Darling has now sent a report on the issue to health secretary Wes Streeting saying services cannot wait any longer for a promised £350 million upgrade.
The hospital overhaul was pledged under Boris Johnson’s Conservative administration as part of a nationwide new hospitals programme, but work has still not begun despite Torbay’s ageing hospital where sewage spills and leaking roofs are among the problems.
Now the Labour government says the funding is ‘under review’ as it works on what it describes as a ‘black hole’ in public finances. The statement has put a question mark over Torbay’s improvements.
In his dossier to the health secretary, Mr Darllng writes: “Uncertainty around future funding due to the review of the £350 million investment places heavy limitations on the trust and healthcare providers in Torbay, with primary care services being overwhelmed, hospital infrastructure becoming unusable and patient and staff safety concerns reaching breaking point.
His 37-page report highlights challenges including a £27 million deficit faced by the Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust and a CQC rating which has been downgraded to ‘requires improvement’.
Bed occupancy last month was at 98 per cent, well above the hospital’s 85 per cent target.
“Torbay Hospital’s ageing infrastructure requires significant upgrades,” said Mr Darling. “I have been lobbying the health secretary relentlessly through ministerial questions, early day motions, letters, and a postcard campaign with hundreds of local residents writing to the minister.”
Away from the main hospital, access to NHS dentistry has declined, as have GP appointments have declined, while waiting times at accident and emergency soar.
Mr Darling continued: “The social care system is strained, with a shortage of care workers and difficulties meeting the needs of older and disabled residents, including those with dementia.
“It is well-known that the Conservatives broke their promise to give Torbay Hospital the repair and upgrade funds it needs.
“The recent 98 per cent bed occupancy is a canary-in-the-coalmine figure which demonstrates the crisis that the Torbay healthcare system is in.
“This really cannot wait any longer, and this government must not repeat the mistakes of its Conservative predecessor.”