South Devon's Liberal Democrat MPs have strongly criticised the government's announcement that repairs and upgrades to Torbay Hospital won’t start until 2032.The hospital, one of the oldest in the country, has 80% of its estate deemed unfit for purpose, resulting in sewage leaks, ventilation issues, cancelled operations, and bed occupancy at 98% - well above the 85% target.
Torbay MP Steve Darling, alongside neighbouring MPs Caroline Voaden and Martin Wrigley, has been actively lobbying the Health Secretary through various channels, including a recent spotlight report highlighting the dire state of health and social care services in the area.
Steve said: “Patient safety is at risk, and we’ve been left desperately let down.
“We can’t wait any longer. The Conservatives broke their promise to our community, and now this Labour government has kicked the issue into the long grass.
“The Health Secretary must immediately release the impact assessment to show how these delays will affect people here and how much longer we’ll be stuck with inadequate local health services. I, along with other Liberal Democrats, will continue to fight for our community every single day until we get the commitments we deserve.”
South Devon MP, Caroline Voaden said:
“This Government was elected on a desire for change, but today’s decision is just more of the same. For years, Torbay Hospital was repeatedly let down by the Conservatives, and Labour are picking up where they left off. For the Government to delay repairs to a hospital whose estate is nearly entirely unfit for purpose is unforgivable. This decision must urgently be reviewed; it’s unacceptable that in 2024, patients are being treated in a hospital with a leaking roof, crumbling concrete and sewage running down the corridor.”
MP for Newton Abbot, Martin Wrigley added:
“Having toured Torbay Hospital, and seen the state of decay, I am dismayed that this has been kicked into the long grass. The hospital is not fit for purpose, and the people of Newton Abbot have yet again been let down, Devon deserves better after years of Conservative cuts.”
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