A FURTHER £1.8million government funding has been awarded to Torbay and South Devon NHS to support fire safety improvements in Torbay Hospital’s Tower Block.

Torbay Hospital has the third oldest hospital estate in the country, and significant investment is needed to maintain and improve existing buildings while plans for a new hospital progress.

The Tower Block has recognised estate and fire safety risks linked to its age, design and condition, which the trust continues to manage through maintenance, practical safety measures, staff training, evacuation planning and ongoing investment.

Joe Teape, Chief Executive of Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, said: ‘This funding will help us build on the work already under way to manage and reduce fire safety risks in the Tower Block.

‘It is a welcome and important step, but further capital investment will be needed to continue the improvement work in the Tower Block.

'Torbay Hospital has one of the oldest hospital estates in the country and significant investment will continue to be needed to maintain and improve our existing buildings while we plan for the future.

‘We will continue working with local, regional and national partners to secure the investment we need.

‘We are grateful to our local MPs, Steve Darling, Martin Wrigley and Caroline Voaden, who continue to champion Torbay Hospital and make the case for that investment.’

Torbay Hospital remains part of the national New Hospital Programme which has been reorganised into a series of delivery waves, and Torbay and South Devon is currently included in Wave 2, with planned construction between 2032 and 2035.

While planning continues for the future hospital, the trust is continuing to invest in its current estate. Recent investment includes the £14.2 million redevelopment of the Emergency Department and improvements to maternity facilities.

Work is also under way to refurbish the day theatres, relocate the Surgical Admission Unit, expand the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery department and improve the hospital’s electrical infrastructure.