AN ADDITIONAL £2.367 million in funding has been secured to reduce what health bosses describe as ‘critical infrastructure risks’ at Torbay Hospital.

The money will be used to support essential work including: ventilation upgrades for cancer services; improvements to water systems; enhanced fire safety measures and roof edge protection.

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust says it is ‘delighted’ to have secured the funding from the national Estates Safety Fund.

This is on top of the £7.3 million secured earlier this year.

The aim is to tackle the most urgent problems on the ageing estate.

Chief Executive Joe Teape said: ‘This additional funding is a vital boost that will help us address some of our most urgent safety risks.

‘While it won’t solve all the challenges of our ageing estate, it demonstrates our determination to do everything possible to keep patients and staff safe.

‘We remain committed to securing the major investment needed to deliver modern facilities for our communities and staff.

'I would like to express my gratitude to all our colleagues who work tirelessly to minimise the impact of our ageing estate on patient experience and safety.

'I am also grateful for the continued support and advocacy from our three local MPs, Caroline Voaden, Martin Wrigley and Steve Darling, for the major investment we need for Torbay Hospital.’

Torbay Hospital has one of the oldest estates in the country and earlier this year was notified of delays to the New Hospital Programme.

While this additional funding will help mitigate immediate risks, the need for significant long-term investment in the Torbay Hospital estate remains.