Local MPs Demand Answers on Proposed Changes to Torbay and South Devon Cardiology Services

Local MPs Demand Answers on Proposed Changes to Torbay and South Devon Cardiology Services

Local MPs, Steve Darling, Caroline Voaden and Martin Wrigley, have written to the local health boss, Steve Moore of the Devon Integrated Care Board, demanding answers regarding proposed changes to out-of-hours Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PPCI) services.

The proposed changes, detailed in a cardiology update on February 7th, 2025, suggests temporarily co-locating these services from Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust (TSD) at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. This has raised significant concerns within the medical community at Torbay Hospital. 

Consultants at Torbay Hospital expressed their concerns over the proposed changes to the coronary service, citing higher mortality rates and increased levels of incapacity among survivors. This was discussed during a meeting with three MPs and cardiologists on Friday, 28th February. Due to the severity of these concerns, the MPs have written to the health boss to express their deep worries about the potential negative impacts of the proposed changes.

The letter to Steve Moore expresses deep concern over the decision, highlighting the belief of ten members of the Torbay Hospital cardiac team that the move will lead to higher mortality rates and increased incapacity of survivors. The letter questions the evidence supporting the claim of improved services, notes the lack of an initial advanced governance review, and seeks clarification on whether South-West Ambulance Services were consulted. It requests a written response, an urgent meeting, and reassurance that services will remain at Torbay if the pilot program fails. 

South Devon MP, Caroline Voaden, said: 

“The proposed changes to out-of-hours coronary services, combined with the Government’s recent decision to delay repairs to Torbay Hospital, is setting off alarm bells about the quality of patient outcomes in South Devon. Moving this service from Torbay to Exeter could have serious repercussions for those travelling from further away like Dartmouth or Brixham. During a coronary episode, time is everything, and by moving crucial services to a place that is over an hour’s drive away from both of these places, we’re increasing the risks patients face.”

Newton Abbot MP, Martin Wrigley added:

Once again the people of South Devon are being let down by the services that are supposed to be there when they need help the most.  We are told that the vital repairs to Torbay Hospital will not take place until 2032 at the earliest, and now the Trust have proposed moving this essential emergency service to Exeter.  Cardiologists at the hospital have expressed grave concerns about this trial and it has caused extreme worry amongst not only my constituents here in Newton Abbot, but throughout my neighbouring constituencies too.  There also has to be consideration given to the increased activity that will be seen at Exeter hospital if this trial goes ahead, has there been any assessment undertaken of how increased numbers of patients will impact their Cardiology services?  

Steve has also a live petition calling for the plans to be halted. This petition can be seen at https://www.torbaylibdems.org.uk/campaigns/save-our-out-of-hours-coronary-services