Torbay’s MP expresses outrage over the postponement of a crucial hospital rebuild, calling it a betrayal by both the previous and current governments
Torbay: The local MP is really upset about the delay in the hospital rebuild. It’s a big deal, costing £350 million, and he’s calling it a double betrayal.
So, the government just announced that the work won’t kick off until 2032 at the earliest. That’s a long wait, especially since the hospital has serious issues like sewage leaks and bad ventilation.
Steve Darling, the Lib Dem MP, is fuming. He feels let down by both the Conservatives and now the Labour government. He said he’s shocked and disappointed by this news.
This whole rebuild was first promised back in 2020 by Boris Johnson, who said he’d build 40 new hospitals. But guess what? The funding never came through before Labour took over in 2024.
Now, health minister Wes Streeting is reviewing the situation. He pointed out that not all those promised hospitals were actually new, and many were just refurbishments.
Streeting also mentioned that the funding for these projects was supposed to run out in March, leaving no money for the future. He said if he’s shocked, patients should be furious too.
Darling sent a report to Streeting detailing the awful conditions at Torbay Hospital. Patients and staff have been getting infections from sewage leaks, and one department even got flooded, halting all outpatient services for a week.
There are also ventilation issues in the operating theatres and the special care baby unit. It’s pretty alarming that a staff member contracted TB due to poor ventilation in the mortuary.
The main building has serious concrete problems, and there are fire safety issues all over the place. The kitchens and restaurant aren’t even up to standard anymore, and roofs are leaking.
Darling fears that the hospital will keep facing these sewage leaks, which are affecting patient care. They’re already running at 98% capacity, meaning people aren’t getting the services they need.
He’s worried that residents will feel the pinch from the National Insurance hike without seeing any real benefits in their local NHS.
Other local Lib Dem MPs are also upset. Caroline Voaden from South Devon said this decision is just more of the same old story. She feels Torbay Hospital has been let down for years.
Newton Abbot MP Martin Wrigley is equally dismayed. After visiting the hospital, he couldn’t believe it’s been pushed aside again. He thinks Devon deserves better after all the cuts.
Even former Conservative MP Kevin Foster, who lost his seat to Darling, is disappointed. He can’t understand why replacing buildings from the 1920s isn’t a priority for Labour.
On a brighter note, there’s some good news for Plymouth’s Derriford Hospital. They might start work on a new emergency care center this year, which is a relief.
Fred Thomas, the Labour MP for Plymouth Moor View, is pleased with the health secretary’s response to the pressure they’ve been under. It’s nice to see some progress, at least!
