A major extension and refurbishment of the Emergency Department at Torbay Hospital, delivered for Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust as part of a £14.2m investment to increase capacity and improve urgent and emergency care across the region.

Funded through the national Adult Care Transformation and Innovation Fund, the scheme responds directly to long-standing pressures on facilities that were no longer fit for purpose.

Phase 1 delivered a new wrap-around extension to the Emergency Department, including expanded triage, reception, waiting and support areas, creating a more modern and welcoming first point of care.

Phase 2 is now complete, providing additional space to improve patient flow, upgrading the Minors Emergency Department, and introducing a dedicated mental health triage area to support patients in crisis.

This project has been driven by the needs of frontline staff and patients, with a strong focus on creating an environment that supports timely assessment, clinical decision-making and staff wellbeing.

Working closely with Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, the design and construction were shaped around how the department operates in practice, ensuring that new and refurbished spaces enhance functionality rather than simply increase floor area.

Construction was carefully sequenced to allow the Emergency Department to remain open and fully operational throughout both phases. Particular attention was given to access routes, ambulance arrivals and patient flow, ensuring the department could continue to function safely while new facilities were delivered.

Clear and consistent communication with clinical teams ensured that works were aligned with the day-to-day pressures of a busy emergency care environment.

The completion of both phases has delivered significant improvements to the Emergency Department, creating a more efficient, supportive and patient-focused environment.

Enhanced triage and waiting areas have improved the arrival experience, while the reconfigured and upgraded Minors department provides better clinical facilities for both patients and staff. The introduction of a dedicated mental health triage space ensures that patients in crisis can be assessed in a more appropriate and supportive setting.

Additional capacity and improved layout have strengthened patient flow through the department, helping to reduce waiting times and support more effective care delivery.

This project represents a major step forward in providing an Emergency Department that is fit for modern healthcare demands, supporting both the local community and the staff who deliver care every day.