A major extension and refurbishment of the Emergency Department at Torbay Hospital, forming 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 is now complete and open to patients, providing a new wrap-around extension to the Emergency Department. The new spaces include expanded triage, reception, waiting and support areas, creating a more modern and welcoming first point of care. Phase 2 is currently underway and will focus on the refurbishment and reconfiguration of existing Minors areas, alongside the delivery of dedicated mental health assessment and care spaces.

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 of the new extension were shaped around how the department operates in practice, rather than simply increasing floor area.

Construction was carefully sequenced to allow the Emergency Department to remain open and fully operational throughout. Particular attention was given to access routes, ambulance arrivals and patient flow, ensuring the department could continue to function safely while new facilities were brought online. Clear communication with clinical teams helped align works with day-to-day pressures within a busy emergency setting.

The completion of Phase 1 is already delivering tangible benefits, including a calmer waiting environment, improved triage capacity and better support spaces for staff. The increased footprint allows patients to be assessed more efficiently, helping to improve flow through the department and reduce waiting times.

Once complete, the full scheme will provide space for specialist assessment, same day emergency care and integrated mental health provision, supporting higher-quality care for the Torbay and South Devon community. The project represents a significant step forward in providing an Emergency Department that is fit for modern healthcare demands and better equipped to support the staff who deliver care every day.