Kevin has reacted with concern to the latest moves from the NHS Devon Integrated Care Board on heart services in Devon.
After the last-minute withdrawal of a previous plan to send heart attack patients from Torbay to Exeter, on Thursday (31st July 2025) the NHS Devon Integrated Care Board will consider the next steps in what it calls: “Developing a case for change for cardiovascular disease, cardiology and cardiac surgery services.”. A keen eye being needed to find this information as the relevant report starts on page 194 of a 437 page set of papers which will be considered by the NHS Devon Integrated Care Board.
The ICB has confirmed the case for change will cover all elements of the cardiovascular disease (CVD) pathway and cardiology services in Devon, including cardiac (Heart) surgery services.
Health campaigners have expressed their concerns about what this could mean for the future of Torbay Hospital’s heart services after a list of “initial findings” in the report due to be considered by the ICB includes the following:
- There are productivity opportunities in acute hospital services which need to be grasped to ensure we are sustainable and responsive to the needs of patients now and in the future.
- Devon spends a higher amount than other ICB’s on secondary care cardiology services.
These could point towards a move to reduce hospital services and consolidate them for greater productivity, with Torbay Hospital’s Heart Unit at most risk in this process.
Commenting Kevin Foster said:
“After the devastating news earlier this year of the Government’s decision to kick back the start of vital rebuilding work at Torbay Hospital for a decade, we cannot allow this decision to be followed by a wider move to remove vital services and downgrade our hospital.”
A “case for change” is not a neutral move, as accepting such a document could be used as the basis of forcing through future changes which would harm our bay’s health services.”
The Torbay Heart Campaign will be holding a meeting on Tuesday (29th July) at 5pm for a 5:30pm start at the Livermead House Hotel, Torquay. All residents are encouraged to attend.
You can read the NHS DEvon ICB Board papers for yourself by clicking here then selecting the Board Agenda and Papers for 31st July 2025.
