New space relieves pressure on Torbay A&E

'See and treat' unit opens

A new emergency care unit at Torbay Hospital is tackling the bottleneck of long waits and bed shortages.

The facility has officially opened Phase Two of its multi-million-pound redevelopment, introducing a state-of-the-art Ambulatory Care Area.

The space allows patients to be diagnosed and treated, and sent home on the same day, relieving pressure on A&E teams by clearing emergency floors for life-threatening cases or for those requiring long-term recovery.

Dedicated facilities mean quicker access to tests, getting people home sooner and safer.

This milestone follows the success of Phase One in December 2025, which modernised the reception and triage areas. Staff report that these upgrades have already created a calmer, more supportive environment for both patients and the 6,500-strong team running the Trust.

Dr Amy Jones, Clinical Lead for the Emergency Department, said: "Having this new ambulatory care area genuinely helps us manage demand safely. It gives our teams the space to work effectively, make timely decisions, and support people in a more comfortable environment."

Phase Three is already underway. This final stage of the £14.2 million investment is set to be finished by early summer 2026.

Once complete, the redevelopment will provide high-quality, compassionate care for 292,000 residents, as well as the 100,000 extra visitors who flock to the South Devon coast every summer.