Campaigners will assemble in Torquay next week to protest proposals they say could see essential pathology services transferred from Torbay Hospital to Exeter.
Demonstration set ahead of council meeting
The Heart Campaign has announced a peaceful demonstration outside the English Riviera Centre on Thursday 23 July, timed before Torbay Council's Full Council meeting when councillors are expected to discuss matters related to the Gadeon House project.
At the centre of the dispute is a proposed council loan of £7.5 million to refurbish Gadeon House in Exeter and install equipment said to support the relocation of pathology services away from Torbay Hospital.
"This demonstration is about protecting the future of Torbay Hospital and ensuring local people have a voice. We cannot understand why millions of pounds appear to be available to develop facilities in Exeter, yet investment in a replacement pathology laboratory at or adjacent to Torbay Hospital has not been pursued," said Susie Colley, chair of the Heart Campaign.
Concerns about patient care and consultation
Organisers say several consultant clinicians have publicly expressed worry about how such a move could affect the delivery of acute hospital services. The Heart Campaign argues there has been insufficient public consultation and has submitted multiple Freedom of Information requests seeking further details; they say some of those requests remain unanswered.
For residents, the issues raised by campaigners include the potential impact on turnaround times for test results, logistics for clinicians, and whether pathology services that support emergency and acute care would be compromised if performed off-site.
- Protest location: English Riviera Centre, Torquay
- Date and time: Thursday 23 July (ahead of Full Council meeting)
- Proposed council loan: £7.5 million for refurbishment at Gadeon House, Exeter
Questions for council and health partners
The Heart Campaign says it wants transparency on why the funding would be used in Exeter rather than for a new or replacement pathology laboratory at or adjacent to Torbay Hospital. Campaigners are asking local decision-makers to explain whether alternative options have been explored and what safeguards would be in place to protect acute services if any transfer went ahead.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Project | Gadeon House refurbishment |
| Proposed funding | £7.5 million council loan |
| Campaign action | Public demonstration outside English Riviera Centre |
| Council event | Torbay Council Full Council meeting |
Residents concerned about the future of local hospital services can attend the demonstration to hear directly from campaigners and clinicians raising these questions. The Full Council meeting that follows may shed light on the council's position, the terms of the proposed loan and any responses from health partners involved in pathology services.
Further updates are expected after the council meeting and as campaigners continue to pursue information through Freedom of Information requests.
