Supporters of the Heart Campaign are organising a visible demonstration outside Torbay Council’s full meeting on 23 July, urging elected members to explain plans they say could put services at Torbay Hospital at risk.
What’s planned
Campaigners will assemble at the English Riviera Centre ahead of the council meeting, wearing red to show solidarity. The protest follows renewed concern about proposals that would transfer some laboratory functions away from Torbay to premises in Exeter.
- Where: English Riviera Centre, Torbay
- When: Before the full council meeting on 23 July
- Who: Members of the Heart Campaign and local supporters
Campaigners’ concerns
Those involved in the Heart Campaign say they are seeking transparency over decisions that could affect the future of services on the hospital site. The campaign originated after suggestions were made that some heart-care services might be transferred to Exeter, sparking fears about longer journeys for emergency patients — an anxiety amplified during busy summer months when traffic between Torbay and Exeter can be slow.
“This is about protecting local healthcare for our families, our friends and future generations. We need as many people as possible to come along and show the council just how strongly the people of Torbay feel about the future of our hospital.”
Trust and council responses
Health managers have previously stepped back from the most controversial heart-service changes, saying they do not intend to move core services out of Torbay. The local trust has stated a need to relocate work from an outdated laboratory on the hospital campus and intends to keep some tissue-testing functions within the bay.
Separately, Torbay Council has committed £7.5 million towards a project that would move certain lab services to Gadeon House on the outskirts of Exeter. That arrangement has become a focal point for campaigners who view it as the start of a gradual shift of services away from the bay.
| Issue | Current position |
|---|---|
| Move of some lab services | Proposal to use Gadeon House, Exeter; council committed £7.5m |
| Heart services | Controversial plans were shelved; campaign remains active |
Local impact
Campaigners have warned that any slow erosion of services could lengthen travel times for urgent care and place extra pressure on patients and relatives. Torbay residents who rely on quick access to emergency cardiology or timely laboratory results say they want clear assurances from both the health trust and council that essential services will remain local.
The demonstration is likely to draw local councillors and members of the public seeking answers. Organisers emphasise turnout as a way to press for openness over future decisions affecting the hospital.
Further reporting will follow the council meeting on 23 July and any responses given by health trust officials or council leaders.
