New national survey results show that people treated for cancer in Torbay consistently report excellent experiences of care. The National Cancer Patient Experience Survey 2025 places Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust well above average on a range of measures, with no areas performing below the expected national standard.
High scores across communication, support and planning
Almost 500 local patients who received treatment between April and June 2025 took part in the survey. The Trust achieved an overall score of 9.1 out of 10 and returned a response rate of 60%, significantly higher than the national average of 48%. Compared with similarly sized organisations, Torbay and South Devon recorded more than 20 scores that were significantly above the national mean.
- 96% said they received the information they needed before diagnostic tests.
- 95% said they had a named point of contact within their cancer care team; of those, 89% found it easy to get in touch and 97% said the advice was helpful.
- 97% reported someone helped them create a personalised care plan and 99% said those plans were regularly reviewed and kept up to date.
- More than nine in ten respondents felt their care teams worked well together; 92% said they were treated with respect and dignity while in hospital.
What this means for patients in Torbay
For local people facing a cancer diagnosis, the survey's findings offer reassurance that services in Torbay are performing strongly on the human and practical aspects of care: communication, emotional support and clear points of contact. The high response rate suggests this picture is grounded in substantial local feedback rather than a small sample.
| Measure | Torbay Trust | National average |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 9.1/10 | — |
| Response rate | 60% | 48% |
| Named contact within team | 95% | — |
Trust leaders say the results reflect sustained efforts across cancer services. In response to the publication, the Trust's Chief Nurse highlighted the staff commitment behind the scores.
"We are delighted that our patients continue to tell us they receive such high-quality cancer care and support. A cancer diagnosis can be one of the most challenging times in a person's life, so it is incredibly rewarding to see patients recognise the compassion, professionalism and dedication shown by our teams every day."
While the survey offers positive reassurance about the quality of care, it is also a reminder for local health commissioners and hospital managers to maintain the systems—named contacts, reviewed care plans and clear communications—that patients value. For anyone navigating cancer treatment in Torbay, the survey suggests reliable access to specialist professionals and support.
Further details of the National Cancer Patient Experience Survey 2025 compare 130 NHS trusts across England and will be used by the Trust and regulators to identify both strengths to build on and any areas where small improvements could benefit patient experience.
