Our statement on the Section 75 Partnership Agreement
We remain fully committed to providing safe, high-quality adult social care for people in Torbay. Our integrated approach has delivered significant benefits for local residents over many years, helping reduce avoidable hospital admissions and supporting people to live well at home.
Like many NHS organisations, we face considerable financial pressures. We are therefore exploring options to ensure that the way we deliver care remains sustainable for the future. These discussions are ongoing and complex, and no decisions have been made.
Our priority is clear: to maintain safe, person-centred care and protect the benefits of integration wherever possible. We are working closely with Torbay Council, NHS Devon, regional and national NHS colleagues to identify solutions that safeguard services for our communities.
We understand the importance of transparency and will continue to engage with partners and stakeholders as discussions progress. Should any changes be proposed, we will work to ensure continuity of care and clear communication with those affected.
Joe Teape, Chief Executive, said: “Our integrated model has brought real benefits for local people, and we want to preserve those wherever possible. These conversations are about sustainability, not about reducing quality or access to care. We are committed to working with partners and regional and national colleagues to find a way forward that protects what matters most – safe, effective services for our communities.”
Maternity experience rated highly in national survey
Families who used our maternity services earlier this year reported positive experiences in the 2025 National Maternity Survey run by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The survey covered people who received care in January and February 2025.
Out of 269 people invited, 122 responded — a 46% response rate, above the national average. The average rating was 86.2%, up 4.2 percentage points on last year. Local services were in the top 20% nationally for 48 of the 63 questions and not in the bottom 20% for any. Five questions improved by at least 10% year-on-year, and none worsened by 10% or more.
Nicola McMinn, Chief Nurse, said: “These results reflect the care and compassion shown by our maternity teams every day. We’re pleased to see such strong feedback and will keep listening and learning so every family feels supported and involved.”
Jo Bassett, Director of Midwifery, added: “Thank you to everyone who took part in the survey and to our colleagues for the kindness and professionalism they show. Every conversation, every moment of care matters. We know not everyone has the experience we would want, and we’re working closely with our Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership to make further improvements.”
During the coming weeks, maternity leaders will review the detailed findings with staff and service users, agree priority actions, and share progress regularly. This work will focus on building on what families value most while addressing areas where experiences can be better.
You can read the survey results at: CQC maternity survey