Celebrating 40 years of providing compassionate women’s health
We’re celebrating 40 years of our Women’s Health Unit, which provides maternity, specialist antenatal and postnatal care, support for families experiencing loss and bereavement, care for gynaecological conditions, urogynaecology services, emergency and inpatient gynaecology care.
During the next few months, we’re shining a light on some of the memories and reflections from the past 40 years, including Ali Meadows, Torbay and Devon Carers and Governor Representative, who shares a very personal and emotional memory about the early arrival of her son, Jack, 34 years ago.
“In June 1991, when I was 28 weeks pregnant, I developed severe pre-eclampsia. It was an incredibly worrying time, and events moved very quickly. On 12 June, my darling son Jack made his arrival into the world, far earlier than expected and weighing just 2lbs 4¼ ounces.
“A special team was ready to deliver him by caesarean section, and among them was midwife Jan Miles, who captured his very first photograph. I will never forget her kindness. Jan later came to visit me to tell me all about Jack and how he was doing, as he had been taken straight to Exeter Neonatal Unit for specialist care. It was three long days before I was well enough to travel and finally see him.
“Over the years, life moved on, and as fate would have it, Jan and I got to know each other again as our children went to the same schools. Remarkably, even 34 years later, Jan still asks after Jack. That level of care and compassion has always stayed with me.
“I couldn’t have wished for anyone more kind or caring to be there with him in his first moments of life. Thank you, Jan.”
We caught up with Jan, who is still a midwife working in our Women’s Health Unit and she said “I still remember being with Ali the day Jack was born. What a special day that was and the pleasure has continued over the years getting updates from Ali on what he has been up too!
“It has been a privilege to be with a midwife at Torbay Hospital and to walk with so many women and their families during this special but often challenging time of life.”
A magic carpet lands in our children’s emergency department
Children who arrive at our emergency department will be able to relax, play and feel more at ease while they wait, thanks to the generosity of Torbay Hospital’s League of Friends.
Our Paediatric Emergency Department would like to say a huge thank you to the League of Friends for funding £7,442 for the purchase of the magic carpet – an interactive, sensory projection system. The system projects engaging games, music, and activities onto the floor, helping children, young people and their families to relax, play, and feel more at ease in what can be an unfamiliar and stressful environment sometimes.
The interactive magic carpet has something for all ages and is also popular with our staff too!
We are very grateful for the support and generosity of the Torbay Hospital League of Friends.
Celebrating 80 years of nurses supporting nurses at Torbay Hospital
This year marks a remarkable milestone for the Torbay Hospital Nurses’ League as they celebrate their 80th anniversary. At the heart of this legacy is a tradition of care, camaraderie, and unwavering support among nurses—past and present.
The League’s annual Christmas Fair brought together colleagues, friends, patients and visitors for a festive day filled with joy, fundraising and shared memories. Every penny raised goes toward helping nurses in need, continuing the League’s proud mission: nurses supporting nurses.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed to making this event such a success.
Here’s to 80 years of compassion and connection—and many more to come!