Healthy Futures
May 2026: Celebrating our amazing people.
Welcome, from Joe
We have so much to be proud of and none of our achievements would be possible without our people; the time people are waiting for planned care is reducing thanks to the hard work and investment in our teams and elective services; we’re seeing the benefits of our new electronic patient record, Epic, which enables colleagues to see their patient’s medical notes in one place; and our surgical hub recently received national accreditation due to the high quality of care our team provides. You can read more about some of these achievements inside this edition of Healthy Futures.
Whether you’ve won an award or are working silently in the background, I want to say a huge thank you to all of my colleagues and volunteers for everything you do.
Take care and thank you for your continued support of our NHS.
Joe.
Introducing our new chairman
Martin Beaman has taken up his role as our new Chair, after Chris Balch completed his term at the end of April.
Martin is a familiar face for many people at Torbay and South Devon, having been appointed as a Non-Executive Director in 2023 and our Vice Chair in November 2024.
As a former Consultant Physician and Nephrologist, alongside his leadership in postgraduate medical education across the South West, Martin brings a strong clinical background to our Board, and is widely recognised for his commitment to patient safety, workforce development and collaborative working.
Martin says: “I want to thank Chris for his leadership. Since 2023, I’ve come to know the organisation better – its strengths as well as its pressures and have seen first‑hand the commitment, skill and care that colleagues bring to their work every day.
“What’s struck me during my first month is not just the scale of the challenges we face, but the shared determination to keep improving care for our communities. I’m determined that we put more of our collective effort into supporting people earlier and closer to home and continuing to strengthen how we work with general practice and partners so that care feels more joined‑up and preventative. We will be more ambitious and thoughtful about the role of our hospitals and specialist services, making sure they remain places of excellence when people need them and that we keep adapting how they work as needs, pressures and opportunities evolve.”
Chris served as Chair since 2024, providing steady leadership through executive transitions, strengthening governance and assurance, championing collaboration and innovation, and leading digital transformation, including preparations for the roll-out of the One Devon Electronic Patient Record.
Professor Chris Balch said: “It remains a privilege and an honour to have served as Chair. During the past two years we have made real progress together: refreshing our organisational strategy, strengthening quality and patient safety, improving access and laying firm foundations for the future.
“I am grateful for the dedication and commitment of colleagues across our organisation and wish everyone the best for the future.”
People in the Bay are waiting less time for planned surgery
People in Torbay and South Devon who are waiting for a planned operations such as hip and knee replacements and cataract surgery are being seen and treated quicker.
Thanks to the hard work of our teams and multi-million-pound investment in our day surgery and eye surgery theatres at Torbay Hospital, at the end of March, 66.4% of people in The Bay are beginning their treatment within 18 weeks of being referred – more than the national target of 65%.
Our surgical hub at Torbay Hospital has also been recognised nationally for reducing the time people are waiting for planned operations and the high standard of care they receive. NHS England’s Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) programme, which is delivered in partnership with the Royal College of Surgeons of England and supported by the Royal College of Anaesthetists, assesses surgical hubs against a framework of standards to help deliver faster access to common surgical procedures. For our patients, this means shorter waits, fewer last-minute cancellations and a smoother experience from first appointment through to recovery.
Our Chief Medical Officer Dr Kate Lissett says: “We’re proud of our reputation for excellence in day surgery and these figures and the national recognition of our theatres highlight the impact of our team’s dedication to support people. While we recognise there is still more to do, the £15million investment to modernise our theatres at Torbay Hospital has enabled us to increase capacity, reduce waiting times, and support people to get home the same day. This is a testament to all our people, from our outpatient and booking teams, and the theatre workforce all of whom work collaboratively to ensure a safe, patient-centred, and seamless perioperative journey.
“We’re also doing more to support people to prevent ill-health; manage their conditions and reduce the need for surgery, unless clinically appropriate. Services like our new community frailty centre and community diagnostic centre underline our commitment to support people access care in their community so our hospital teams can focus on people who need urgent and acute care.”
The day case theatres, including ophthalmology, at Torbay Hospital are among the strongest‑performing surgical hubs in the South West helping more people have their surgery and go home the same day.
Kate adds: “This national accreditation is a significant and well‑earned achievement and reflects the consistently high standard of care delivered in our theatres and planned care services.”
Hip-hip hooray to our award-winning Our People
The achievements of some of our incredible people who work in our organisation were celebrated and recognised at the annual Our People Awards Celebration.
The event, held at the Riviera International Centre on 21 May 2026, brought together around 240 health and care professionals who had won staff recognition awards during the past year, including winners of the DAISY Award for Nurses and Midwives; the Primrose Award for Healthcare Support Workers; specialty, specialist and associate specialist (SAS) doctors, Resident Doctors; Allied Health Professionals and Our People Awards.
As well as celebrating award winners from the past year, we announced the winners of the prestigious Our People’s Choice team and individual awards. Gabriel Moroti, Nurse on New Forrest Ward, Torbay Hospital, received the individual award for supporting someone during their first stay in hospital when they were feeling vulnerable.
George Earle Ward, Torbay Hospital was announced as the team winner for their compassion and dedication to a patient throughout their stay on the ward. Winners were chosen by a public vote in recognition of those who have made a lasting difference through their care and compassion.
The People Partner Award, for individuals or teams in partner organisations who go the extra mile to support people who use NHS and social care services or their carers, was awarded to Lancelet Support, recognising their intensive, compassionate, and highly person‑centred work with some of the most vulnerable and hardest‑to‑reach individuals in our community.
The Charity Champion Award was presented to Helen French, Admin Team Leader, Breast Care Unit, for her outstanding fundraising efforts in support of the Torbay and South Devon NHS Charity.
Our first ever Volunteer of the Year Award winner was Sam Mead, Way Finder and Transporter, Torbay Hospital, for his friendly, cheerful attitude and for always going out of his way to support others. This new award recognises and celebrates the amazing volunteers, shining a light on their dedication, compassion and commitment.
“This celebration is one of the highlights of our year, as it gives us the opportunity to reflect on the extraordinary contributions of our people, it is a powerful reminder of the dedication, compassion, and professionalism that runs throughout our organisation.”
Joe Teape, Chief Executive
Joe, our Chief Executive, says: “This celebration is one of the highlights of our year, as it gives us the opportunity to reflect on the extraordinary contributions of our people, it is a powerful reminder of the dedication, compassion, and professionalism that runs throughout our organisation.
“Each and every one of our people plays a vital role in delivering the outstanding care and support our communities rely on. I’m incredibly proud of their passion, kindness and commitment. It’s a privilege to recognise the incredible contributions of our people, whose work embodies our values.”
Guests enjoyed a celebratory dinner with live music and dancing, a well-deserved night to relax and reflect on a year of remarkable work.
The evening was made possible thanks to the generous support of event sponsors Nevada Construction; Bailey Partnership; MW Benney; Stride Treglown Architecture; Services Design Solution; Hulley and Kirkwood Consulting Engineers; Arque Ltd; Multiverse and Peninsula Projects Consulting.
Thank you to our midwives and nurses
This month we celebrated our fantastic midwives and nurses and the care they provide, as part of International Day of the Midwife and Nurses’ Day.
Our midwives play a crucial role in promoting safe childbirth and ensuring the health and wellbeing of mothers and their newborns. They provide essential care and support throughout the pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum period, and their expertise and dedication make a real difference in the lives of countless families.
Last year our team delivered just over 1,700 babies and our community is always sharing positive stories and feedback.
“Massive shout out to my midwife Jenny and all the team who helped deliver my baby girl. What an amazing team!”
“Thank you to this fantastic team for getting me to 36 weeks with pre-eclampsia and delivering my baby girl on your busiest day! Wonderful midwife Lou from the Templar Team, the whole Day Assessment Unit who were always incredible, even when so very busy! Everyone who looked after us over the weeks was so lovely and I will never forget the care we received, especially Adelle, Adele, Donna and Dottie when our baby was born (and we have named our little girl Dottie) and anaesthetist Sam, (great playlist)”
Our nurses also play a vital role in providing care and support to people in our hospitals and in the community. We are so grateful for everything they do.
Our Chief Nurse, Nicola says: “I want to say a heartfelt thank you to every one of our nurses and midwives across Torbay and South Devon. Your skill, compassion and steady presence make an extraordinary difference to women, babies and families often at the most intense, joyful and sometimes heartbreaking moments of their lives.
“I know the pride that comes with this profession, and I also understand the pressures our nurses and midwives carry and the resilience it takes to keep showing up with kindness and professionalism. Please know that you are seen, valued, and appreciated. Thank you for all you do.”
One NHS, many nationalities
Across Torbay and South Devon, we are proud to have colleagues from more than 75 different nationalities working as part of our NHS – in our hospital, in our communities, and in people’s homes every day.
Each of those colleagues has made a personal choice to come here, often leaving behind family, friends and everything familiar, to care for local people. That commitment is something we should never take for granted.
Our colleagues bring with them a wide range of skills, expertise, compassion, care, and scientific and technical knowledge. They are nurses, doctors, therapists, scientists, technicians, support workers, administrators and many more – all playing an essential role in caring for people across Torbay and South Devon.
Their contribution is fundamental to the services we provide for our people and the many communities we serve.
We know that Torbay and South Devon is, in the main, a welcoming place to live and work. But we are aware that some of our colleagues experience incivility and, at times, unacceptable behaviour. Even small moments can have a lasting impact on people who are here to care for others.
How we treat each other matters. Kindness, respect and understanding make a real difference – in our services, in our communities, and in the everyday interactions that shape people’s experiences.
We are one NHS, working across many communities – and we are proud of the people who choose to work with us. To all of our colleagues who bring their skills, knowledge and compassion to caring for local people: thank you.
Carl’s big day at the Palace
The weather shone for our colleague Carl Edwards, who was invited to attend the first Royal Garden Party of the year at Buckingham Palace yesterday to celebrate frontline workers.
Carl, who manages our physiotherapy service, joined hundreds of other people from across the country to celebrate the dedication and contribution of those who serve our communities. Carl was one of eight people from Devon and Cornwall’s NHS who were selected to represent our region at the event, which was hosted by The King and Queen. Carl was recognised for the work he has led to improve musculoskeletal (MSK) services locally, particularly through introducing new digital ways for patients to access care more easily and for services to work more effectively. This has helped people get the right support sooner and contributed to improving the experience of MSK care across Torbay and South Devon.
Carl was stunned when he was invited to meet The Duke of Edinburgh, who asked him about his work and living in the South West. He said: “It was an amazing experience and a real honour to represent our organisation. My team has worked so incredibly hard during the past few years to transform our service and make it easier for people to self-refer and access the care they need. As a result, we have seen a reduction in waiting times and more people being seen and accessing care quicker. I’m so proud of what we have achieved, it’s a real team effort.
“This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and I’m so honoured to have been invited to represent my team and to meet other colleagues from across our region who are working so hard to care for people in our communities.”
Advancing future care through research
This month we celebrated the achievements and importance of clinical research, more than 275 years since the first randomised clinical trial was recorded in 1747. Research and clinical trials provide us with the evidence to deliver the highest quality of care to our patients and are an integral part of everything we do at Torbay and South Devon.
We’re making significant progress in research and development and many people from across our organisation are involved in exciting and innovative studies and trials which have the potential to radically transform the way we provide care in the future.
We’re one of the highest recruiters to clinical cancer trials in the country for a hospital of our size, and are frequently selected as the first or only site in the South West to participate in a study.
We were the first site in the UK to recruit to global cancer trials in both the lung and prostate setting and one of the first sites in the UK to open an exciting new triple negative breast cancer trial which will provide a much-needed treatment option for this hard-to-treat group. These important studies have the potential to change the way our children, friends and relatives and people across the country receive cancer treatment in the future.
And it’s not just in cancer research where we’re leading the way; we’re really proud of the work that’s taking place between our neurology and Digital Futures teams to explore the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
Colleagues from our dedicated research colleagues spent time in the exhibition space at Torbay Hospital meeting patients and colleagues who are interested in finding out more about being part of research. They even conducted their own research trial with visitors to the stand asking.
Keira Broom, our Chief Nurse Research Fellow says: “I found spending time with the research delivery team brought research to life. It went from something academic that you assume happens in a university, to something real with real patients.
“Seeing the relationships which the team formed with the patients was amazing and I could see how much the patients benefitted from this.”
AI supported MRI trial launched to improve care for people in Devon with Multiple Sclerosis
We’ve launched a pioneering clinical trial to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) can support earlier and more consistent monitoring of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), marking a significant milestone for people living with the condition.
The ASSIST‑MS clinical trial will evaluate the use of AI‑supported MRI reporting alongside standard radiologist reviews. We’re one of the first centres nationally to integrate AI tools directly into routine MS imaging pathways within a structured research study, giving local people access to cutting‑edge innovation closer to home rather than needing to travel to larger specialist centres.
The study aims to assess if AI can improve consistency, support earlier detection of subtle disease changes, and strengthen clinical decision‑making while ensuring radiologists and neurologists remain central to patient care.
Dr Agne Straukiene, our Consultant Neurologist and MS Service Lead, says: “We are proud to be a forward-thinking organisation which is actively looking at the ways technology can enhance how we provide modern-day healthcare, and the ASSIST‑MS clinical trial has the potential to help us to identify early and more accurate brain anatomy changes for people with MS and improve long-term conditions.
“Introducing AI-supported MRI analysis is about enhancing, not replacing, clinical expertise and by giving our radiologists and neurologists access to AI tools, we hope to detect subtle changes earlier, improve consistency, and ultimately improve patient care. This is exciting news for our MS patients, who will have the opportunity to be at the forefront of trialling innovative technology closer to their home, while helping us to realise the ambitions in the NHS 10 Year Plan to make better use of technology, improved diagnostic accuracy and earlier intervention.”
Clinicians are now approaching and recruiting eligible patients for the ASSIST‑MS in MRI study.
It’s not the first time our MS team has explored the benefits of technology to deliver MS care. In 2022, the team was awarded a £402,000 grant to co-develop a software application for augmented reality (AR) glasses to improve motor function assessments of people with MS to receive detailed neurology assessments at home rather than in hospital, unless needed.
From cancer treatment to playing for England: Deb’s inspiring return to football
Footballer and coach Deb Neale has shown cancer the red card, and is now back doing what she loves most, playing football at a national level.
Deb recently completed treatment for breast cancer at Torbay Hospital, following a period of serious illness that led to her being admitted under specialist care. Her journey was challenging and uncertain at times, but with expert treatment, surgery and rehabilitation – and Deb’s own determination – she began a remarkable recovery.
Reflecting on her experience, Deb is quick to place the spotlight on the people who supported her along the way.
“I’m incredibly proud of how far I’ve come, but I always make sure the Breast Care Unit and its professional, caring staff are at the heart of my story,” she says. “I was supported every step of the way and that care made all the difference.”
Deb also speaks warmly about the kindness and humanity she experienced during her treatment – moments that stayed with her long after her physical recovery began.
“My 59th birthday will always stand out,” she recalls. “The team came into my room with cakes and made such a fuss of me. It reminded me I wasn’t facing this on my own.”
Now living life beyond cancer, Deb has returned to football – a sport that has always been central to her life – and is playing for England’s National Kicking Cancer women’s football team. Through the game, she also travels the country raising money for Breast Cancer Now, while adapting to what she describes as her “new normal”.
“I’m living the life you gave me,” Deb says. “Every time I pull on my England Kicking Cancer shirt, I carry Torbay’s Breast Care Unit with me.”
Jacqui Rees-Lee, Consultant Plastic and Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon, Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Debs has made the most amazing recovery and all of the Breast Care Team are so proud to see her playing for England’s National Kicking Cancer women’s football team. It’s a remarkable return to the sport that had always been central to her life, having been a footballer and coach before her illness. She’s such an inspiration and its wonderful to see her back on the pitch and playing a sport that she loves.
Jacqui added: “Deb’s story is a powerful example of how good cancer care, delivered with skill, compassion and teamwork, coupled with sheer human determination can help patients not only survive, but thrive and return to doing what they love.”
Community event to support people who are living with cancer
People living with cancer, and their family, friends and carers, are invited to a community cancer wellbeing event at Newton Abbot Racecourse next month.
The event takes place on Thursday 25 June from 9.30am to 1.30pm, and brings together local organisations, NHS professionals, and community support groups to showcase the wide range of help available for people affected by cancer, including advice on physical activity, financial matters, and mental health and wellbeing.
The event follows on from the success of last November’s first wellbeing event, and visitors are encouraged to attend throughout the day.
Julie Eason, Personalised Care Project Manager for Cancer Services at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, who has helped organise the event, said: “Last year’s event was a huge success and highlighted the need for people who are living with cancer, and those who are supporting them, to have an opportunity to meet others and discover the local support available to them. Everyone’s experience of cancer is different, and we want to encourage people to take an active role in their own health and wellbeing. Connecting with others who understand what you’re going through can make a real difference, providing reassurance, comfort, and a sense of belonging.
“We want to make it easier for people to access the right information and support all under one roof.”
The event is free to attend, and there’s no need to book – simply come along on the day.
A third wellbeing event is being organised for 20 October, also at Newton Abbot Racecourse. For more information, please contact The Lodge Cancer Support and Information Centre on 01803 656490.
Have you signed up for MY CARE?
More than 17.000 people have signed up to the new MY CARE patient portal since it launched in March.
MY CARE holds your hospital and specialist community medical information in one place, giving you access to your test results, recent and future appointments and letters from us at your fingertips, helping you to easily check where you need to be and when. You can also see the results of any tests you’ve been sent for on MY CARE.
It’s safe and easy to use, giving you easy access to some of your medical information, 24-hours a day, seven days a week, and even when you’re away from home or abroad.
MY CARE complements the NHS app. The NHS app gives you access to information about your GP care, repeat prescriptions, vaccinations, organ donation and NHS 111 online. MY CARE gives you information about your hospital and specialist community care.
It’s already in place at the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and being introduced in July at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, so you can view any appointments you have there.
You can access MY CARE online using your tablet or via a mobile phone app from the Apple App Store or Google Play by searching for MyChart and searching for Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust. Select MY CARE to complete your sign-up. From your computer, you can also sign up online at mycare.exe.nhs.uk/MYCARE and follow the instructions.
League of Friends funding brings comfort and brighter spaces to wards at Torbay Hospital
People on two wards at Torbay Hospital are benefiting from the continued generosity of the Torbay Hospital League of Friends, which has funded new equipment and improvements to ward environments.
On Cheetham Hill ward, which cares for older people, the League has funded new recliner chairs to support people to sit out of bed comfortably and safely. Sitting out of bed, where appropriate, helps people stay active during their hospital stay and supports recovery.
The League has also funded new vinyl wall coverings to refresh the day rooms on Cheetham Hill ward and George Earle ward, the hospital’s stroke ward. The updated spaces create brighter, more welcoming areas where people can spend time away from their bedside, either with visitors or simply for a change of scenery.
Samantha Seymour, our Matron for Healthcare of the Older People, said: “The support from Torbay Hospital League of Friends makes a real difference for the people we care for. Helping people to sit out of bed and stay active is an important part of care, particularly for older people and the new chairs support that in a simple and practical way. The refreshed day rooms also create much nicer spaces for people and their families and we’re very grateful to the League for their continued support.”
The Torbay Hospital League of Friends has been supporting people and staff at the hospital for more than 70 years, funding equipment and improvements that go beyond NHS provision. The League was awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in recognition of its contribution to the local community.
Martin Tucker, Chair of Torbay Hospital League of Friends, said: “We’re pleased to be able to support these improvements on the wards. We exist to help make a positive difference for people cared for at Torbay Hospital and we hope these changes help make people’s time in hospital a little easier and more comfortable.”
League of Friends fund new motorised wheelchairs for Torbay Hospital
Torbay Hospital’s League of Friends has also generously funded three new motorised transfer chairs, including a bariatric chair, to support the safe and efficient movement of patients between wards, clinics and diagnostic areas across the hospital site. The new equipment will make a difference on longer routes and steeper inclines, helping patients reach appointments more quickly and comfortably, while reducing physical strain for portering staff.
Torbay Hospital’s unique setting means moving around the site can be challenging for some patients, particularly those with mobility issues. The motorised wheelchairs will support smoother patient journeys, helping to avoid delays to scans, surgery and outpatient appointments, while also improving safety and comfort for both patients and staff.
Ryan Evans, our Facilities Operations Manager, said: “Torbay Hospital is built on a hill and these motorised wheelchairs will make a real difference to everyday patient care. They’ll help people reach appointments more comfortably and with less delay, while also reducing the physical strain on our porters. We’re very grateful to the League of Friends for supporting something so practical that will be felt immediately across the hospital.”
Martin Tucker added: “When people come into hospital, small things can make a big difference to how safe and cared for they feel. Something as simple as being moved comfortably and without delay really matters. The League of Friends is proud to support projects like this that improve everyday experiences for patients and make life a little easier for the staff who look after them.”
Torbay Hospital League of Friends has been supporting Torbay Hospital for more than 70 years and received the Queens Award for Voluntary Service in 2012. The League continues to fund equipment and improvements that go above and beyond NHS provision, always with the aim of enhancing patient care and experience.
Let’s talk about death and dying
Talking about death can be scary, but we’ve been trying to make it easier to talk openly about your wishes and bereavement.
During this month’s Dying Matters Week, our colleagues on Cheetham Hill created a quiet drop-in space for patients and colleagues where they could talk to one of our end-of-life ambassadors or spend some personal reflection time.
Our palliative and end of life education team also met with patients, visitors and staff to offer support and advice about planning for the future.
Sophie Colling, who works on Cheetham Hill said: “Dying Matters Awareness Week is an important opportunity to open conversations that many people find difficult but deeply need.
“Recognising this week helps ensure that patients and their families feel seen, heard and supported at one of the most vulnerable times in their lives. It’s one of the most rewarding parts of the job and I feel Cheetham Hill ward always tries to go above and beyond when it comes to end of life care.”
Celebrating our fantastic volunteers
June’s Volunteers’ Week, which takes place from 01 to 07, is an opportunity for us to recognise, celebrate and thank you to the 400 people who give their time to support us.
Our volunteers provide invaluable support across our clinical, community and care home services, enabling our colleagues to focus on caring for patients who need us.
Many of our volunteers apply because they want to help others and give something back whilst some get involved to gain work experience and enhance their CV, and last year 10 of our volunteers gained employment in the community and two are now working with us.
Bringing our history into view on level 2, Torbay Hospital
Have you seen our new historical wallpaper at Torbay Hospital? The wallpaper recreates a number of commemorative stones and plaques from Torbay Hospital, including one from the days when the hospital was run as a voluntary hospital, before the NHS. Due to building work these stones have become less visible over time and the wallpaper brings them back into everyday view.
Using photographs of the original stones, the wording, layout and colours have been carefully reproduced so that this part of the hospital’s story is preserved and shared in a way that feels familiar and connected to our timeline.
The wallpaper has been kindly funded by our Torbay and South Devon NHS Charity and reflects the long history of community support that continues today. Please take a look the next time you’re in the hospital.
Recognising and supporting our unpaid carers
If you regularly help someone because they can’t manage alone, whether that’s collecting prescriptions, helping with shopping, attending appointments, or simply being there day to day, you may be an unpaid carer, even if you’ve never described yourself that way.
During next month’s Carers’ Week, we’ll be recognising the vital role carers play. While caring can be hugely rewarding, it can also be challenging, and we believe it’s really important carers know they are not alone and that help is available.
There will be a range of events taking place across our communities during Carers’ Week, which takes place from 08 to 14 June, including coffee afternoons, wellbeing sessions, talks, and special offers at local attractions.
Paignton Carers Centre will host its annual coffee afternoon, while the National Trust is offering free entry for carers and the person they care for at selected sites during the week. There are also opportunities to connect with others, access information, and take a well-deserved break. You can find out about all of the events which are taking place throughout Carers’ Week on our website.
Alongside events, there is ongoing support available throughout the year. Local carers services provide practical advice, emotional support, and help with accessing benefits or respite care. In Torbay, carers can contact Torbay Carers Service, while Devon Carers and Caring for Carers (Plymouth) also offer dedicated support across the wider area.
Carers can also access support online through Bridgit Care Devon, a new easy-to-use online platform which carers find personalised information, local services, and practical guidance. It can even provide tools to help plan and manage caring responsibilities.
Carers Week is about recognising the incredible contribution carers make every day, while ensuring they can access the support they need. We will be sharing more details about Carers Week activities, events, and opportunities on our Facebook and Instagram, and celebrating some of our carers in the June edition of Healthy Futures.
Camilla’s bringing Signs of colour to our gallery
We’re getting ready to share with you Camilla Rose’s eye-catching artwork at our next exhibition at our HeARTs Gallery in Torbay Hospital.
Camilla specialises in traditional signwriting and gilding techniques and designs, and paints for clients across the South West. We’re thrilled that she is exhibiting some of her original pieces of sign art which are inspired by the bright colourful fairground typefaces. The words she chooses to paint have been inspired by working with students on her signwriting courses and from creating protest signs for marches in London.
Camilla’s Signs of colour exhibition will be on display from 24 May – 09 October. The exhibition is free to view with 40% of all sales of work going directly to the HeArTs Charitable Fund to benefit patients and staff at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust. Please visit the next time you’re in the hospital.
You can see more of Camilla’s work on Instagram @camillarosesignwriter
Warm Home Grants scheme now open – apply now!
Torbay residents can apply for a grant to help keep their homes warm.
Torbay Council, in partnership with Devon County Council and other local authorities, is delivering the Warm Homes Local Grant, a government-backed scheme designed to make homes warmer, greener, and more affordable to heat.
The scheme offers fully funded energy efficiency upgrades for eligible households, including measures such as cavity wall and loft insulation, double glazing, air source heat pumps, solar panels and insulated doors. These improvements not only reduce energy bills but also cut carbon emissions, supporting Devon’s commitment to a sustainable future.
Improvements available include double glazing, cavity wall insulation, loft insulation, air source heat pumps, insulated doors and solar PV.
To qualify, homes must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D or below, and must either receive certain benefits or meet the specified low income criteria. Landlords can also apply, with one property fully funded and contributions required for additional homes.
This initiative prioritises households most at risk of fuel poverty, ensuring that those who need help the most receive it.
Healthwatch – what next for patient voice?
Healthwatch Devon, Torbay and Plymouth has published a short article online summarising a new national report from The King’s Fund on the future of patient voice and learning from the Healthwatch model.
The report draws on national evidence to assess what has worked well during the past decade and what needs to be protected as the system prepares for the planned closure of Healthwatch and transfer of its functions.
E-Bike safety—let’s keep each other safe
We want to encourage our patients, visitors and staff to consider environmentally friendly ways to visit our hospitals and services. E-bikes are a great way to travel, are good for the environment and for our health, but did you know the batteries they use can pose a fire risk if not stored properly?
If you’re using an E-bike to visit one of our hospitals, please remember:
- only park or secure your e-bike in the designated bike stores
- e-bikes and their batteries must not be brought inside our buildings
- don’t secure bikes to fences, barriers, or anywhere that could block evacuation routes or access to important equipment. On hospital and clinical sites, caging or fencing is often there to protect vulnerable equipment like oxygen stores. If a battery catches fire near oxygen, it could be especially dangerous.
Thank you for helping us look after each other.
Open gardens in Olchard – supporting Rowcroft Hospice
Olchard, a small hamlet in Torbay and South Devon (TQ12 3GX), is generously opening its gardens this June to raise money for Rowcroft Hospice.
The Olchard Open Gardens event takes place on Saturday 13 June, 12 noon–5pm and promises to be a really lovely afternoon out. Eight beautiful gardens will be open along with a plant stall, cider tour and samples – and importantly, teas and very good home‑made cakes.
Tickets are £5 for adults (children go free), with parking available. All proceeds go to Rowcroft Hospice, which supports people and families across Torbay and South Devon.
Donate or find out more on their Just Giving page.
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