Estate works in maternity
From Monday 17 November, work will begin to improve maternity service at Torbay Hospital. The work will initially begin on level 4 in the antenatal clinic / day assessment area to improve the triage area. Future work will also take place to improve the labour ward, including the staff handover area for greater safety and the renovation of our Kingsley suite (birthing pool room) to install an accessible bathroom
We’re aiming to keep noise and disruption to a minimum, but there will be some noise and temporary relocation of services while the work takes place.
Please continue to visit the women’s health unit as usual if you have an appointment – our midwives will let you know if you need to access a different way. It’s hoped the triage works will be completed by the end of January.
Thank you for your understanding.
Giving children a balanced start in life
To help meet the needs of the children and young people of Devon, Children and Family Health Devon is using a framework called The Balanced System®. This system is designed to make sure that everyone, including children and young people along with their support networks, including parents and carers and health and education professionals, have the right support, at the right time to develop and improve speech, language and communication skills.
Find out more about The Balanced System ® Transformation on the Children and Family Health Devon website.
Blooming marvellous partnership with Torquay Rotary Club
We’re thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership with Torquay Rotary Club which will see Torbay Hospital bloom with colour next spring.
Volunteers from the Rotary Club and hospital staff have planted 1,000 purple crocus bulbs by the Lowes Bridge entrance, creating a vibrant welcome for patients, visitors, and staff.
This initiative is more than just a gardening project—it’s a celebration of what can be achieved when local organisations and volunteers work hand in hand. The crocus planting is part of Rotary International’s global campaign to raise awareness of polio eradication, with the purple crocus symbolising the fight against this disease and the power of vaccination.
Ryan Evans, our Facilities Operations Manager, said: “This is a wonderful example of community partnership in action. By working together, we’re not only brightening the hospital entrance but also sending a message of hope and unity. We’re proud to support Rotary’s efforts to end polio and grateful for the positive impact this collaboration will have on everyone who visits our hospital.”
Roy Tuttle, President of Torquay Rotary Club, added: “Community is at the heart of everything Rotary does. Planting these crocuses alongside our NHS partners shows how much we can achieve together. As they bloom, we hope they inspire everyone who sees them to support the global campaign to eradicate polio and to celebrate the strength of local partnership.”
The crocuses are expected to flower in early spring, serving as a lasting symbol of what’s possible when communities come together for a shared cause.
Become a nurse with The Open University
Why not make 2026 your best year yet by training and studying to become a nurse with us and the award-winning programme we’ve developed with The Open University.
Since we launched our successful partnership last year, 18 people are now studying for an adult nursing degree with The Open University and 16 people are waiting to begin their studies in February.
We’re now looking for our class of 2029 to begin training to become a nurse and, for the first time, anyone who’s ever dreamt of becoming a children’s nurse can also take the first step to realising their dream.
People will be able to study from home without the need to commute to university, and we will guarantee all clinical placements across our acute and community settings. This innovative approach to studying is the perfect opportunity for anyone who’s ever considered nursing or know someone who has, but maybe the time wasn’t right or they didn’t meet the entry criteria. It’s been so successful it was even shortlisted for a prestigious Nursing Times award.
Applicants will need a GCSE in maths and English at grade C/4 or equivalent (such as functional skills level 2) to be considered.
People who have completed healthcare-related modules or qualifications at higher education level within the past 10 years (such as a registered nursing associate, assistant practitioner, a Diploma of Higher Education, Higher Apprenticeship or a degree programme), may be able to count that study towards The Open University’s Pre-Registration Nursing Programme, helping to accelerate their path to becoming a Registered Nurse.
You can find out more about the course, entry requirements, funding arrangements and any other questions by talking to Torbay and South Devon’s clinical education team at open days:
- 11 December, 6pm to 8pm, online via MS Teams
- 09 January, 6pm to 8pm, Horizon Centre, Torbay Hospital
- 10 January, 10am to midday, Horizon Centre, Torbay Hospital
- 27 January, 6pm to 8pm, online via MS Teams
Our Chief Nurse, Nicola, said: “Our nurses are the backbone of our NHS and we’re committed to growing our future nursing and midwifery workforce to ensure we can continue to deliver our promise of better health and care for all.
“Our partnership with The Open University continues to grow in strength and I am incredibly proud of everyone who has taken their first steps to fulfil their dream by study for a nursing degree with our unique partnership. This is an exciting opportunity for people in Torbay and South Devon to study for their nursing degree without having to commute, meaning they can study alongside any other caring responsibilities you may have. We will also guarantee all of your clinical placements with us, giving you a unique insight into providing care for people in our community.
“Being a nurse is the best job in the world and I would encourage anyone who has ever dreamt of being a nurse to take their first step towards fulfilling their dream by applying to join our next cohort.”
Applications open on 01 December and close 10 February. Please email tsdft.pre-registrationnursing@nhs.net, call 01803 656677 or visit Torbay and South Devon’s website for more information.