Statement from our Chair

Published: 26 August 2025

Professor Chris Balch, Chair, Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, said: I can confirm that we have received Mr Kiddey’s resignation from his role as a governor on Friday 22 August 2025. It is Mr Kiddey’s personal choice to step down. We thank him for his years of service as a governor and for representing the interests and views of his constituency.

“We appreciate the personal views Mr Kiddey has expressed both in his resignation letter and in the press release from the Heart Campaign. His comments will be shared with the Board of Directors and Council of Governors.

“There will follow an election for a new governor, which is a voluntary role, in due course.”

NHS Devon’s Board was due to consider a proposal on Thursday 29 May to establish a short-term, fixed-length “test and learn” process for out-of-hours primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (pPCI) services in Torbay and Exeter. In the light of the wide-ranging comments received from staff, clinicians, patients, the public and elected representatives, the Chair and Chief Executive of NHS Devon decided to withdraw this proposal.

A case for change is currently being finalised that covers cardiovascular disease, cardiology and cardiac surgery – this scope was agreed by system leaders across Devon and does not contain any proposals.

Once the case for change has been agreed – this will be presented to the three Overview and Scrutiny Committees, and establish forums for patients, the public, clinical partners, and wider stakeholders to share views and collaborate on solutions.