Tower Block, Torbay Hospital

Published: 15 October 2026

We understand there is considerable public interest and speculation regarding the Tower Block at Torbay Hospital.

The safety of our patients, staff and visitors remains our absolute priority. The fire safety risks associated with the Tower Block are not new. They have been recognised and actively managed over many years through a range of measures including staff training, evacuation planning, fire safety improvements and ongoing investment, undertaken in partnership with Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service and other agencies.

Yesterday, we confirmed that we have received a Fire Enforcement Notice relating to evacuation arrangements on the upper floors of the Tower Block. We are working closely with Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service to ensure we meet the requirements of the notice and further strengthen our arrangements.

The CQC also recently inspected surgery services based within the Tower Block and has proposed regulatory action relating to the oversight of fire safety processes. We are engaging constructively with the CQC and have the right to appeal. Details of any regulatory action will be published by the CQC as part of its inspection process.

As part of our response, we are exploring a number of options to improve evacuation capability and support future fire safety improvements. This includes reviewing occupancy levels, patient placement, staffing arrangements and the potential relocation of some services within our hospital estate.

We are aware that a range of potential options are being discussed publicly, including references to services based in the Heatherington Unit and education facilities within the Horizon Centre.

It is important to be clear that we are not closing the Tower Block, the Heatherington Unit or Torbay Hospital. We are not reducing access to services for our communities, and we are not sending patients out of area because of these fire safety arrangements.

As part of responsible planning, we are considering a range of potential scenarios, some of which may involve relocating services within our hospital estate however, no decisions have been made, and no proposals have been agreed.

We are developing and testing potential options with clinical and operational colleagues and engaging with teams working in affected areas to ensure any proposals are safe, practical and maintain high-quality care for patients.

We would urge people not to draw conclusions from unconfirmed reports, rumours or partial information. We will share further details once plans have been agreed with Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service.

We will continue to share information through our Listening to our communities page, and our social media channels.