Our timeline
We have a long history of health and care services in Torbay and South Devon. We’ve been capturing some of our key milestones on a timeline that’s adorning the wall of one of our main corridors at Torbay Hospital.
This short video gives a glimpse of the historical milestones that are captured in the display:
You can see the full timeline on the level 4 link corridor at Torbay Hospital.
Alternatively, please see the online version of our history below.
Have we missed a milestone or not got something quite right? Let us know.
1850
Sir Lawrence Palk and his brother, Lord Haldon, donated a site on Higher Union Street to become the first Torbay Hospital. The foundation stone for the new hospital was laid in 1850 and the building finished in 1853.
The hospital was established as a voluntary hospital which meant that it was provided and maintained by voluntary funds. Local people either paid a weekly contribution as a member or paid an entrance fee when they were admitted (and then became a weekly paying member).
1871
The first hospital in Dawlish opened.
1899
Ashburton and Buckfastleigh Community Hospital opened. Like Paignton, it became a health and wellbeing centre in 2015.
1900
Opening of Moretonhampstead Hospital. The hospital is now managed by Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.
1911
The first hospital in Bovey Tracey opened. The most recent site then opened in 1932.
23 June 1926
The foundation stone of Torbay Hospital was laid by Ella Rowcroft. Miss Violet Wills, Ella’s sister, contributed £13,000 which funded the radiotherapy department.
The 90th anniversary of the laying of the foundation stone.
Sir Richard Ibbotson (Chairman), Ian Handford (Torbay Civic Society) and Monica Bulman (who was one of the longest serving nurses in the country)
1928
Brixham Community Hospital opened on its current site. There has been a hospital in Brixham since 1891.
17 November 1928
The official opening of Torbay Hospital was held! The celebration event included a ceremony by Lord Mildmay of Flete, Lord Lieutenant of the County of Devon. Over 2,000 representatives from the professional, commercial and social life of Torbay were in attendance, though Ella Rowcroft was unable to attend herself due to ill health.
29 May 1930
His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales, (the future Edward VIII), visited Torbay Hospital.
12 August 1930
On 12 August 1930, the Chapel at Torbay Hospital was opened and dedicated by the Right Reverend the Lord Bishop of Exeter.
Ella Rowcroft specified that £6,000 of her generous donation should be allocated to the building of the Chapel and stained-glass window. She also donated a chalice and paten which is on display in the level 4 main entrance of Torbay Hospital.
Today, we aim to offer spiritual support for all. In additional to the Chapel, we also have a Multi-Faith Prayer Room at Torbay Hospital and ‘The Sanctuary’ at Newton Abbot Community Hospital.
1931
Some of the clinical staff at Torbay Hospital.
1936
Torbay Hospital nurses including Matron Miss Turner.
