Understand
Torbay Hospital issued with enforcement notice to make immediate fire safety changes
Overview
Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust has been issued an enforcement notice by Devon and Somerset Fire Service and a warning notice by the Care Quality Commission following an inspection of floors four to eight of Torbay Hospital's Tower Block in July. The hospital must implement changes by 6 November to ensure sufficient escape routes, reduce inpatient numbers in the Tower Block, increase evacuation staff, and relocate vulnerable patients.
Key points
- Torbay Hospital received an enforcement notice from Devon and Somerset Fire Service concerning floors four to eight of the Tower Block.
- Changes must be completed by 6 November to provide sufficient escape routes in the event of a fire.
- The Care Quality Commission has also inspected the building and issued a warning notice.
- The hospital trust is planning to temporarily relocate some services and reduce the number of inpatients in the Tower Block.
- Required actions include increasing the number of staff capable of evacuating patients and relocating individuals who would be difficult to evacuate.
- The trust stated that the Tower Block is an ageing building with known estate and fire safety risks linked to its age, design, and condition.