Campaigners express frustration as NHS suggests no work to start on new hospital until at least 2033
The NHS has given an updated on when it expects the upgrade to begin at Torbay Hospital
Campaigners say "it's a blow" the rebuild of Torbay Hospital won't now start in 2032.
A letter has been sent to councillors - from the NHS - giving a clearer idea of timetables, which suggests work could now be pushed back from starting until 2035 and certainly not before 2033.
It's after the Government announced Plymouth's A&E would be prioritised but North Devon and Torbay Hospitals would have to wait until the second phase of the Government's rebuilding programme.
The new Labour Government says the old Government's timetable for hospital upgrades was not achievable.
The letter to councillors sent by the NHS states: "This news is extremely disappointing as we know that the age and condition of our estate is having an impact on our patients, our staff and our ability to deliver high quality care.
"While we welcome the announcement that we remain in the programme, we are, as I am sure you will be too, deeply concerned at the delayed timetable.
"While we move through the process to develop our plans to manage our critical infrastructure risks, our hard-working colleagues will continue to work tirelessly to offer the best possible care for our patients.
"We will be looking at all other funding options to bring forward immediate plans to reduce our critical infrastructure risks and improve the efficiency of our current buildings and to improve our services, using all the resources available to us.
 "As you may know, earlier this month we announced publicly that we have been awarded £14.2 million for improvements to our Emergency Department. Over the last five years we have also been successful in securing funding for new day surgery and eye theatres, an expansion to our Endoscopy unit and our new Acute Medical Unit. Last week, we announced that we have signed contracts for the One Devon electronic patient record with Epic. All these developments are helping us to improve the care, outcomes and experience for people who use our services as well as better supporting our dedicated colleagues and teams."
Former Conservative Torbay MP and Government Minister Kevin Foster has already collected 1,000 signatures for his petition about the delay. He said: "In contrast the promised scheme at Plymouth’s Derriford Hospital, in a Labour held constituency, will start later this year and is expected to be completed by the original date of 2030. Prior to last year’s general election both Labour and Liberal Democrat politicians had dismissed the idea a change of Government would affect the rebuilding project at Torbay, with Labour pledging to progress the project as part of the new Hospital programme.
"The Building a Brighter Future project for Torbay Hospital would have been the biggest single investment in South Devon’s healthcare services since the NHS was founded in 1948. It was committed to under the previous Conservative Government, with plans at an advanced stage, planning permission secured and construction on enabling works ready to start last year in order to deliver the new buildings by 2030." Â