NHS Torbay Hospital Live A&E Waiting Times
Also known as: Torbay Hospital, Torquay Hospital, Torbay A&E, Torbay Emergency Department, Torbay ED, Torbay & South Devon A&E
Last updated sourced from Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
Hospital details
Torquay, TQ2 7AA
About Torbay Hospital
Torbay Hospital is the main acute hospital for Torbay and south Devon, located at Lowes Bridge on Newton Road in Torquay and operated by Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust — one of the few integrated trusts in England providing acute, community and adult social care services together. It serves around 286,000 people across Torquay, Paignton, Brixham, Newton Abbot and the wider South Hams, with significantly larger numbers during the summer tourist season. The 24/7 Emergency Department was recently extended through a £14.2 million redevelopment that opened a new ambulatory care area in 2026, and the site also operates a Major Trauma Unit, consultant-led maternity, paediatrics, critical care, cardiology, gastroenterology, ophthalmology, plastic surgery and a full diagnostic imaging service. Current Torbay Hospital A&E waiting times are tracked here in real time, sourced from the NHS England feed and Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust.
Emergency Department (A&E)
The Emergency Department at Torbay Hospital in Torquay is for serious or life-threatening conditions — chest pain, suspected stroke, heavy bleeding, severe breathing difficulty, major injury, or loss of consciousness. If your problem is urgent but not life-threatening (e.g. minor injury, sprain, suspected fracture), the Newton Abbot Urgent Treatment Centre is usually faster. If unsure, call NHS 111 first. In a true emergency, call 999.
Departments & Services
- Emergency Department (24/7, recently redeveloped £14.2m)
- Ambulatory Care Area (opened 2026)
- Major Trauma Unit
- Acute Medicine
- Acute Surgery
- Critical Care
- Maternity Services (consultant-led)
- Neonatal Care
- Paediatrics
- Cardiology
Recent Wait Time Updates
| Date & Time | Wait Time | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Sat 25 Apr01:46 | 336 mins | +9.8% |
| Sat 25 Apr00:46 | 306 mins | +18% |
| Fri 24 Apr23:46 | 260 mins | −18% |
| Fri 24 Apr22:46 | 319 mins | +10% |
| Fri 24 Apr21:46 | 289 mins | +8.2% |
Nearest A&E alternatives
See live A&E wait times at other NHS hospitals near Torbay Hospital
How Torbay Hospital compares to nearby hospitals
Within South West, Torbay Hospital is one of several urgent and emergency care sites and sits inside the wider NHS England performance framework. National waiting-time data is published by NHS England against the current NHS England operational standard of admitting, transferring or discharging 78% of A&E attendances within four hours; live snapshots on this page are sourced separately from the trust's own published feeds, so the figures here can be more current than the headline national release.
For Torquay residents, the practical question is rarely "is Torbay Hospital fast?" but "compared to what?" Wait times at any single site can swing materially within a day, depending on staffing, ambulance arrivals and how full the wider hospital is. The nearest-alternatives section above lists the closest comparable sites, each with their own current wait — that side-by-side comparison is more useful than any single-site average.
For non-life-threatening issues, residents in Torquay and surrounding South West may also have access to a Minor Injuries Unit or Urgent Treatment Centre with shorter waits for less serious conditions. NHS 111 can confirm the appropriate service for your specific need before you travel.
Torbay Hospital A&E — frequently asked questions
Answers to common questions about waiting times and visiting this A&E.
What is the average A&E waiting time at Torbay Hospital?
As of the latest update, the current A&E wait at Torbay Hospital is 345 minutes (about 5 hr 45 min). This figure is labelled "Live" — see the freshness badge next to the wait number for the exact source and timestamp. Wait times fluctuate throughout the day, so this may not be the exact time you wait.
What time is Torbay Hospital A&E least busy?
Across most UK A&E departments, the quietest period is typically between 4am and 7am, with a secondary lull around mid-morning on weekdays. Friday and Saturday evenings, as well as Monday mornings, generally see the longest waits. Check the Wait History above to see the recent trends for Torbay Hospital.
Is there a way to check A&E wait times for Torbay Hospital?
Yes, you can check the live A&E waiting times for Torbay Hospital right here on this page. We update this data regularly based on the information provided by Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust.
How long can Torbay Hospital A&E make you wait?
NHS England's interim recovery standard sets a target to admit, transfer, or discharge 78% of patients within 4 hours of arrival at A&E. However, wait times can be longer depending on the severity of your condition and how busy the department is. Patients with life-threatening emergencies are always prioritised.
How often are wait times updated at Torbay Hospital?
The wait times for Torbay Hospital are updated based on the data feed from Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust. The exact time of the last update is shown at the top of this page.
What does 'Current Longest Wait Time' mean at Torbay Hospital?
The 'Current Longest Wait Time' typically refers to the longest time any non-admitted patient has been waiting to be seen by a doctor or nurse practitioner after arriving at the A&E department. It gives an indication of the maximum wait you might experience for non-life-threatening conditions.
Is Torbay Hospital A&E open 24 hours?
Yes. The A&E department at Torbay Hospital is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. If you have a life-threatening emergency, go directly to A&E or call 999. For non-urgent medical concerns, please call NHS 111 first.
How do I get to Torbay Hospital?
Torbay Hospital is located at Lowes Bridge, Newton Road, Torquay, TQ2 7AA. The A&E entrance is usually clearly signposted on arrival. If you need to contact them before travelling, the hospital switchboard is +44 3004 568000.