The Manic Street Sweeper takes centre stage at Torbay Hospital

A new road sweeper is helping keep Torbay Hospital clean and accessible, thanks to funding from the Torbay Hospital League of Friends.

The vehicle - playfully named ‘The Manic Street Sweeper’ - is already in daily use across the busy hospital site, supporting teams to maintain clear roads and pathways for patients, visitors and staff. Its name, inspired by rock band Manic Street Preachers, was chosen following a public vote that attracted more than 500 participants, adding a touch of personality to an essential piece of equipment.

Funded entirely by the League of Friends, the sweeper plays a key behind-the-scenes role in keeping the hospital environment safe and well maintained - particularly during periods of high footfall and poor weather.

Martin Tucker, Chair of Torbay Hospital League of Friends, said: “We’re pleased to have been able to fund something so useful and visible. This is a piece of equipment that will be used every day and that’s exactly the kind of difference our supporters want to make. It was also great to see colleagues and the public get involved in choosing the name - it really captured the spirit of the hospital community.”

Johnathan Hawkins, Environment and Waste Operations Manager at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, added: “Having this road sweeper on site is already making a real difference to how we manage the estate. It supports our teams to keep key routes clear and the hospital looking well cared for, which matters for everyone coming onto the site. We’re very grateful to Torbay Hospital League of Friends for their continued support.”

The League of Friends, which has supported the hospital for more than 70 years, continues to fund equipment and improvements that go beyond NHS provision, helping to enhance patient care and overall experience.