Author: joe.metcalf

As well as checking routine childhood vaccinations are up to date, families are being reminded about vaccines that help protect against meningococcal disease, a rare but serious infection that can cause meningitis and septicaemia. The illness can become life threatening very quickly. 

Young people in Year 9 are routinely offered the MenACWY vaccine through the school-aged immunisation programme. The vaccine helps protect against four groups of meningococcal bacteria that can cause serious illness.

The NHS is also offering a free MenB vaccination programme for eligible young people, including some teenagers and first-time university students moving into halls of residence or shared student accommodation. Young adults are at increased risk of meningococcal disease because of close social contact and mixing in these settings.

The HPV vaccine is also offered to Year 8 pupils and helps protect against several types of cancer later in life, including cervical, mouth and throat cancers. Just one dose provides strong, long-lasting protection, so it’s worth making sure your child doesn’t miss their appointment if they were away from school when the vaccine was offered. Parents will hear from the School-Aged Immunisation Service via their child’s school and will be asked to provide consent for the vaccination to be given there. If your child is home-schooled, or you have any questions about the vaccine, you can contact the service directly on 01872 221105 (Cornwall) or 01392 342678 (Devon).

Find out more about the HPV vaccine on the NHS website 

Find out about NHS vaccinations and where to have them at www.nhs.uk/vaccinations

Dr Peter Collins, Chief Population Health Officer for NHS Devon and NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly said:

“Meningitis is thankfully rare, but we know it can be incredibly serious for the families affected.

“That’s why vaccination is so important. If your child receives an invitation for a vaccine, or if your teenager is eligible for the MenB programme before starting university, we would strongly encourage them to take up the offer.”

Know the signs of meningitis

Meningitis and septicaemia can affect anyone but are most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults. Symptoms can develop suddenly and can include:

• A high temperature
• A severe headache
• Vomiting
• A stiff neck
• Sensitivity to bright lights
• Drowsiness or difficulty waking
• Confusion
• A rash that does not fade when pressed with the side of a glass

Not everyone will develop all symptoms, and a rash is not always present. Anyone concerned that they or their child may have meningitis should seek urgent medical help immediately. [gov.uk]

A series of workshops are being held in Exmouth this month to educate people in using the NHS App.
The events will help residents find out how the app can better support and manage their health.
Anyone is welcome to attend the workshops, which take place between 10 and 12pm on the dates and venues below:

• Tuesday 22 September 2026 – Exmouth Library, 40 Exeter Rd, Exmouth EX8 1PS (in the main library)
• Wednesday 23 September 23 2026 – Open Door, St. Saviours House, Church St, Exmouth EX8 1PE (in the café area).

Sian Bunce, senior digital transformation programme manager at NHS Devon said: “These workshops are a great way to find out more about the NHS app – whether you’re someone who has never used the app before or a regular user who is looking to use additional functions to better manage your health.
“We will be on hand to help you get set up the app on your phone, answer any questions you may have and show you how to better navigate your way around the app.”

Record numbers of patients in Devon are now accessing services through the NHS App, which has become an essential tool for managing healthcare needs conveniently and efficiently.
And it’s particularly beneficial during winter as illnesses such as flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19 spread more easily in the UK during colder months when people spend more time indoors.
You can use the app to:

• View your GP health record to see information like your allergies and medicines (if your GP has given you access to your detailed medical record, you can also see information like test results)
• Book and manage COVID-19 vaccinations
• Register organ donation decisions
• Choose how the NHS uses your data
• Message your GP surgery or a health professional online
• Contact your GP surgery using an online form and get a reply.

Users can download the app on their smartphone or tablet via the Google Play or App Store or access the same services in a web browser by logging in through the NHS website.
To use the NHS App or log in through the NHS website, you must be aged 13 or over and registered with an NHS GP surgery in England.

To set up a login, you need an email address and a mobile or landline number. This login will also give you access to lots of health and care websites and apps, including NHS services, online pharmacies, patient access services, and online consultation services.

For more information about the events, contact Hannah.nicholas3@nhs.net.

People across Devon are invited to find out more and help shape the delivery of neighbourhood health across the county. 

The national vision for neighbourhood health, set out in the 10 Year Health Plan for England and national Neighbourhood health framework, is to bring together GPs, community services, mental health, social care, voluntary organisations and local partners to provide more joined-up support in local communities. This aims to help people stay healthier for longer, access more care closer to home, reduce the need for hospital treatment where appropriate, and ensure services are shaped around the needs of local communities. 

Hospitals will always play a vital role in caring for people when they are seriously ill, need urgent treatment or require specialist expertise. Neighbourhood health is not about reducing the importance of hospitals. It is about ensuring people receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time. 

Residents can take part in the ‘Let’s talk Neighbourhood health’ engagement programme by completing a survey, going along to an event, or joining a local feedback group or the new Devon People Panel, among other opportunities, to make sure their voice, previous experiences and opinions are heard. 

Dr Chris Reid, Chief Place and Transformation Officer for NHS Devon and NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, said:  

“Neighbourhood health is about helping more people stay well, providing more care closer to home and making it easier to access joined-up support in our local communities. 

“People’s health and care needs are changing. More people are living longer, often with more than one health condition, and we need to make sure our services continue to meet those needs in the future. 

“At the same time, as people’s health and care needs become more complex and the cost of providing care continues to rise, we have a responsibility to make the best possible use of public money so we can continue improving care for current and future generations. 

“This engagement programme is an opportunity for people across Devon to help shape the future of health and care. We want to hear what is working well and what matters most to you and your community.” 

Creating a neighbourhood health service is not something the NHS can do alone. It depends on health services, social care, local councils, community groups and local people working together to improve health and wellbeing. That’s why organisations from across Devon are supporting the conversation and encouraging people to get involved. 

Kevin Dixon, Chair of Healthwatch Devon, Plymouth and Torbay, said: 

“People are the experts in their own experiences of health and care. This engagement programme is the next part of the conversation following on from the NHS 10 Year Plan engagement programme that took place across Devon to find out what works well, what could be improved and what matters most to them and their families. 

“Healthwatch is proud to support this programme by helping ensure that everyone’s voice can be heard, including those who may not normally have the opportunity to get involved. The views shared through this engagement will help shape decisions about how health and care services develop in the future.” 

Local voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations are supporting the programme through the neighbourhood health events and a new small grants scheme, enabling trusted local groups to engage communities whose voices are less often heard and ensure a diverse range of experiences helps shape future health and care in Devon. 

Diana Crump, Chief Executive Officer of the Torbay, Plymouth & Devon Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise Assembly (VCSE), said: 

“Voluntary and community organisations are often the first and most trusted point of contact for people who find statutory services hard to reach. The new small grants scheme is a real opportunity for local groups to get support to be part of shaping neighbourhood health.” 

Frank O’Kelly, a local GP, said:  

“As a GP, I see every day how much better outcomes are when services work together around the patient, not just when someone is already unwell, but in supporting them to stay healthy. Neighbourhood health is about making that joined-up care the norm, not the exception.” 

Michelle Thomas, Chief Executive of Livewell Southwest, said: 

“Mental health is just as important as physical health, and neighbourhood health gives us the opportunity to bring support together around people in a way that is more joined up, more preventative and easier to access. 

“Many people living with mental health conditions also have physical health needs, while physical illness can have a significant impact on mental wellbeing. By working more closely with GPs, community services, social care, voluntary organisations and local communities, we can provide earlier support, help people stay well and reduce the need for more intensive care wherever possible. 

“This is an important opportunity for local people to help shape services that reflect the needs of their communities. We would encourage people from all backgrounds and with all experiences of health and care to get involved and share what matters most to them.” 

Neil Macdonald, Chief Executive of University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, said:  

“Delivering neighbourhood health across Devon is an opportunity for all of us across health, care and community services to build on the great work already happening locally, bringing services and teams together so people can access joined-up care closer to home when it is appropriate for them. 

“By strengthening the health, wellbeing and care support available in local communities, we can help more people stay well, receive support earlier and recover more quickly in the settings that work best for them. 

“This approach also helps ensure that hospitals can focus their expertise, facilities and specialist teams on providing the urgent, emergency and specialist care that only hospitals can deliver, when people need it most. 

“That’s why it’s so important that local people help shape these plans and tell us what matters most to them.” 

Dr Lincoln Sargeant, Director of Public Health at Torbay, said:  

“Good health is shaped by much more than healthcare alone. Where we live, work and connect with our communities all play an important part in helping us stay healthy and independent. 

“Neighbourhood health is an opportunity to bring together health services, social care, public health, local authorities, voluntary organisations and communities to provide support earlier and prevent avoidable ill health wherever possible. 

“By working together and listening to local people, we can create services that are better connected, reduce health inequalities and help people live healthier, more independent lives for longer. 

“I would encourage everyone to get involved and share their experiences and ideas through the survey and their nearest local event.” 

Steve Brown, Director of Public Health Devon, said:  

“Public health is about creating the conditions that help people live healthy, fulfilling lives. Most of what shapes our health happens beyond the walls of hospitals and GP surgeries, in our homes, communities, relationships and environment. 

“Neighbourhood health gives us the opportunity to build on the strengths already within our communities and put prevention at the heart of how we support people to stay well. 

“By sharing their experiences and ideas, local people can help shape services and support that reflect the needs of their communities and help create a healthier, fairer Devon for everyone.” 

Tandra Forster, Director of Integrated Adult Social Care for Devon County Council, said: 

“Adult social care is being accessed in every neighbourhood across Devon, with our teams working closely with health services, communities, unpaid carers and other partners to coordinate support around people’s lives and the things that matter to them. 

“Neighbourhood health gives us an opportunity to strengthen this joined-up approach, helping more people stay independent, connected and well. It is vital that people who access services, and their unpaid carers help shape how this develops, and I would encourage them to get involved and share their views.” 

To get involved: 

All activities are open to residents, patients, carers, NHS staff, community groups, local authorities and voluntary sector organisations. 

• Complete the 15 minute Neighbourhood health Survey, open until 2 October 2026. Anyone who is unable to complete the survey online can call Healthwatch on 0800 520 0640, to complete it over the phone. 

• Come along to a Neighbourhood health event in Exeter, Barnstaple, Paignton, Plymouth or Tavistock. More information can be found here or register here 

• Register to join the lived experience group (stroke, diabetes, heart, lung, skin, bladder, kidneys, urinary, respiratory conditions, frailty and serious face, mouth and jaw conditions) or the Devon People Panel. 

• Local community groups can also host their own group conversation and submit their feedback via our website. For more details on our workshop in a box, facilitators guide and feedback form – please visit the One Devon webpage.  

• If you are an organisation or community group and would like to exhibit at a Neighbourhood health event – please register your interest using this short form. 

• People can Sign up for official updates and to receive information on the new engagement opportunities. 

Whether you’re at the beach, enjoying a barbeque, or taking a walk along the coast path, this bank holiday the NHS in Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly is reminding residents and visitors of ways to stay safe and enjoy a healthy summer.

NHS Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Chief Population Health Officer, Dr Peter Collins, said:

“We’re all hoping to enjoy the bank holiday, but it’s important to stay safe while you have fun. You can do this by getting prepared in advance and following our summer health tips, such as stocking up your first aid, making sure to have sun cream, packing a reusable water bottle and sun hat.

“It’s always a good idea to think about and check on elderly or younger members of the family, as they can become dehydrated more easily. Remind them to drink more and keep topping up on sun cream or avoid going out at the hottest part of the day.

“If you need medical help, know where to go. Local pharmacies are your first port of call as they can offer expert advice for minor illnesses, helping you to get the right care quickly.”

Here are our NHS top tips.

If you have run out of your regular prescription

The best way to avoid running out of your regular medication is to order your repeat prescription in good time and check that you have enough medicine to last until your next prescription is ready.

If you are running low, contact your own GP practice as soon as possible to request a repeat prescription. You can still contact your own GP if you’re visiting Cornwall, Isles of Scilly or Devon, but live elsewhere.

If you do run out of medication and need it urgently, you can either contact NHS 111, by phone or online, for advice and support, or visit your community pharmacy.

NHS 111 can assess your needs and direct you to the most appropriate service to help you access your medication. They may refer you to a pharmacy to get your medicine.

A pharmacist may be able to provide an emergency supply of certain medications, although charges may apply.

For further information please visit: Emergency prescriptions – NHS

Sun safety. Protect your skin and stay hydrated:

• Wear a high-factor sunscreen and reapply regularly, especially after swimming. Sunburn increases your risk of skin cancer and can happen even on cloudy days.
• Stay in the shade during peak sun hours (11am to 3pm).
• Wear a hat and sunglasses, keep hydrated with plenty of water, and avoid excess alcohol in the sun.
• Older adults, people with long-term health conditions, and young children are particularly at risk during periods of extreme heat – especially if they live alone or have limited mobility.

Common signs of heat exhaustion include:

• headache, dizziness or confusion
• nausea or loss of appetite
• pale, clammy skin and heavy sweating
• muscle cramps
• extreme thirst
• high temperature and rapid breathing or pulse

If someone shows signs of heatstroke, call 999 immediately. Signs include:

• still feeling unwell after resting in a cool place for 30 minutes
• not sweating despite feeling hot
• body temperature of 40°C or higher
• rapid breathing or shortness of breath
• confused or disorientated
• seizures
• unconscious or unresponsive

Treating sunburn

Do:

• cool your skin with a cold shower or damp cloth
• drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated
• use after-sun lotion or aloe vera gel to soothe the skin
• cover the sunburned area and stay out of the sun until healed

Don’t:

• use petroleum jelly, butter, or ice directly on the skin
• pop blisters, as this increases the risk of infection
• scratch or peel the skin

Insect bites and stings

Dr Peter Collins added:

“Most insect bites and stings are not serious and will improve within hours or days. Your local pharmacist can recommend treatments such as painkillers, creams and antihistamines to help relieve symptoms.”

To treat a bite or sting at home:

• remove the sting or tick if it’s still in the skin
• wash the area with soap and water
• apply a cold compress or ice pack for at least 10 minutes
• raise the affected area, if possible
• avoid scratching

For persistent symptoms, the following may help:

• pain or discomfort: take over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen (do not give aspirin to children under 16)
• itching: ask your pharmacist about treatments such as crotamiton cream, hydrocortisone cream or ointment, or antihistamine tablets
• swelling: apply a cold compress or ask your pharmacist about antihistamines.

Contact your GP or call NHS 111 if:

• symptoms worsen or do not improve after a few days
• you are bitten or stung in the mouth, throat, or near the eyes
• a large area (around 10cm or more) becomes red, swollen or pus-filled
• you develop signs of a widespread infection, such as fever, swollen glands, or flu-like symptoms

Call 999 immediately if you or someone else shows signs of a severe allergic reaction, including:

• wheezing or difficulty breathing
• swelling of the face, mouth or throat
• nausea or vomiting
• a fast heart rate
• dizziness or fainting
• difficulty swallowing
• loss of consciousness

Beach safety: respect the water

• Visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.
• Check tide times and local weather before heading out.
• If you get into trouble in the water, remember ‘float to live’, lie on your back with arms and legs out, and try to stay calm.
• Keep a close eye on children and novice swimmers.
• Never use inflatables in the sea, they can be quickly swept away by currents and wind.

Know where to get help

• For minor injuries or sunburn, visit your local pharmacy or use NHS 111 online.
• In an emergency at the beach, call 999 and ask for the coastguard.
• If you see someone in trouble in the water, dial 999, don’t try to rescue them yourself.

For more beach safety advice, visit: www.rnli.org/safety

For general health guidance, visit: www.nhs.uk/live-well

Staying safe on the  coastal path: tips for walkers

Walking the coast path is one of the best ways to enjoy our stunning scenery, but the coastline can be rugged, remote, and unpredictable. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-time visitor, a little preparation goes a long way.

1. check the weather before you set off – coastal conditions can change quickly. Strong winds, heavy rain or sea mist can make paths slippery and finding your way tricky.
2. wear sturdy, supportive footwear – uneven, narrow and rocky sections are common. Good walking boots help prevent slips and ankle injuries.
3. stay on the marked path – shortcuts can be dangerous and damage fragile habitats. Some cliff edges are unstable.
4. carry enough water and snacks – facilities can be few and far between, especially on longer stretches.
5. plan your route and know your limits – be realistic about distance, terrain, and daylight hours. Turn back if you need to.
6. tell someone your plans – let a friend, family member, or accommodation host know where you’re going and when you expect to return.
7. be tide aware – some beach sections can only be passed at low tide. Always check local tide times before setting out.
8. keep dogs on a lead near cliffs and livestock – this keeps both pets and wildlife safe.
9. carry a map, phone, and charged power bank – mobile signal can be patchy, so don’t rely only on digital maps.
10. respect the environment – take your litter home and leave no trace so the path remains beautiful for everyone.

If you get into difficulty, call 999 and ask for the coastguard.

As summer 2026 gets underway, NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly and NHS Devon are putting local people at the centre of their seasonal health campaign, launching a new network of Pharmacy First Ambassadors to help spread the message across communities.

From fishermen, parents with young children, older residents and members of the LGBTQ+ community, the Pharmacy First ambassadors will reflect the diversity of life by sharing their own voices and experiences. They will play a vital role in encouraging others to choose Pharmacy First for common health concerns, helping ensure the message reaches every corner of the region.

There are more than 90 community pharmacies across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, and more than 200 across Devon, offering expert healthcare advice without the need for an appointment. Easy to access and often open evenings and weekends, pharmacies provide a convenient first step for many everyday conditions.

The campaign comes as rising temperatures bring an increase in seasonal health issues, including dehydration, sunburn, hay fever and insect bites, many of which can be treated quickly and effectively at a local pharmacy.

Pharmacy First Ambassador, fisherman, Nigel Taylor said: “I’m proud to be a Pharmacy First Ambassador. Busy days at sea can mean making time to see my own GP is difficult, so knowing I can visit my local pharmacist for help with common conditions is invaluable.”

Almost all pharmacies in the region offer the Pharmacy First service, meaning patients can access a private consultation and, where appropriate, receive prescription-only medication, without needing a GP appointment.

The service covers seven common conditions:

            •          Earache (children aged 1 to 17)

            •          Infected insect bites (aged 1 and over)

            •          Impetigo (aged 1 and over)

            •          Shingles (aged 18 and over)

            •          Sinusitis (aged 12 and over)

            •          Sore throat (aged 5 and over)

            •          Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (women aged 16 to 64)

NHS Cornwall’s Chief Place and Transformation Officer, Dr Chris Reid, said: “Our new Pharmacy First Ambassadors are helping us connect with communities in a more meaningful way this summer. By working with people who understand local lives, from our coastal and rural industries to families and community groups, we can build greater confidence in choosing the right care.

“Whether you live locally or are visiting, the quickest way to get advice and treatment for many common summer health problems is to visit a pharmacy. Before heading to A&E, contacting your GP or calling NHS 111, think Pharmacy First. Pharmacists are highly trained professionals who can assess symptoms, provide treatment where appropriate, and advise if you need more urgent care.”

As part of the campaign, Cornwall Pride is among the partners helping to amplify the message, ensuring it reaches LGBTQ+ communities across the county.

Cornwall Pride’s Chief Executive Officer, Matthew Kenworthy Gomes, said: “We’re really pleased to be part of this year’s NHS Cornwall summer campaign. Visibility and representation are so important, especially when it comes to health and wellbeing. By sharing these messages and seeing people from our communities involved, we can help ensure everyone feels included, informed and confident about accessing the care they need.”

The summer campaign was officially launched at Stithians Show, on Monday 13 July by Pharmacy First Ambassador, Nigel Taylor, and clinical lead pharmacist for NHS Cornwall, Amanda Fidelis.

Amanda said: “Community pharmacists play a vital role in helping people stay well during the summer months. As highly accessible healthcare professionals, we can provide expert advice and treatment for a range of common conditions through the Pharmacy First service, helping people get the care they need quickly and conveniently. Whether it’s managing minor infections, offering self-care advice, or supporting people to stay safe in hot weather, pharmacies are often the first place people can turn. By making use of Pharmacy First, patients can access timely support without needing to wait for a GP appointment, helping them enjoy a healthier and safer summer.”

Alongside encouraging people to think Pharmacy First, the campaign highlights the importance of simple self-care steps during the warmer months, such as staying hydrated, wearing suncream, and taking precautions in strong sunshine.

People can also visit their pharmacist for a wide range of other health needs, including blood pressure checks, emergency contraception and advice on heat rash, making them a highly accessible source of care during the busy summer months. Also, if you run out of regular medication, whether at home or on holiday, your own GP can arrange for prescriptions to be sent electronically to a local pharmacy for convenient collection.

If you do become unwell, pharmacies can also advise on next steps and refer you to other services if needed.

By combining practical advice with trusted local voices, the NHS hopes this year’s campaign will help more people access the right care, quickly, so residents and visitors can stay well and enjoy everything summer in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has to offer.

For fast, practical healthcare advice this summer, think Pharmacy First.

Pharmacy First – NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly

Pharmacy First – One Devon

Health leaders across Devon and Cornwall are asking people to take a bit of extra care during the current hot spell, especially those living with long-term health conditions.

A Heat-Health Alert has been issued for the next five days by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office, highlighting the risks that higher temperatures can bring to people’s health.

Hot weather can put extra pressure on the body. It can lead to dehydration, overheating, and make existing health issues worse. People with conditions like heart or lung disease, diabetes, kidney problems or mental health conditions may be more affected.

Some medications and having more than one condition can also make it harder for the body to stay cool and properly hydrated.

Here are some simple steps to stay well:

• Try to stay out of the heat, particularly between 11am and 3pm
• Drink plenty of fluids regularly
• Keep your home cool by closing blinds or curtains during the day
• Avoid strenuous activity in the hottest part of the day
• Check in on friends, family and neighbours, especially older people or those living alone
• Store medicines correctly and take them as prescribed

If you’re living with a long-term condition, it’s especially important to:

• Keep an eye on your symptoms and seek advice if they get worse
• Make sure you have enough medication and understand how heat might affect it
• Stay cool and hydrated to reduce strain on your body

People with heart, lung or kidney conditions may be particularly vulnerable to dehydration and heat-related illness. Those with diabetes should monitor their blood glucose levels carefully, as hot weather can affect blood sugar control and insulin storage.

People living with dementia may be less aware of the effects of heat or forget to drink enough fluids, so carers and family members are encouraged to provide regular support and reminders.

You can contact NHS 111 for urgent advice, or 999 in an emergency.

Some people are more vulnerable in hot weather, including:

• People aged 65 and over
• Babies and young children
• People with long-term health conditions
• Those on multiple medications or living alone

Dr Chris Reid, Chief Transformation and Place Officer at NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly said: “While many people enjoy the warmer weather, it can be more challenging for those with underlying health conditions. We’re asking everyone to take a few simple steps to stay well and to check in on those who might need a little extra support during this time.”

For more advice on staying safe in hot weather, visit:
www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/heatwave-how-to-cope-in-hot-weather/

Additional advice for people living with long-term health conditions

Hot weather can affect people differently depending on their health condition and the medicines they take. The NHS is encouraging anyone with a long-term condition to be aware of how heat may affect their health and to plan ahead during periods of very hot weather.

Planning ahead

People with long-term conditions are encouraged to prepare for hot weather by:

• Keeping enough medication supplies at home.
• Ensuring they have access to drinking water.
• Identifying the coolest room in their home.
• Arranging regular check-ins with family, friends or carers if they live alone.
• Knowing who to contact if their symptoms worsen.

The Pharmacy First service, available in most local pharmacies, frees up GP appointments for patients who need them most and gives people quicker and more convenient access to safe and high-quality healthcare.

Trained pharmacists can provide consultations, treatments and where necessary prescription medication for a range of conditions.

Last year, Devon’s community pharmacies delivered 231,000 consultations for a range of common conditions and minor illnesses, a 47% increase from the year before, reflecting the huge collaborative effort to support people locally access the care and advice they need.

The expanded pharmacy service also provides free blood pressure checks and contraceptive services, which also saw a 154% increase in its use from the previous year. 

As the May bank holiday arrives visitors and local people are being encouraged to continue to make the best use of NHS services, especially community pharmacies through the Pharmacy First service.

Chris Reid, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Devon, said:
“The Pharmacy First service in Devon has been a great success. It’s staggering that nearly a quarter of a million people in Devon are now choosing their local pharmacy to get quick, expert advice and treatment for common conditions—without needing to see a GP.

“We would like to thank community pharmacy teams for their continued dedication in delivering a vital and widely used service to local people.

“Over the May bank holiday, we’re encouraging residents and visitors across Devon to plan ahead and make the most of the support available through Pharmacy First.

“By choosing the right service and preparing ahead, visitors and residents can help ensure urgent and emergency care is available for those who need it most.

A spokesperson for the Devon Local Pharmaceutical Committee said: “Pharmacy First is making a real difference for patients across Devon. People can walk into their local pharmacy and receive prompt, expert care for minor illnesses without needing a GP appointment.

“Our pharmacy teams are proud to be supporting local communities and helping ensure NHS services are used in the right way.

Ahead of the bank holiday weekends, the advice is to:

• Order and collect repeat prescriptions early, particularly if you are travelling or planning to be away over the bank holiday
• Use community pharmacies and the Pharmacy First service for advice and treatment for common conditions, free contraception services and free blood pressure checks
• Call 999 in a life-threatening emergency – when someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk
• Visit NHS 111 online or call 111 if you need urgent medical advice or are unsure which service you should use
• Check in on vulnerable family members, friends or neighbours and make sure medicine cabinets are stocked with essentials
• Seek urgent dental care via NHS 111, where advisers can assess your needs and arrange an appointment if required
• Access mental health support through NHS 111 if you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis

Contact your own GP practice first

Visitors to Devon are also reminded that their first port of call for GP care should normally be their home GP practice, which can often provide advice through online, phone or video consultations and arrange for prescriptions to be sent electronically to a pharmacy of your choice in Devon.

Community pharmacies

Community pharmacies can provide expert advice and treatment for a range of common conditions such as earache (children up to 17 years) insect bites and urinary tract infections, (women only up to 64 years), free contraception services, and free blood pressures checks without the need for a GP appointment through Pharmacy First, making them a quick and convenient option for many minor illnesses while people are away from home.

Access the NHS App 24/7

People can also use the NHS App to order repeat prescriptions, check symptoms and access a range of NHS services, which can be particularly helpful when some services are closed over the bank holiday. The app is free to download and available to use at any time.

Check opening times

People can check the opening times of their local Urgent Treatment Centres or Minor Injury Units by visiting our interactive map on the One Devon website here

In an emergency

For life-threatening emergencies – such as someone who is unconscious, struggling to breathe, having a severe allergic reaction, experiencing a seizure for the first time, or suffering serious injury or bleeding that won’t stop – always call 999.

By planning ahead, ordering prescriptions early and making use of community pharmacies and NHS 111, visitors and residents can help ensure everyone stays well over the bank holiday while protecting urgent and emergency services for the most serious conditions.

Teams and individuals across Devon and Cornwall are celebrating after being named regional champions in the first NHS Excellence Awards, recognising outstanding work to improve care for patients, communities and staff.

The awards highlight innovation, quality improvement and leadership across health and care. Regional champions were selected by NHS panels for their work across the South West.

Several organisations in Devon and Cornwall were named regional champions in seven of the 10 categories: 

1. Delivering value – Drugless CT coronary angiography service. The Trust redesigned the pathway to eliminate the need for IV beta blockers and empower specialist cardiac CT radiographers to independently run high‑throughput CTCA lists. University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
2. Working in partnership – A system-wide partnership for compassionate End-of-Life Care, means recognising when care should shift from doing more, to doing what is right, supporting patients to be comfortable, heard, and, wherever possible, in the place they want to be. University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
3. Quality improvement – Acute medical admission pathways, a new model enabling appropriate patients to be admitted directly to acute medicine, safely bypassing the Emergency Department. University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
4. Valuing our people – Reasonable Adjustments Project, working alongside people with learning disabilities or autistic people who may need small, practical changes to help them navigate healthcare. Devon Partnership Trust
5. Neighbourhood health – Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Neighbourhood Health. Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
6. Patient involvement and choice – Isaac’s Story – A powerful lived‑experience story from a young deaf man, Isaac which showed the challenges in accessing health and public services highlighting the communication barriers that were preventing deaf people in Cornwall from accessing care.  This led to local engagement with deaf people to understand more and has lead to system-wide changes to raise deaf awareness, training for staff and the creation of communications materials in British Sign Language (BSL) for Deaf people including a national partnership with Diabetes UK to create BSL diabetes advice films: New diabetes films in British Sign Language as part of work to turn the tide on diabetes – NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly . NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board in partnership with Diabetes UK, Hearing Loss Cornwall and lived experience members from the Long Term Conditions Group.
7. Improving health outcomes – The Market Health Hub, a cross-border neighbourhood health initiative submitted by Coast and Country Primary Care Network. The hub-based initiative brings healthcare directly into the Holsworthy livestock market, offering a free, drop-in service for people who may not routinely access traditional healthcare settings. Coast and Country Primary Care Network

Regional champions from all parts of England will now progress to the national shortlist, with winners announced at an awards ceremony at NHS ConfedExpo in Manchester in June 2026.

Chair of NHS Devon and NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, John Govett said:

“These awards are a powerful recognition of the dedication, innovation and compassion shown by teams across Devon and Cornwall.

“From improving access to care in our communities to ensuring patients are treated with dignity at every stage of their journey, our regional champions demonstrate what is possible when we work together across organisations.

“I’m incredibly proud of the staff, volunteers and partners whose efforts are making a real difference to people’s lives, and I wish them every success as they go forward to represent the South West on the national stage.”

The NHS Excellence Awards are the only awards run by, and for, the NHS. They aim to share learning and encourage the adoption of proven approaches that improve care and experience for patients and staff.

The awards recognise practical improvements that support safer care, better patient experience and more efficient use of NHS resources. Many of the projects focus on improving access to services, supporting people closer to home and ensuring care is inclusive for all communities.

Patients in Devon and Cornwall can be reassured that these initiatives reflect ongoing work to maintain high standards of care, improve outcomes and make services more responsive to local needs.

PEOPLE across the South West will benefit from faster tests, checks and scans closer-to-home after the government today confirmed funding to open and expand Community Diagnostic Centres (CDCs) across the country and in the region.

Bideford in Devon is one of four new CDCs across the country, all equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, that will open summer 2027.

The CDC will be located on the site of the Bideford Community Hospital, creating a multi-agency Bideford health campus which supports improved health and wellbeing outcomes and healthcare access for the community.

Services will include x-ray facilities and will be supported by audiology, ultrasound, Dexa, phlebotomy, cardiology, and other services.   

Patients will be offered one-stop clinics which will mean during a single visit they will receive an outpatient appointment, diagnostic tests, and interpretation and communication of results.

In addition to the new CDC at Bideford existing CDCs at the NHS Nightingale Hospital in Exeter, Bridgwater, Colin Campbell Court in Plymouth and the centre at West Swindon Health Centre, will be among 17 CDCs across the country to receive investment to expand their offer. 

They will be physically expanded with new rooms and state-of-the-art scanning and diagnostic equipment more patients will have access to a greater range of tests at their local centre, reducing the need to travel to hospital. 

Dr Trevor Smith, Regional Medical Director for  NHS England South West, said: “The new centre at Bideford and expansions of some of our current CDCs means patients will get faster, easier, and higher quality care closer to home when they require crucial diagnostic scans, tests and monitoring in the South West.

“These improvements are testament to the hard work, professionalism and innovation of staff across the region, to make sure people receive the right care and support they need at the right time, making a difference to their health and wellbeing.”

Wes Streeting, Health and Social Care Secretary, said: “Thanks to this government’s investment and modernisation, the NHS delivered a record number of tests and scans last year. But there’s still a long way to go before we’re catching disease on time.

“I was one of the lucky ones – my kidney cancer was caught early, and today I’m living cancer-free. But it shouldn’t be a question of luck. The NHS should be there for all of us when we need it, catching illness earlier so we can treat it faster. 

“As part of the record investment we are making in the NHS’s recovery, these new CDCs are part of the biggest expansion in NHS diagnostics in a generation – continuing the progress we’re making and helping save lives.

“We’re not just investing in more, but delivering differently. The NHS should fit around people’s lives, not the other way around. CDCs mean patients can get tests, checks and scans while they’re doing their shopping on the weekend or on the way to pick up the kids from school – without travelling across town to a hospital.  

“This is part of the extra £26 billion the government is investing in a new, modern NHS that is fit for the future.”

A further 15, elsewhere in the country, will receive targeted enhancements, adding specialist kit, new clinic rooms or additional services such as audiology, ophthalmology and respiratory care to existing facilities.

The 36 centres announced nationally today, backed by £237 million of government investment, will accelerate this progress further, significantly boosting NHS diagnostic capacity and delivering more care in local communities.

In 2025, the NHS in England carried out a record number of key diagnostic tests – almost 30 million – and has carried out an additional 3.5 million tests in the first 18 months of this government compared to the 18 months prior to July 2024.

CDCs are local hubs that provide patients with access to a wide range of tests, including MRIs, CT scans and ultrasounds.

CDCs are located in convenient community settings – from high streets and retail parks to leisure centres – and many are open 12 hours a day, seven days a week, so patients can access tests closer to where they live, without needing to travel to hospital. 

From 1 April 2026, the RSV vaccine is now available for free on the NHS for adults aged 75 and over, adults living in a care home for older adults, and pregnant women.

The RSV vaccine helps protect against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections. RSV is a common virus, and almost all children get an RSV infection before they turn 2 years old. However, while most people will only get cold-like symptoms, it can make babies and older adults seriously ill and cause breathing problems like pneumonia and bronchiolitis (a chest infection that affects babies). Having the RSV vaccine can help reduce the risk of serious illness.

Dr Julie Frier, Consultant in Public Health and Screening and Immunisation Lead for NHS England South West, said: “RSV can be a very severe illness and is the cause of thousands of hospital admissions for babies and older people each year.

“The RSV vaccine is now being offered to everyone living in a care home for older adults, all adults over 75 as well as pregnant women. A single dose can give protection, and I would urge care home residents and their families to speak with their care home team and adults over 75 to speak with their GPs to arrange vaccination as soon as possible. If you’re pregnant, please speak with your midwifery team or GP practice about getting the RSV vaccine.”

Dr Alasdair Wood, Consultant in Health Protection and Vaccine Preventable Disease Lead at UKHSA South West, said: “RSV lung infection is less well known than COVID or flu but for older adults it can be particularly dangerous and puts thousands in hospital each year with a risk to life.

“New evidence from the UK public health agencies shows the vaccine cuts your risk of being hospitalised by around 75% – so it’s great news that the vaccine is now available to everyone aged 75 and over, including all those aged over 80. And we also know that the RSV vaccine for pregnant women is providing excellent protection to newborn babies. If you’re eligible, be sure to take up the offer and get the best protection possible against a nasty case of RSV pneumonia.”

A family from Somerset, whose previously active and independent mother became critically ill with RSV, is urging people over 75 to get protected. Sandra Aplin says her mother, Alice Hodges, 82, spent two weeks in hospital after what began as ‘just a cold’ got dramatically worse in December 2024.

Sandra said: “At first, mum said she felt pretty awful and had a streaming nose but thought it would pass. But just a few days later she rang me at five in the morning to say she could hardly breathe. She was so bad we just couldn’t move her.”

Paramedics arrived quickly and took her straight to Musgrove Park Hospital, in Taunton, where she was diagnosed with RSV. “We’d never even heard of RSV before,” Sandra said. “When the nurse told me, I had to Google it.”

At the hospital, Alice became extremely unwell and confused. “We didn’t think she was going to make it,” Sandra said. “She was so distressed, trying to get the mask off that was helping her to breathe. To see mum like that was awful; she’s always been the one caring for everyone else.”

Alice remained in hospital for two weeks before she could return home, and, sadly, the illness has left lasting damage to her heart. She now tires easily, has much less stamina than before, and needs a pacemaker.

Only a single dose of the RSV vaccine is needed to provide protection. Previously it was only pregnant women and adults aged 75 to 79 who could receive an RSV vaccination, but now the offer has been extended to all adults living in a care home for older adults and all adults over 75.

If you are a resident of an older adult care home, speak with your care home team about getting the RSV vaccination. For adults over 75 who are not residents of older adult care homes, you can contact your GP practice for an appointment.

Pregnant women are eligible for the RSV vaccine from 28 weeks of pregnancy to help protect babies from serious lung infections. , Speak with your midwifery team or GP practice about getting the RSV vaccine.

If you are aged 75 and over, you may also be eligible for a Spring COVID-19 vaccination (available from 13 April to 30 June). If you are eligible for both your RSV and Spring COVID-19 vaccine, speak with your GP practice or care home team as you may be able to receive both vaccinations at the same appointment.

For further information on RSV and the vaccine, visit the NHS website.