Author: joe.metcalf

We are seeking a Non-Executive Member for the Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly ICB Cluster. Non-Executive Members (NEMs) contribute by bringing an external perspective, upholding the highest standards of governance, and championing the interests of people and communities.

The South West Peninsula Cluster was established in response to national NHS reforms to consolidate leadership, reduce running costs and strengthen strategic commissioning across England. Our cluster brings together NHS Devon and NHS Cornwall & Isles of Scilly with a single Board, shared leadership model and joint operating arrangements ahead of an anticipated formal merger in 2026/27.

Non Executive Members play a vital role in providing independent oversight, constructive challenge, and strategic guidance as the two ICBs progress towards an anticipated merger.

Working collaboratively with executive colleagues and system partners, NEMs help ensure that transformation is cohesive, that transitions enhance service delivery, and that new models maximise value for local populations while supporting improved health and wellbeing.

For more information and to apply, please download the documents below.

Patients in Devon are being encouraged to make more use of the NHS App after registered users reached a record high.

The NHS App allows patients to order repeat prescriptions, view their GP health record, book and manage appointments, and access test results.

It currently has more than 39 million users, with 66% of the population in Devon already registered.

However, patients can make even more use of the app by exploring more of its features.

Dr Alex Degan, a GP in Devon and primary care medical director at NHS Devon said: “Patients can now order repeat prescriptions at the touch of a button thanks to the NHS App.

“It really is quick and easy to do, and every repeat prescription ordered using the NHS App saves you and the NHS time.

“As well as prescriptions, this fantastic resource provides access to a host of other services and information. You can do so much more with the NHS App than a lot of people realise – and at a time which suits you.

“So, to get the most out of the NHS app, we’d encourage users to switch on notifications to get instant alerts when prescriptions are ready, updates from their GP practice and reminders about appointments.”

If you’re aged 13 or over and are registered with an NHS GP surgery in England or the Isle of Man, you’re eligible to use the NHS App. You can download the NHS App onto your phone or tablet from the App store on Apple devices, or the Google Play Store on Android devices.

Once you’ve set up the NHS App, you can order repeat prescriptions, view your health record and test results securely, book and manage appointments, manage your organ donation decision, view your NHS number and use NHS 111 online.

You can also search conditions and treatments and find NHS services near youYou can find out more – including how to download the app and register – at www.nhs.uk/nhsapp

The NHS in the South West is urging people to come forward for their COVID-19 and flu vaccines before the winter offer comes to an end.

Festive celebrations may have led to an increase in flu and COVID-19 infections as figures published this week show that the number of patients in hospital beds with flu in the South West has risen by 36% and those with COVID-19 has risen by almost 7% on the previous week.

Dr Trevor Smith, Regional Medical Director for NHS England South West said: “It’s clear from the data that flu is still prevalent in the South West, with hospitals experiencing a rise in patients being admitted with flu and other respiratory viruses such as COVID-19.

“It’s important that we don’t get complacent as we head into the new year. Vaccines remain our best defence against flu and COVID-19, so we are urging everyone who is eligible to come forward before the seasonal offer comes to an end.

“Remember, if you are over 75 years old, you may be able to get your flu and COVID-19 vaccination at the same appointment, so be sure to ask when booking.”

The COVID-19 autumn/winter vaccination offer will end on 31 January 2026, and flu vaccines will be available until 31 March 2026, however, there are still appointments available for people to get protected through local pharmacies and GP surgeries.

COVID-19 vaccinations are available to adults aged 75 and over, older adult care home residents, and people who are immunosuppressed.

Flu vaccinations are being offered to children and pregnant women, everyone aged 65 and over, under 65s in clinical risk groups, care home residents and carers, close contacts of those who are immunosuppressed and frontline health and social care staff.

RSV vaccinations are also available on the NHS to women who are 28 weeks pregnant or more, those aged 75 to 79, or and those who turned 80 years old after 1 September 2024.

Elizabeth Smout, Lead Consultant in Health Protection at UKHSA South West, said: “Cases of flu and RSV among older age groups are staying stubbornly stable for now, with no signs of a drop in the number of older adults needing emergency care for respiratory illnesses. We know flu is unpredictable, and the end of flu season could be some months away.

“People aged 65 and over, and others at higher risk, can still get a flu vaccine, which reduces the risk of severe illness and hospitalisation. Flu vaccination appointments are still available on the NHS national booking system, and anyone who hasn’t yet had their vaccine should take it up for the remaining winter to protect themselves – flu often circulates well into March. RSV vaccination remains open year-round for pregnant women and any older adults aged 75 to 80 who haven’t yet had a dose.

“People are returning to work and school after Christmas, and this gives respiratory viruses like flu more chances to spread. If you have symptoms, including a high temperature, cough and feeling tired or achy, you should try to minimise contact with others, especially those more vulnerable. Stay home where possible if you’re feeling unwell, and if you need to go out, consider wearing a face covering, particularly if visiting vulnerable people.”

The NHS National Booking Service on the NHS website is open for all eligible individuals to book their winter flu and COVID-19 vaccinations www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/vaccination-and-booking-services. To find out more about RSV vaccinations, pregnant women should speak with their maternity teams, and those who are aged 75 to 79 or turned 80 years old after 1 September 2024 should speak with their GPs.

To help prevent the spread of winter illnesses, please:

• Don’t visit loved ones in hospital if you have symptoms of a cough, cold, respiratory illness, diarrhoea or vomiting.
• Wear a mask when going to healthcare premises, including hospitals, if they ask you to do so.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, as this is the best way to stop it spreading. Alcohol hand gels do not kill norovirus.
• Try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you come down with a winter bug and do not feel well enough to do your normal activities. Follow simple self-care tips from nhs.uk
• Get your flu vaccine from your GP practice, local pharmacy or vaccination centre. Some people are eligible for the free vaccine, including over-65s, people with long term conditions like stroke or heart disease and pregnant people. If you aren’t in one of these categories, your pharmacy may be able to offer you the jab on a private basis if they have enough supply; this usually costs around £16-£22.

Patients in Devon are being urged to ‘unwrap’ the NHS App to manage their health over the festive period.

With demand for NHS services rising over Christmas, the app offers a fast, convenient alternative to calling or visiting your GP practice for everyday tasks.

Patients can use it to order repeat prescriptions, get advice on medical conditions and locate nearby NHS services – all without needing to wait for surgery opening hours or make a phone call.

The ability to order repeat prescriptions in the run-up to Christmas is particularly useful as GP practices often experience a last-minute rush of people attempting to get their medication in time before Christmas.

Dr Alex Degan, a GP in Devon and primary care medical director at NHS Devon said: “Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year for the NHS. Winter illnesses such as flu and COVID-19 spread more as people gather indoors, which leads to increased demand on services.

“This makes the NHS App even more valuable over the festive period as it allows you to unlock a host of services from the comfort and convenience of your own home.

“The app is available 24 hours a day for everything from ordering a repeat prescription to checking advice on a medical condition, so you can ensure your Christmas isn’t ruined because you have run out of vital medicines.”

You can also use the NHS App to:

• Order repeat prescriptions – and nominate a pharmacy where you would like to collect them
• Check if you need urgent medical help using 111 online
• View your GP health record
• Book and manage COVID-19 vaccinations
• Register organ donation decisions
• Choose how the NHS uses your data.

You can download the app on your 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.

NHS bosses in the South West have issued a last chance call for people to get their flu jab to be protected ahead of the festive holidays, as flu hospitalisations in the region surge by three quarters (76%) in just one week.

Latest data* shows the number of people in the South West in hospital with flu has gone up from an average of 79 a day in the week to 30 November to 139 a day in the last week (to 7 December).

And there is a 93% increase in the number of beds taken up by flu when compared to the same week last year (week to 7 December 2024).

It shows the NHS is facing its ‘worst case scenario’ December with the flu surge leaving the NHS facing its busiest winter yet – and no peak in cases in sight.

It comes as thousands of resident doctors are set to go on strike from 17-22 December, with fears this could cause major disruption for patients in the run up to Christmas.

The public can help the NHS and themselves by getting vaccinated as soon as possible.

Across the NHS, vaccinations are available from GP practices, pharmacies, hospitals, schools and a range of pop-up clinics and vaccine centres for those eligible. With more than two million vaccines delivered across the region so far this season.

Dr Trevor Smith, Regional Medical Director for NHS England – South West said: “The rapid jump in people in hospital with flu in the last week is a real concern.

“This surge in cases is earlier than usual and confirms our fears that we could experience our worst flu season in years, just as we hit our busiest time over the Christmas and New Year period.

“That’s why it’s so important for eligible people to come forward now to get their free flu vaccination to protect themselves but also help protect the loved ones they might celebrate within the coming weeks.”

It takes up to two weeks following a flu jab to gain maximum protection, but by getting the jab in the next few days, people will still have a high level of protection ahead of Christmas Day.

Dr Alasdair Wood, Consultant in Health Protection and Vaccine Preventable Disease Lead at UKHSA South West, said:

“This is your last chance to flu-proof your festivities before Christmas, but importantly, it is not too late. While it takes up to two weeks to build maximum protection, getting your flu jab now will still provide a high level of protection for the festive period.

“Simple hygiene measures also make a real difference in stopping flu spreading. If you have flu-like symptoms such as a high temperature, cough or feeling tired and achy, try to limit contact with others, especially those at higher risk. Wash your hands regularly, keep indoor spaces well-ventilated and if you need to go out while unwell, consider wearing a face mask.

“We are concerned we could see a further spike in flu cases in the New Year, so even if you miss getting vaccinated before Christmas, it is still worth coming forward. The vaccine remains the best defence against flu and getting it at any point during the winter will help protect you and those around you through the rest of the season.”

The NHS is encouraging everyone eligible for a free flu vaccine – including people aged 65 and over, those with long-term health conditions, pregnant women, and young children – to book their appointment now through their GP, local pharmacy, or NHS online services.

Details of local clinics are published online at NHS England — South West » Boost your immunity. Information on how to book an appointment for school-aged children who may have missed the flu vaccination at school is also available.

Weekly data now published by the NHS shows the average daily calls to 111 in the South West have gone up by almost 400 a day** in the last week. While nationally new monthly figures show there were more than 2.35 million A&E attendances in November – more than 30,000 more than the same period last year.

But this winter there are more ways to access care than ever before with pharmacies offering a range of advice and support, including prescriptions for seven common conditions.***

GP practices also offer consultations online, over the phone and in person with a range of qualified staff.

And if your unwell and not sure where to go NHS 111 can help get you to the best place for your condition, either by going online at 111.NHS.UK, on the NHS App or by calling 111.

NHS Devon is funding vital oral health lessons for children in primary schools across Devon for the next three years to support them in learning good habits and help protect their teeth for the future.

Open Wide and Step Inside (OWSI) is an oral health programme delivered by the Dental Outreach Team at Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise (PDSE).

Up until now the programme has only been available on a very limited basis to primary schools in Plymouth and Torbay.  However, funding from NHS Devon is now enabling the successful programme to reach out to all primary schools across the county.

The sessions are funded for all year two children (6-7 year olds) in primary schools, across Devon for the next three years for those primary schools who sign up to the programme.

Jonathan Bouwer-Davies, a local dentist and Clinical Dental Adviser forNHS Devon, said: “Understanding how to brush your teeth properly is an important life skill for children so programmes like this, which promote good oral health, are essential.

“This investment will help address health inequalities by supporting children to develop positive brushing habits, preventing tooth decay and reducing the need for hospital treatment.

The lesson includes a 15-minute animated film, a two-minute brushing song and a quiz for the children. The session has been designed to be fun but educational. It links into Key Stage 2 of the national curriculum and helps schools to promote health and wellbeing.

Robert Witton, Professor of Community Dentistry at the University of Plymouth and Chief Executive of PDSE said: “Putting prevention at the heart of our local communities is essential if we want children to grow up cavity free.

“This school-based programme is a win-win for children, their parents and the school”.

The programme is delivered by qualified oral health educators and dental nurses who deliver an interactive session at the end of the film to reinforce the key messages the children have learnt.

Each child receives a home pack containing a toothbrush, toothpaste, two-minute timer and information about oral health messages. They also get the OWSI story book, which will reinforce good habits at home and can continue long after the lesson ends.

Karen Burn, Oral Health Educator and PDSE Dental Outreach Team Lead said: “It is an exciting time to be able to launch this amazing programme across Devon.

“The feedback from the Plymouth schools who have been part of the programme previously has been amazing.

“Raising the importance of better oral health is our goal and this project has definitely achieved this.”

Developing a case for change for cardiovascular disease, cardiology and cardiac surgery services  

Dear residents,

The health and wellbeing of local people is an absolute priority for NHS Devon and Cardiovascular (heart) disease is one of the leading causes of premature death and health inequality in the county. Now more than ever – there is a clear need to consider how health and care services can collaborate more effectively to improve the way we work together for the long-term benefit of local people.

We are finalising our plans to develop future pathways for cardiovascular disease, cardiology and cardiac surgery services across Devon – with the aim of reviewing how we can better support the long-term heart health of our population — not only through hospital-based cardiac care, but also through a greater focus on prevention, support for earlier interventions, and better access to community-based services.

Developing a draft case for change for cardiovascular disease, cardiology and cardiac surgery services.  

We have recently published our Health and Care strategy, which explains our intention to ensure equitable access to health and care services for people across Devon, Plymouth and Torbay.

A key aim of our strategy is to reduce cardiovascular disease in Devon, improving the heart health of our whole population, especially for our future generations.  

Central to the strategy is reducing waiting times and doing everything we can to prevent people needing NHS services for as long as possible – this is an essential part of what we want our cardiology programme to deliver.

The first important step in our plans to reduce cardiovascular disease is the drafting of a ‘case for change’ for cardiovascular disease, cardiology and cardiac surgery services across Devon, which sets out the data and detail of what we could improve and where health inequalities could be reduced.

Case for change – does not mean closure of services.

We want to reassure local people that the aim of our Cardiology programme is not about reducing or closing local services but focusing on how we can support local people to look after their health and prevent them developing heart conditions.

We want to help those with existing heart conditions, to live healthier lives with timely treatment when they need it.

To be really clear, the draft case for change does not contain any proposals for ‘change’ or ‘closure’, and a case for change doesn’t automatically lead to service changes for NHS services.

It is important everyone understands the case for change, and the complexity of the challenges facing Devon’s population – which are not limited to one particular area of the health service – and will cover heart health throughout a person’s life.

Involving health professionals, stakeholders and local people in our plans.

We want to improve the health and wellbeing of local people together with a wide range of different health professionals, partners and stakeholders. We are designing a detailed engagement plan to ensure that we can do that. We have already involved clinicians and key stakeholders (such as local MPs) in understanding what needs to change. The development of a ‘case for change’, comprehensively describes the current and future needs of the local population, the provision of local services and the key challenges facing the health and care system that must be addressed.  

Following early feedback from cardiology clinical leads from across Devon and local MPs, the draft case for change is currently being reviewed and updated. We will then share the case for change more widely with local authority Overview and Scrutiny Committees, the Heart Campaign and wider key stakeholders for further consideration.

A clinical validation exercise, led by the NHS Devon Chief Medical Officer will then follow. This will ensure the draft case for change and supporting technical document is robust, evidence based and clinically led.

We plan to publish the updated draft case for change and supporting technical document for wider patient and public engagement between January-March 2026.

As part of this first phase of engagement activity, we will be writing to our stakeholders to keep them informed and invite them to planned briefings for local MPs, council members and people from across provider partners, primary care networks, Healthwatch and voluntary sector organisations.  

Once complete – all the feedback will be used to develop the documents further as part of the continuous engagement process.

How to keep informed about our plans:

• Visit the dedicated Cardiology One Devon webpage.
• Sign up to receive updates by completing this short form.
• Register your interest in our new lived experience group – please complete this short form. This is a group for people with experience of living or caring for someone with a long-term health condition – we want to hear from you. To register your interest

We are committed to being transparent and inclusive throughout and encourage you to sign up to be kept informed. This will ensure you receive accurate information and the very latest updates as the programme progresses.

We look forward to working with you, to deliver on our commitment to improve heart health for local people in Devon.

Patients in Devon are being reminded of the benefits of ordering repeat prescriptions using the NHS App.

Record numbers of Devon residents are now accessing services through the NHS App, which provides a quick and convenient way to order repeat medications.

And, as the NHS gets ready for winter – its busiest time of year – patients can also help their local surgery by using the app.

Dr Alex Degan, a GP in Devon and primary care medical director at NHS Devon said: “It’s great that so many people in Devon are now taking advantage of the NHS App to request repeat prescriptions.

“Using this feature helps patients save time and avoids calls to their GP practice. It also allows patients to request medication at their convenience with a few simple taps on their phone.

“And with winter coming, using the NHS App has a particularly important role to play as it helps relieve pressure on local NHS services.”

The NHS app offers patients a secure and convenient way to access a range of healthcare services, including ordering repeat prescriptions.

Patients can request repeat prescriptions 24/7, without having to travel, call or wait for their practice to open. They can also use the app to change where they collect prescriptions.

Patients don’t need to call to find out the status of prescriptions, as they can see it’s being managed on the app. This shortens the telephone queue and frees up staff time to focus on other matters.

The app also allows patients to see all their prescription information in one place, including prescription statuses and when their medications were last ordered.

As well as ordering repeat prescriptions, patients can use the NHS app to:

• View their 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)
• Register organ donation decisions
• Choose how the NHS uses your data.

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.

Find out more about the NHS App at www.nhs.uk/nhs-app

UKHSA South West concerned that many people at risk may not know they are eligible for a flu vaccine

• Over 411,000 people under 65 with one or more long-term health conditions (LTHCs) eligible for a flu vaccine in the South West received their flu vaccine last winter (2024-25), but 487,000 were unprotected
• Last winter (2024-25), just 46% of those aged under 65 with certain LTHCs in a clinical risk group in the region took up the vaccine offer
• For some clinical groups, the risk of influenza-related mortality compared with the general population is much higher[1]:
• 48 times more likely for those with chronic liver disease
• 47 times more likely for those with immunosuppression
• 40 times more likely for those with a chronic neurological disease

Thousands of people in the South West with long-term health conditions are being urged to get their flu vaccine, as figures reveal uptake remains concerningly low among those most at risk.

Latest data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) showed that last year, just 45.8% (411,629) of people under 65 with certain long-term health conditions in the South West were vaccinated against the flu last season.

This means 487,554 people in the region who were eligible remained unprotected, despite being at significantly higher risk of severe illness, hospitalisation and even death from flu.

The figures come as UKHSA warns that flu can be particularly dangerous for people with conditions including chronic respiratory disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease, chronic neurological conditions, and immunosuppression.

For some clinical groups, the risk of flu-related death compared with the general population is stark: 48 times higher for those with chronic liver disease, 47 times higher for those with immunosuppression, and 40 times higher for those with chronic neurological disease.

Across the South West’s local authorities, vaccine uptake varies considerably. South Gloucestershire had the highest uptake at 51.6%, with 21,571 people vaccinated. Meanwhile, Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch had the lowest at 39.6%, with just 23,584 of 59,574 eligible people protected.

Other areas with uptake below the regional average include Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly (41.2%), Plymouth (41.9%), Torbay (42.5%) and Bristol (43.2%).

Dr Fiona Neely, Consultant in Health Protection at UKHSA South West, said:

“Every year we see many people across the South West with long-term health conditions ending up seriously ill in hospital from flu, and tragically some dying, when for most this could be prevented with a vaccine.

“If you have a long-term health condition like diabetes, asthma, heart disease, kidney disease or a condition affecting your immune system, you are eligible for a free flu vaccine. With nearly half a million people in our region still unprotected, I urge everyone eligible to come forward now.

“The flu vaccine offers the best protection against serious illness, and it is not too late to get vaccinated. Please don’t put it off. Speak to your GP or pharmacist today and get yourself protected.”

Estimates every year of excess winter deaths potentially attributable to influenza in England are published in the annual national flu reports[2] and range from less than 1,000 (2013 to 2014) to greater than 20,000 (2014 to 2015 and 2017 to 2018). More recently, over 15,000 deaths from flu were seen in England during the 2022 to 2023 season.

The risk of serious illness from flu is higher amongst children under 5 years of age, older people, those with certain LTHCs and also in pregnant women. People with one or more certain LTHCs in a clinical risk group who are eligible for the flu vaccine include:

1. Chronic respiratory disease
2. Chronic heart disease and vascular disease
3. Chronic kidney disease
4. Chronic liver disease, including chronic hepatitis
5. Chronic neurological disease. Including stroke, transient ischaemic attack and conditions in which respiratory function may be compromised due to neurological or neuromuscular disease.
6. Diabetes and adrenal insufficiency
7. Immunosuppression due to disease or treatment. Including patients undergoing chemotherapy, radical radiotherapy, solid organ transplant recipients, bone marrow or stem cell transplant recipients, people living with HIV, multiple myeloma or genetic disorders affecting the immune system.
8. Asplenia or dysfunction of the spleen, including sickle cell disease
9. Morbid obesity (class III obesity)

The list above is not exhaustive, and doctors should apply clinical judgment to take into account the risk of flu exacerbating any underlying disease that a patient may have, as well as the risk of serious illness from flu itself. A vaccine should be offered in such cases even if the individual is not in the clinical risk groups specified above.

Dr Matthew Dominey, Consultant in Public Health and Screening and Immunisation Lead for NHS England South West, said:

“If you have a long-term health condition such as a heart problem, diabetes, or a lowered immune system, it is vital that you take up the offer to get your free NHS flu vaccine.

“Flu cases are on the rise, and having a long-term health condition can make you more susceptible to the effects of flu, while increasing your risk of developing other illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia. Flu can also make some long-term health conditions worse, even if they are well-manged and you normally feel well.

“If you’re not sure if you’re eligible for a flu vaccine, you can check on the NHS website or by contacting your GP.”

Beth, who lives in Bristol, is eligible for the flu vaccine:

“I get the flu vaccine every year as I have heart and lung conditions that put me at higher risk of becoming seriously ill with flu. Getting the vaccine, therefore, helps protect me, but also reduces the impact on the NHS at their busiest time of year.”

The Department of Health and Social Care, with UKHSA and NHS England, has launched a new campaign urging people to protect themselves against flu this winter. Campaign activity prioritises audiences who are eligible for the flu vaccine, including pregnant women, parents of children aged 2-16 years, and people living with certain long term health conditions. The campaign message is simple and calls on eligible groups to ‘Stay strong. Get vaccinated’ for flu this winter. The campaign uses protective imagery like bubble wrap and armour to illustrate the protection that vaccinations offer.

The marketing will run across TV, video on demand, radio, outdoor advertising and social channels. This is supported by media outreach, partnership activity, social media, and more.

We are proud to publish our Green Plan, the first joint sustainability strategy between NHS Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly and Devon Integrated Care Boards.

This landmark collaboration sets a bold course toward achieving net zero for scope one emissions by 2040, uniting our communities, health systems, and local partners in a shared commitment to climate resilience and environmental stewardship. Together, we are stronger, greener, and ready to lead the way in creating a healthier, more sustainable future for all.

Climate change presents an immediate and growing threat to health. The UK is already experiencing more frequent and severe floods and heatwaves, as well as worsening air pollution. Up to 38,000 deaths a year are associated with air pollution alone, disproportionately affecting the most deprived and further exacerbating health inequalities. The impact of climate change will also be expensive for society and the NHS, with the national costs of heat-related mortalities from climate change estimated at £6.8 billion per year in the 2020s, rising to £14.7 billion per year in the 2050s.

As part of the NHS, the NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly and NHS Devon Cluster must play its part in reducing the environmental impact and carbon footprint of their operations. To protect the health of people in the NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly and NHS Devon we must:

• limit our contribution to the climate crisis, reducing carbon emissions and damage to our environment
• prepare for and build resilience to respond to increasingly more extreme weather patterns
• invest in keeping people healthy to reduce preventable diseases, improve the general health of our people and communities, and reduce the demand for healthcare

By reducing emissions, improving air quality, and creating greener, more resilient communities, the cluster will not only aim to meet its Net Zero targets but also reduce preventable illness, improve health equity, and deliver better value for money. This is not just about meeting statutory targets, it is about shaping a healthier, fairer, and more sustainable future for the people of Cornwall, Devon and the Isles of Scilly.