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The NHS in the South West is thanking those who have already received their flu vaccine and urging those eligible to come forward as levels of flu continue to rise.

So far in the region, over 1.2 million flu vaccinations have been administered, but it is important those who are eligible still come forward for their vaccination.

Dr Matthew Dominey, Consultant in Public Health and Screening and Immunisation Lead for NHS England South West said: “The flu vaccine helps to reduce your chances of having serious illness. It is vital that those eligible continue to come forward and receive their vaccines before we head into winter.

“Flu can be a serious or life-threatening illness, and we are already seen a rise in the level of flu circulating in our communities. Getting your flu vaccine is the best protection against flu and, as the flu virus changes every year, it’s important to get a vaccination each year to ensure your protection and help reduce the spread to others.

“Children can also get a free flu vaccine, and most schools will be offering this within school hours. Parents, please ensure you sign and return your child’s vaccine consent form, or if your child has missed their school session, you can attend a catch-up community clinic during the upcoming half-term.”

Flu vaccines are available for free on the NHS for everyone aged 65 and over, under 65s in clinical risk groups, care home residents and carers, close contacts of those who are immunosuppressed, frontline health and social care workers, as well as children and pregnant women.

Latest data published by the UKHSA showed that flu cases and hospitalisations are on the rise, with transmission among school-aged children driving the early start to the season.

Dr Alasdair Wood, Consultant in Health Protection and Vaccine Preventable Disease Lead at UKHSA South West, said: “As we enter the colder winter months, we are already seeing flu circulating in our communities across the South West. The flu vaccine remains our best defence against what can be a serious illness, particularly for those most vulnerable.

“I would strongly encourage everyone eligible, including children aged 2-3 and school-aged children, pregnant women, over-65s, those with health conditions, care home residents, carers, and health and social care workers, to get their flu jab as soon as possible if they haven’t already done so.

“It is not too late to protect yourself, your loved ones, and help reduce pressure on our local NHS services this winter. Getting vaccinated now will ensure you are protected when flu activity typically peaks in the coming weeks.”

The South West has also administered over 430,000 COVID-19 vaccinations to help protect those most at risk. Following the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation’s recommendation, those aged 75 or over, anyone with a weakened immune system, or those living in older adult care homes are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine this year.

GPs, vaccination centres and community pharmacies are offering flu and COVID-19 vaccinations through the national booking systems or local booking systems, or by calling 119.

In addition, walk-ins are available. Information is updated daily on the NHS website:

The outreach service are also offering pop-up clinics, details of which are available on this vaccination calendar.

For half-term vaccination clinics for school children, parents can contact 01392 342678 to complete a consent or arrange a clinic appointment. Please note clinics are by appointment only. Phone lines are open 9am-5pm Monday to Friday.

Anyone can help stop the spread of flu and COVID-19 by ensuring good hygiene. Steps you can take include:

Stay at home and avoid close contact with others if you’re not feeling well
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water
Let fresh air in if you’re meeting indoors
Using tissues to cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and dispose of used tissues in a bin as soon as possible
Regularly clean surfaces such as tables, telephones and door handles

NHS Devon is encouraging residents to take control of their health this winter through the NHS 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.

It’s particularly beneficial during winter as illnesses such as flu, RSV and COVID-19 spread more easily in the UK during colder months when people spend more time indoors.

The NHS App helps users order repeat prescriptions and nominate a pharmacy for collecting medication, book GP appointments and locate nearby NHS services – all without needing to wait for surgery opening hours or make a phone call.

You can also use it 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 vaccinations
Register organ donation decisions
Choose how the NHS uses your data.

Jim Goodwin, NHS Devon Head of Digital said: “Ahead of the winter, we want to remind everyone of how the NHS App can help you access NHS services quickly and easily.

“More than 600,000 people are already using this App locally. It’s an incredibly useful tool that allows you to view your GP record and results, as well as book and manage your upcoming appointments.

“I’d encourage anyone who doesn’t have the NHS App on their phone, or has not used it for a while, to use the app this winter to help them stay well.”

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 be 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.

Nearly all local GP practices are registered to be accessible via the NHS App, so depending on your surgery, you may also be able to use it to:

Message your GP surgery or a health professional online
Contact your GP surgery using an online form and get a reply
access health services on behalf of someone you care for
View and manage your hospital and other healthcare appointments
View useful links your doctor or health professional has shared with you
View and manage care plans.

NHS Devon is sharing some helpful hints and advice on how to keep young children safe and well this October half-term.

Families can follow a few simple Halloween themed steps to keep everyone healthy and well over the holidays.

Keep the bogeyman at bay

It’s the season for coughs, colds and flu. Keep noses clean with tissues, hands clean with soap and water and keep poorly little ones away from people who are vulnerable.

Prevention is better than cure, so fill in the consent form for flu nasal sprays at school, or book your 2 or 3 year old in for their nasal flu vaccine. Young children can be “super-spreaders” of winter bugs, so getting them vaccinated can help protect others.

More information about the flu vaccine is here.

If you or your child have missed any routine vaccinations, contact your GP to make an appointment for a ‘catch up’ vaccine.

Peter Collins, NHS Devon chief medical officer said “Ahead of winter, we want families to know through our fun Halloween themed advice how they can keep their loved ones healthy and well.

“Flu can be much more than just a sniffle and for some, it can lead to serious illness, from ear infections to pneumonia; and in the worst cases can result in hospitalisation.

“The good news is there are small steps you can take to get your family winter ready and the most important is to take up the free, painless nasal spray flu vaccine for children aged 2-17 years to protect their loved ones over winter.”

“By vaccinating your child, you’re not only protecting them from illness, but you’re also helping prevent flu from spreading to those who are most at risk. It’s a small step that can make a big difference to your child’s health, and to those around them.”

If your children are feeling green

The winter vomiting bug, norovirus, also spreads at this time of year. Wash hands before eating and preparing food. Keep children off school for 48 hours after they’ve had sickness or diarrhoea. Antibacterial hand gels won’t kill norovirus, so do use soap and water. Make it fun with this hand washing video from the NHS.

Coping with blood and broken bones

There are lots of places to find treatment if your little ones are injured. From your own medicine cabinet, to a local pharmacy or our network of minor injury units and urgent treatment centres. You can find your nearest urgent or emergency care services in Devon here. If you really aren’t sure where to go, visit www.111.nhs.uk for urgent advice.

For life-threatening emergencies like a child who is unconscious, struggling to breathe, has a severe allergic reaction, is experiencing a seizure for the first time, or has a serious injury or bleeding that won’t stop, call 999.

Other spook-tacular tips this Halloween include

Sweet treats. While they may have a huge pile from trick or treating, enjoying them in moderation can prevent an upset tummy. Check packaging to avoid allergens or choking hazards – some sweets may not be suitable for very young children. Make a swap to fruit slices as they are just as yummy.

Big Brush Club. If your child is enjoying a few extra sweet treats, it’s a great time to remind them about the toothbrushing skills they may have learned at the Big Brush Club.

Thousands of primary and nursery school children in Devon have access to supervised toothbrushing sessions thanks to the Big Brush Club which encourages better oral health in a fun and interactive way.

Costume safety. Before the trick-or-treating starts, check your child’s costume has a fire safety label. Safe costumes mean happy Halloween!

People in Devon most at risk of becoming seriously unwell from flu this winter are being urged to get their flu vaccine as cases of flu start to rise.

The number of people receiving a flu vaccine across England has increased by over a quarter with the flu jab already administered to 4.3 million people, a 28% rise from 3.36 million who received the vaccine at the same point last year.

But there are concerns that people who are at high risk of becoming seriously unwell from flu and are eligible for the vaccine, are not coming forward to be vaccinated.

Dr Alex Degan, a GP in Devon and primary care medical director at NHS Devon said: “One of the key issues we face is that many people who fall into the ‘clinically vulnerable ’category do not realise they are in it.

“If you are someone with conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, chronic kidney or liver disease, have a BMI over 40, or are taking medication for asthma, you are classed as clinically vulnerable and are entitled to a free flu vaccination.

“It is especially important that those falling into this group protect themselves against flu this winter.

“Flu can affect anyone but if you have a long-term health condition, the effects of flu can make it worse even if the condition is well managed and you normally feel well. It can increase the risk of developing more serious illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia or can make existing conditions worse.

“Vaccinations are our best defence against these potentially very dangerous viruses and can genuinely save lives.”

If you have a health condition and are not sure if you fall into the clinically vulnerable category, you can visit www.nhs.uk/fluvaccine which details health conditions are included and whether you are eligible for a free flu vaccination.

Speak to your GP surgery or specialist if you have a health condition and you’re not sure if you’re eligible for the flu vaccine.

GPs, vaccination centres and community pharmacies are offering flu and COVID-19 vaccinations through the national booking systems or local booking systems.

In addition, walk-ins are available. Information is updated daily on the NHS website:

The local outreach service are also offering pop-up clinics, details of which are available on this vaccination calendar.

Two and three-year-olds in Devon can now get their free flu vaccination at a community pharmacy, thanks to a new NHS service.

Devon pharmacies that have opted to participate in the one-season trial started vaccinating eligible children from October 1, 2025.

The service aims to increase uptake of the vaccine among two and three-year-olds, who are ordinarily offered the vaccination through their general practice. Older children are offered the vaccination at school.

Flu is a common infection in babies and young people, with children under five having the highest hospital admission rates compared to other age groups.

All children aged two and three (on 31 August 2025) are eligible for a free flu vaccination in the form of a nasal spray, although many do not take it up.

Appointments are available across local pharmacies, as well as GP practices and community clinic drop-in centres.

You can book an appointment via the NHS App, your local GP practice, online at www.nhs.uk/bookflu or www.nhs.uk/bookcovid, or by calling 119.

Devon GP Dr Alex Degan, who is also Primary Care Medical Director at NHS Devon, said: “This NHS trial service offers parents a convenient option to getting their child’s flu vaccination.

“Flu can make young children seriously ill during the winter months, but the vaccine will offer the best protection from catching and spreading the virus.

“Vaccines are our best defence from winter illnesses and will help reduce the number of people needing hospital care.

“Flu can be very unpleasant for children and sometimes causes serious problems, such as pneumonia. Each winter in the UK, thousands of children who do not have a health condition need hospital care because of flu.

“Children can catch and spread flu easily. Vaccinating them also helps protect others who are at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu, such as babies, pregnant women and older people.”

The flu vaccine is usually given to children as a quick and painless spray up the nose, without the need for injection. Those who cannot have porcine gelatine in medical products will be offered an injection instead.

You and your children can also reduce the risk of catching and spreading flu with good hygiene measures. These include:

Washing hands regularly with soap and warm water
Using tissues to cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
Putting used tissues in a bin as soon as possible
Regularly cleaning surfaces such as tables, telephones and door handles to get rid of germs.

Find out more about the children’s flu vaccine at www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/child-flu-vaccine

Flu and COVID-19 vaccines kick off for all eligible people from today to help ‘winter-proof’ those most vulnerable and the NHS amid new variants circulating this year.

Vaccination teams across England are working to protect millions most at risk of getting seriously ill this winter by building immunity ahead of December and January, when hospitalisations for respiratory viruses typically rise.

It comes as data shows early signs of an increase in flu cases, and COVID-19 cases have been steadily increasing for weeks, with hospitalisations increasing by 60%.

The increase follows the emergence of the XFG variant in May. UKHSA has also reported a 50% increase in rhinovirus, which causes the common cold – likely driven by the return of schools after the summer break.

The NHS is taking an even stronger approach to winter this year, with 2025 on track to be the busiest on record for A&E and ambulance services.

NHS leaders have been testing the robustness of their winter plans with scenario exercises, as well as delegating more power for local teams to deliver bespoke plans for their populations – with those most vulnerable to winter viruses being identified to provide targeted care and ensure they have appropriate vaccinations.

For the first time, those eligible for winter vaccines have been able to book since 1 September to allow more people to book their flu or COVID-19 vaccine appointments in advance.

Regional teams across the country are working to make it as easy as possible for people to receive their vaccines – like hosting mobile vaccination buses to deliver vaccines closer to home, running family drop-in sessions in the community, and first the first time ever delivering flu vaccines to two- and three-year-olds in some community pharmacies.

Since the start of September, vaccination teams have been rolling out flu vaccines to pregnant women and children through GP practices, maternity services and via schools.

Flu vaccines are also available for everyone aged 65 and over, under 65s in clinical risk groups, care home residents and carers, close contacts of those who are immunosuppressed, frontline health and social care workers, as well as children and pregnant women.

Following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), COVID-19 vaccinations are available to adults aged 75 and over, older adult care home residents, and people who are immunosuppressed.

From today, booked appointments and walk-in sessions are now available across local pharmacies, GP practices and community clinic drop-in centres across the country and you can book an appointment via the NHS App, your local GP practice, online at www.nhs.uk/bookflu or www.nhs.uk/bookcovid, or by calling 119.

You can also find your nearest drop-in service or using the NHS walk-in finder.

Dr Amanda Doyle, National Director for Primary Care and Community Services at NHS England, said: “It’s concerning to hear flu and COVID-19 cases are already creeping up ahead of winter – but vaccinations remain our best defence against these viruses and can be lifesaving. I urge everyone eligible to come forward for their jabs as soon as they can, with easy to book appointments or drop-in sessions now available closer to home.

“Teams across the country are working hard to make it as easy as possible to get vaccinated at your local GP, pharmacy, school or other community clinic, and for the first time ever parents will be able to get flu vaccines for their two and three year olds at their high-street pharmacy to help busy families protect their children in a way that works for them.

“Get vaccinated today to protect yourself and others around you, it might keep you out of hospital this winter.”

The NHS has already sent over 12 million invites via email and further invites via the NHS App, text and letters are set to go out across the month – but those that are eligible do not have to wait to receive an invitation to be able to book.

Health Minister Karin Smyth said: “Vaccines save lives and with flu and COVID-19 cases already rising, I urge all those eligible to come forward and prevent sickness before it happens.

“It is easier than ever to book your vaccination with appointments available at GP surgeries, pharmacies and community centres across the country.

“Get vaccinated and protect yourself, your loved ones and help reduce pressure on the NHS. Don’t wait – book your appointment today.”

Last autumn/winter, the NHS delivered more than 18.5 million flu vaccinations to adults and children – including over half a million to 2- and 3-year-olds.

Staff also delivered 9.8 million vaccinations to protect those eligible against COVID-19, over a quarter of a million to older adult care home residents.

Despite this, there were more than 450,000 hospital bed days taken up by patients with flu and COVID-19 last winter.

Dr Mary Ramsay, Director of Immunisation at UK Health Security Agency, said: “From today everyone at higher risk of flu and COVID-19 can take up the offer of a vaccine to give them vital protection going into winter. If you’re eligible it is because you are at greater risk of getting seriously ill and ending up in hospital. Book online on the NHS app or National Booking System or speak to your GP or practice nurse, or alternatively your local pharmacist. For pregnant women, the vaccine may also be available through maternity services.

“Join the ‘Stay strong, get vaccinated’ campaign – it could be the most important appointment you make this winter, helping to keep you out of hospital.”

The NHS also recommends the RSV vaccine to pregnant women and older adults, as well as the pneumococcal vaccine to over 65s, to help protect against serious illnesses that are more common in the winter, like pneumonia.

You can access more information on recommended vaccinations at nhs.uk/vaccinations.

Flu vaccinations are now available for pregnant women and children aged 2 to 3 years, school-aged children and children with certain long-term health conditions.

Flu is a highly infectious disease which can cause symptoms much worse than a heavy cold, however, the flu vaccine provides the best protection against flu, helping people to Stay Well this Winter.

If you are pregnant, you should have your flu vaccine to protect yourself and your baby. This is because pregnancy alters how your body handles infections such as flu.

Getting the flu while pregnant can increase the chances of pregnant women and their babies needing intensive care. The flu vaccine provides protection for pregnant women and their babies, reducing the risk of severe complications and providing additional protection for newborn babies.

The flu vaccine is available at any stage of pregnancy, and is given for free from your GP, and may also be available from your pharmacy or midwife.

If you have a child who is aged 2 to 3 years old, in primary or secondary school, or is aged from 6 months to less than 18 years and is in a clinical risk group, they will also be eligible for their flu vaccine.

The child flu vaccine is usually given as a spray in each nostril and is a very quick and painless procedure. The vaccine will help protect your child from flu and help to reduce the spread of flu to other children and family members such as parents and grandparents.

Getting your child vaccinated can also help you avoid the need to take time off work because of flu or to look after your children with flu.

Most school-aged children will receive their flu vaccinations at school, but younger children and those who miss their school or nursery session can also get the vaccine at their GP practice or at a community clinic.

Dr Vinay Takwale, NHS England’s Regional Medical Director for the South West, said: “Ensuring you get your flu vaccine is one of the most important things you can do to keep yourself and others safe this winter.

“If you are pregnant we recommend that you get your flu vaccine as soon as you can to ensure you and your baby are protected before the height of winter. For parents of eligible children, we urge you to please book them in for their vaccine appointment early to protect your children and those around them by helping to minimise outbreaks at school and within families.”

The flu vaccine is estimated to have prevented around 100,000 people from being hospitalised in England last winter by helping protect those at risk from getting seriously ill, particularly during the colder months when people gather indoors and viruses spread.  

Despite this, there were more than 300,000 hospital bed days taken up by patients with flu last winter – almost double the previous winter (175,062 in 2023-24) and close to 50% higher than the year before (216,120 in 2022-23) – adding pressure to NHS services during the busy period.

Elizabeth Smout, Lead Consultant in Health Protection with UKHSA South West, said: “Flu should not be underestimated. It can be more than just an unpleasant illness – for some an infection is life-threatening, including kids who are normally very active and healthy. However, the flu vaccine is effective in providing protection. Estimates show the vaccination protected as many as 120,200 people from being hospitalised with flu last year, but for many thousands of unvaccinated vulnerable children and adults who ended up seriously ill in hospital, this could have been prevented.

“We recommend that all pregnant women should have a flu vaccine to protect themselves and their babies, as pregnancy alters how the body handles infections such as flu. The flu vaccine provides the best protection for both pregnant women and their baby. It reduces the risk of severe complications, intensive care needs, stillbirth, prematurity, and provides additional protection to the baby in the first few months of life. On top of helping to keep your child healthy, the flu vaccine also helps stop the spread of flu in the community – helping to protect those who are more vulnerable and the elderly such as grandparents.”

From 1 October, the flu vaccination offer will be extending to include those aged 65 years and over, those aged 18 to under 65 years in a clinical risk group, frontline health care workers, residents in long-stay care homes, those who are in close contact to immunocompromised individuals and carers.

The NHS is sending out millions of invitations this month to remind eligible people to come forward as soon as they can, but you do not need to wait for an invitation to book. If you are eligible, you can book quickly and easily on the NHS website, NHS App or by calling 119. 

COVID-19 vaccinations will also be available to adults aged 75 and over, older adult care home residents, and people who are immunosuppressed. For adults eligible for both vaccines the NHS will make flu and COVID-19 jabs available at the same time, providing protection from both viruses in one visit.

Booking is now open for flu and COVID-19 vaccination appointments from 1 October 2025. The national booking service will remain open for COVID-19 appointments until 31 January 2026 and for flu appointments until 31 March 2026.

Notes to editors:

Winter vaccination is a vital part of the NHS in the South West’s winter campaign encouraging people to Stay Well this Winter.
Based on scientific advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), those eligible for a flu vaccination this Autumn/Winter include:
From 1 September 2025: 
pregnant women  
all children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2025  
primary school aged children (from Reception to Year 6)  
secondary school aged children (from Year 7 to Year 11)  
all children in clinical risk groups aged from 6 months to less than 18 years  
From 1 October 2025:  
those aged 65 years and over  
those aged 18 years to under 65 years in clinical risk groups (as defined in the Influenza chapter of the Green Book)  
those in long-stay residential care homes  
carers in receipt of carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person  
close contacts of immunocompromised individuals  
frontline workers in a social care setting without an employer led occupational health scheme including those working for a registered residential care or nursing home, registered domiciliary care providers, voluntary managed hospice providers and those that are employed by those who receive direct payments (personal budgets) or Personal Health budgets, such as Personal Assistants  
health and social care staff will also be offered a flu vaccine from their organisation from 1 October 2025, with multiple convenient options to get vaccinated based around working and shift patterns. 
This year’s autumn COVID-19 vaccination programme will run from 1 October 2025 to 31 January 2026 and those eligible include:  
adults aged 75 years and over  
residents in a care home for older adults  
individuals aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed (as defined in the COVID-19 chapter of the Green Book).  
For more information on the flu vaccine see the NHS website: Flu vaccine – NHS
For more information on the COVID-19 vaccine see the NHS website: COVID-19 vaccine – NHS
For more information on children and flu vaccination see the NHS website: Children’s flu vaccine – NHS
For more information on pregnancy and flu vaccination see the NHS website: The flu jab in pregnancy – NHS

For further information/ interview requests contact Cherry Pannell-Berry on 07872817288 or england.swcomms@nhs.net

For urgent out of hours queries call 0303 033 3247

NHS England South West is one of seven regions in England, covering Swindon, the Bath area, Wiltshire, the Bristol area, Somerset, Gloucestershire, Devon, Dorset, and Cornwall and Isles of Scilly. We make sure that people across the South West have access to high-quality health and care services.

Our work involves supporting the seven Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) 19 NHS trusts, two Community Interest Companies (CICs) and one Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) in the region to ensure that together they provide excellent healthcare services that meet the needs of patients and the communities of the South West.

We do this by providing professional leadership to the local NHS on commissioning, digital transformation, assurance and delivery, finance, nursing, medical and clinical leadership. Visit our website

Twitter at @NHSSW

Facebook: @NHSSW

Instagram: @nhssouthwest

Parents and carers of children aged two and three are being urged to get their flu vaccine this September.

Flu is a common infection in babies and young people, with children under five having the highest hospital admission rates compared to other age groups.

All children aged two and three (on 31 August 2025) are eligible for a free flu vaccination in the form of a nasal spray. However, not all parents are aware of this or take up the offer.

Devon GP Dr Alex Degan, who is also Primary Care Medical Director at NHS Devon, said: “Flu can make young children seriously ill during the winter months, but the flu vaccine will offer your child the best protection from catching and spreading the virus.

“Vaccines are our best defence from winter illnesses and will help reduce the number of people needing hospital care.

“When you are invited by your practice, please take up the offer”.

Flu can be very unpleasant for children and can sometimes cause serious problems, such as pneumonia. Each winter in the UK, thousands of children who do not have a health condition need hospital care because of flu.

Children can catch and spread flu easily. Vaccinating them also helps protect others who are at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu, such as babies, pregnant women and older people.

You and your children can also reduce the risk of catching and spreading flu with good hygiene measures. These include:

Washing hands regularly with soap and warm water
Using tissues to cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
Putting used tissues in a bin as soon as possible
Regularly cleaning surfaces such as tables, telephones and door handles to get rid of germs.

Find out more about the children’s flu vaccine at www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/child-flu-vaccine

The NHS in the South West is facing another significant round of industrial action by resident doctors, who are expected to strike from 7am tomorrow (Friday) until 7am on Wednesday 30 July.

Hospitals and local teams have been preparing as usual ahead of this latest round of strikes, with plans in place to minimise disruption to patient care and to ensure life-saving treatment continues.

This will be the twelfth strike from resident doctors since March 2023, resulting in 49 days of disruption to NHS services.

NHS England has asked hospital chief executives to keep routine operations going to the fullest extent possible during this round of strikes and only to reschedule appointments and other activity in exceptional circumstances to ensure patient safety.

The NHS is therefore advising the public to continue to attend any planned appointments they have scheduled over the strike period unless they have been contacted to reschedule.

Primary and urgent and emergency care services will continue to be available for those who need them. The public should use 111 online as the first port of call for urgent but not life-threatening issues during industrial action so that they can be directed to the best place for their needs.

Patients who need emergency medical care should continue to use 999 or come forward to A&E as normal.

Dr Trevor Smith, NHS England’s Regional Medical Director for the South West, said: “It’s very disappointing that the industrial action is going ahead, given the impact it will have on individual patients, many of whom will have been waiting a long time for treatment.

“Some cancellations are inevitable as we prioritise emergency care, but we’re doing all we can to keep other services running, so please do attend appointments unless you’re told otherwise.

“And as always, please dial 999 in an emergency, and make use of NHS 111 online, your local pharmacist or GP if it’s less urgent.”

The last round of national industrial action by resident doctors at the end of June last year saw 61,989 inpatient and outpatient appointments rescheduled, with 23,001 staff absent from work due to strike at its peak.

Since strikes began at the end of 2022, the cumulative total of hospital appointments rescheduled is now close to 1.5 million (1,486,258) across the NHS.

Resident doctors, previously named junior doctors, make up around half of all doctors in the NHS and have up to eight years’ experience working as a hospital doctor, depending on their specialty, or up to three years in general practice.

Full advice for public and patients is available here.

Women in Devon are being encouraged to attend their routine cervical screening checks when invited.

Each year, around 2,700 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in England, with proportionally more people being diagnosed in the South West when compared to the national rate.

Just 68.8% of women currently take up the offer of cervical cancer screening, well below the NHS England target of 80%.

Screening helps prevent cervical cancer by detecting abnormal cells in the cervix before they develop into cancer.

Devon GP Dr Alex Degan, who is also Primary Care Medical Director at NHS Devon, said: “Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, so all women should book their screening appointment as soon as they receive their invitation. Cervical screening lasts just a few minutes and saves lives.

“Many women miss cervical screening because of fear or embarrassment, so if you have any concerns, you can discuss these with your GP or practice nurse before or at your appointment, and they can advise and support you during the process.”

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, yet two women die every day from the disease. It is most common in women aged between 30 and 35, but it can happen at any age.

Nearly all cervical cancers are caused by high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that’s spread through skin contact (usually when having sex).

More accurate human papillomavirus (HPV) testing will enable millions of women and people with a cervix in England to benefit from more personalised cervical screening from this month.

From July, younger women (aged 25 to 49) who test negative for HPV, meaning they are at very low risk of cervical cancer over the next 10 years, will safely be invited at 5-year intervals rather than 3, in line with major clinical evidence.

Those whose sample indicates the presence of HPV or who have a recent history of HPV, which causes nearly all cervical cancers, will continue to be invited to more frequent screenings to check HPV has cleared and if not, if any cell changes have developed.

The HPV vaccine protects against most types of HPV, preventing 9 out of 10 cases of cervical cancer. It’s quick, safe, and the best protection you can get against future cancer risk. The NHS offers the HPV vaccine to boys and girls from the age of 12-13. Girls under 25 and boys born after 1 September 2006 who missed their HPV vaccine at school, can also catch up at their GP.

Dr Degan added: “By getting the HPV vaccination and attending screenings when invited, you’re giving yourself the best possible protection against cervical cancer.

“Even if you’ve had a HPV vaccination it’s important that you attend your cervical screening appointment when invited because the HPV vaccine doesn’t protect against all strains of HPV.”

NHS cervical screening helps prevent cervical cancer by using a highly effective test to check for HPV, which is found in over 99 per cent of all cervical cancers and which may cause abnormal cells to develop in the cervix. These abnormal cells can, over time, turn into cancer if left untreated.

Invitations are sent in the post when it’s time to book a cervical screening appointment, while women can also contact their GP surgery to book. Some sexual health clinics also offer the service.

Anyone who has previously received an invitation and been unable to attend shouldn’t wait for another invitation – you can still book a cervical screening appointment even if invited weeks, months or years ago.

More details on NHS cervical screening and how to book an appointment are available at www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-screening.

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Author: joe.metcalf