Author: Keri Ross

As the temperatures drop, it’s important we all play our part to stay safe, look after each other and ease pressure on our NHS in the South West.

This is especially important for elderly residents across the South West, as well as people with pre-existing health conditions, who are being urged to take extra precautions as temperatures drop below freezing this week.

The NHS in the South West is warning that vulnerable groups face increased risks during very cold spells, following the yellow cold weather alert issued by the UK Health Security Agency from today until 9 January.

Heart attacks increase almost immediately after a cold snap, while hospitals also see a rise in the number of stroke patients around five days after the cold weather begins, then a peak in respiratory illness after a further week.

Dr Justin Varney-Bennett, Regional Director of Public Health for NHS England – South West, said: “With very cold weather forecast, it’s vital for people who have long-term conditions, and especially important for the elderly, to take extra care.

“Checking in on those who are more vulnerable in your life over the next few days could potentially save their life as well as lift their spirits on a dark day.”

Simple steps to stay safe:

  • Keep your home heated to at least 18°C if you’re elderly or vulnerable
  • Wear hats, gloves, and warm indoor footwear like slippers
  • Stay active indoors with gentle movement to improve circulation
  • Check on vulnerable friends, family and neighbours

Dr Varney-Bennett added: “Moving each day improves blood circulation, helping to reduce the risk of stroke and heart attacks whilst warming your core, as well as helping to lessen the risk of trips and falls. No one wants to start the new year in hospital with something preventable.

“The cold also makes everything slippier and more hazardous. Take it steady whether you’re behind the wheel, on a bike or on foot – getting there safely matters more than getting there quickly.”

Dr Alasdair Wood, Consultant in Health Protection at UKHSA South West, added: “Christmas is a wonderful time to come together with loved ones, and a little care for each other can help everyone enjoy the festivities safely. Cold weather can be harder on some people, particularly those over 65 or with existing health conditions, so why not use this season of goodwill to check in on elderly neighbours, family members or friends who might appreciate a visit, a phone call, or a helping hand.

“Simple gestures like making sure their home is warm enough, helping with shopping, or just spending some time together can make a real difference.”

You can help prevent winter bugs spreading by staying at home if you’re unwell or sick, keeping on top of hand washing with soap and water regularly, using tissues to catch and bin running noses and sneezes. Make sure you also drink plenty of fluid and take over the counter medicines for aches and pains, if required

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.

More information about local health services and how to find the right one for your needs can be found here.

People in Devon are being asked to be plan ahead of the four-day weekend this Christmas by choosing the right services for their needs, ordering prescriptions in advance and getting vaccinated against winter viruses.

As winter approaches and the Christmas period nears, NHS Devon is encouraging residents to take simple steps to stay well and be prepared, to help access the right health support when they need it.

The Christmas break this year includes a four-day weekend, during which many GP practices and pharmacies will be operating limited hours, so preparing early is essential.

Winter is traditionally a busy time across the NHS, but by planning ahead and making full use of local services such as their pharmacy, Devon residents can help protect their own health while reducing pressure on GP practices and Emergency departments for people who really need them.

Dr Peter Collins, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Devon said; “Winter is a challenging time for health services, particularly over longer bank holiday periods.

“All our services are working together to prioritise care to those most in need. Making the right choices by planning ahead, checking and using local services for minor conditions, residents can help ensure they stay well while keeping urgent and emergency services free for those who need them most.

“It is still critical that those needing emergency or life-saving care contact 999 or attend ED but we ask everyone else to choose the best service for their medical need. If your condition isn’t life-threatening, call 111 or go online, or use your GP or local pharmacy first.”

Think pharmacy first

Community pharmacies across Devon offer quick, expert advice and treatment for a wide range of common conditions – without the need for a GP appointment. Pharmacies can support with common issues such as sore throats, ear infections and sinusitis.

Pharmacists are highly trained clinicians and can recommend treatment, supply over-the-counter medication, and in some cases provide prescription-only medicines. Many pharmacies also offer private consultation rooms, making it easy to get support safely and discreetly.

Find your nearest pharmacy by visiting the NHS find a pharmacy website here  

Order you medication ahead

Avoid being left without vital medication or support, residents are advised to:

  • Order repeat prescriptions ahead of the four-day weekend – some pharmacies ask people to order at least three days in advance
  • Prepare with some home medicines – items such as pain relief, cold/flu remedies, plasters, and indigestion treatments can help manage minor illness at home

Check the opening times of local services

Before you need care, residents are encouraged to check the opening times of their local NHS Minor Injury Units and Urgent Treatment Centres services using theOne Devon website.

Check which pharmacies are open over the four-day weekend on the NHS  pharmacy opening hours website here.

Getting vaccinated

The 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 continue to rise across the county.

Some Devon GPs, vaccination centres and community pharmacies are offering flu, COVID-19 and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccinations through the national booking systems or local booking systems on their own websites. 

In addition, some pharmacies offer free flu vaccinations – for children aged 2-3 and eligible adults over 18, with walk-ins appointments available. Information is updated daily on the NHS website

If you need urgent advice and aren’t sure where to go, contact 111

If people really aren’t sure where to go, visit www.111.nhs.uk for urgent advice, or call 111.

For life-threatening emergencies like someone 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.

Find your nearest urgent or emergency care services in Devon here.

Being prepared is the best way of staying well and enjoying this Christmas period. Making the right choices helps you get the right care in the right place when you need it most.

More than 40,000 patients in Devon eligible for the COVID –19 vaccination this Spring have been vaccinated in the first week of the campaign.

The figure is an encouraging start to the programme, which is aimed at ensuring those must vulnerable get protected.

Vaccinations began on 1 April 2025 and more than 40,000 people – over 20% percent of those eligible – have already had the vaccination locally.

Speaking on behalf of NHS Devon, Devon GP, Dr Alex Degan said: “It is great to see so many eligible Devon residents recognising the importance of this vaccination

and taking steps to get themselves protected in the first week of the campaign.

“Protection against COVID-19 (either from catching the virus or from a previous vaccination) can fade over time and the circulating strain of the virus can change, so if you are at higher risk of severe illness, it is important that you top up your protection.

“The vaccine has saved countless lives, prevented thousands from needing to go to hospital and helped us to live with the virus without fear or restrictions.

“If you or your child are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine this spring, make sure you come forward for this extra protection between 1 April – 17 June 2025.”

This spring the NHS is offering COVID-19 vaccines to people who are at increased risk of serious illness from the virus – including those aged 75 and over (by 17 June 2025), residents of care homes for older adults, and those with a severely  weakened immune system (see the Green Book).

The NHS will be sending out invitations, but you do not need to be invited to book your COVID spring vaccine. You can check your eligibility and book online at www.nhs.uk/bookcovid.

To book, you can:

  • Download the NHS App and make an appointment
  • Visit www.nhs.uk/book-vaccine
  • Visit a walk in site and community pharmacy. These can be found at www.nhs.uk/covid-walk-in
  • A calendar of local sessions is available here
  • Call 119 for free if you can’t get online (translators are available)

You can find out the latest information about the COVID-19 vaccine at www.nhs.uk/covidvaccination

Patients eligible for COVID –19 vaccination are being encouraged to get themselves protected this Spring.

The national booking system for COVID- 19 vaccinations is now open – offering appointments from 1 April 2025.

COVID-19 can still be very dangerous and even life threatening, particularly for older people and those with a weakened immune system.

This spring the NHS is offering COVID-19 vaccines to people who are at increased risk of serious illness from the virus – including those aged 75 and over (by 17 June 2025), residents of care homes for older adults, and those with a weakened immune system (see the Green Book).

The COVID-19 vaccines provide good protection against severe disease, hospitalisation and can protect those most vulnerable from death.

Speaking on behalf of NHS Devon, Devon GP, Dr Alex Degan said: “Protection against COVID-19 (either from catching the virus or from a previous vaccination) can fade over time and the circulating strain of the virus can change, so if you are at higher risk of severe illness it is important that you top up your protection.

“The vaccine has saved countless lives, prevented thousands from needing to go to hospital and helped us to live with the virus without fear or restrictions.

“If you or your child are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine this spring, make sure you come forward for this extra protection between 1 April – 17 June 2025.”

The NHS will be sending out invitations, but you do not need to be invited to book your COVID spring vaccine. You can check your eligibility and book online at www.nhs.uk/bookcovid.

To book, you can:

  • Download the NHS App and make an appointment
  • Visit www.nhs.uk/book-vaccine
  • Visit a walk in site. These can be found here
  • Visit a pharmacy
  • Call 119 for free if you can’t get online (translators are available)

You can find out the latest information about the COVID-19 vaccine at www.nhs.uk/covidvaccination

  • Throughout March and April 2025, agencies across Devon, Cornwall, and The Isles of Scilly including local councils, NHS, law enforcement, and charities are collaborating on a local Stop It Now campaign to deter online child sexual abuse. 
  • As people across the UK continue to view sexual images of children online, and engage in online sexual grooming of under-16s, this longstanding campaign from national charity the Lucy Faithfull Foundation is celebrating its tenth year. 
  • Last year, 8037 people in Devon and Cornwall sought help from the Stop It Now helpline (0808 1000 900) or online self-help, concerned about their own or someone else’s online sexual behaviour towards children.1
  • Viewing sexual images of under-18s and sexual conversations with under-16s are illegal, causing huge harm to children, and there are serious consequences including potential arrest, imprisonment and job loss. But there is confidential help available to stop via the anonymous Stop It Now helpline. 

Agencies across Devon, Cornwall, and the Isles of Scilly are joining forces with UK-wide charity the Lucy Faithfull Foundation on a campaign to stop online child sexual abuse.  

15 agencies and partnerships have pledged to take part in the campaign across NHS, local councils, law enforcement, and charities. These include Devon and Cornwall Police, NHS Devon, NSPCC Together for Childhood, Cornwall Council, Council of the Isles of Scilly, Devon and Torbay Probation Service, Our Safeguarding Children Partnership for Cornwall and The Isles of Scilly, Safer Cornwall,  Cornwall and The Isles of Scilly Safeguarding Adults Board, Devon Safeguarding Children’s Partnership,  Safer Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall SARC, University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, Devon Partnership NHS Trust, and Royal Devon University Healthcare. 

The campaign follows news that 275,000 people in the UK received support from Stop It Now helpline or online self-help last year. In Devon there has been a 29% increase in people seeking help from Stop It Now in 2024 compared to 2023, with Cornwall seeing a 37% increase.2 

Working together, these agencies also aim to raise awareness of the scale and nature of online child sexual abuse in the local area, and how to stop it. This includes viewing sexual images of under-18s and online sexual grooming. 

Viewing sexual images of under-18s and sexual conversations with under-16s are illegal, causing huge harm to children, and there are serious consequences including potential arrest, imprisonment and job loss. But there is confidential help available to stop via the anonymous Stop It Now helpline. 

So that everyone knows what they can do to keep children safe, the campaign will include webinars for professionals, alongside print, broadcast, and social media to reach the general public. The campaign will signpost anyone in Devon, Cornwall, and The Isles of Scilly concerned about online sexual behaviour to the anonymous Stop It Now helpline to prevent child sexual abuse – before it happens.  

Tom Squire, Head of Clinical Engagement at Lucy Faithfull Foundation said: 

“This campaign in Devon and Cornwall spotlights the problem of online child sexual abuse. It’s so important to have the active support of so many local agencies committed to preventing child sexual abuse in Devon and Cornwall. 

“People who view sexual images of under-18s or have sexual conversations with children under 16 online come from all backgrounds and walks of life, and there is no one type of person who engages in this behaviour. 

“People viewing sexual images of under-18s or having sexual conversations with under-16s online need to know that such behaviour is illegal and causes great harm. There are grave consequences once your behaviour is detected by police. But there is help to stop. Contact Stop It Now on 0808 1000 900 or visit www.stopitnow.org.uk for anonymous advice and support.” 

Sheon Sturland, Devon and Cornwall Police Chief Superintendent said:  

“Devon and Cornwall Police is pleased to support the work of the Lucy Faithfull Foundation, as whilst we will always tenaciously investigate any reports of the sexual abuse of a child in order to secure a conviction and the strongest possible sentence, we would rather that the harm such crimes cause didn’t happen in the first place. 

“We will apply the same vigour to whatever form of abuse is reported to us, it does not matter when it happened.  What someone who views sexual images of children needs to understand is that lasting harm has been caused to the children in the images, and that looking at them encourages other people to create more of them and so perpetuates and encourages further harm and abuse. Viewing sexual images of children is, of course, illegal in itself.

“It’s encouraging that last year more than 8,000 people in Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly sought help from the Stop It Now helpline (0808 1000 900) or online self-help service. Seeking help and support from the Lucy Faithfull Foundation will, we hope, do exactly what this campaign proposes and stop abuse before it happens. 

“However I must be crystal clear that the consequences for anyone who sexually abuses a child are severe. Since September of last year we have seen fifteen individuals in court for abuse, including both physical and online, which resulted in prison sentences ranging from 38 months to 30 years, a total of over 214 years. They were all local men aged between 31 and 73, some of the crime were recent, others not. For those sent to prison, there will also be the subsequent job losses and potential family breakdowns. 

“We urge anyone concerned about their own or someone else’s online sexual behaviour towards children to use the Stop It Now helpline.” 

Penny Smith, Chief Nurse, NHS Devon Integrated Care Board, said:  

“NHS Devon is committed to working collaboratively with partners to protect children from sexual abuse. The trauma of sexual abuse is significant, it impacts upon children’s health and wellbeing, upon families and upon our communities. 

“Without the right support, we know that trauma can have lasting impacts into adulthood. We recognise the opportunities that health practitioners must identify children at risk and ensure that they are safeguarded. It is important that we also take a proactive, preventative approach and do all we can to reach those at risk of harming children. 

“If you are concerned about your own thoughts or that of someone close to you, there is confidential, professional help available to address this before a child is harmed.” 

Louise Arscott, Head of Devon and Torbay Probation, said: 

“Child sexual abuse perpetrators face some of the strictest supervision from the probation service as their crimes can lead to lifelong trauma for their victims. Offenders are also subject to thorough risk assessments, specialised treatment and cognitive behavioural therapy. 

“In our day-to-day work, we encourage people who have already been through court, to use the helpline to support them once they have completed their sentence. 

“If you are at risk of offending, get in touch with the Stop it Now helpline before you harm someone and before you come to the attention of the criminal justice system.” 

Shelley Shaw, Development and Impact Manager at Together for Childhood Plymouth, said:  

“New and emerging technology is creating more opportunities for children to be sexually abused which is why we continue to support the Stop It Now campaign. 

“Whilst the recent Online Safety Act is designed to make tech companies more accountable and responsible for the content placed on their platforms there is also an increasing need to help people who are concerned about their own thoughts and behaviours and to give them access to support to prevent them from offending. 

“The success of the previous three Stop It Now campaigns in Plymouth has shown that people do access confidential help and advice when they know about it. 

“We hope that this latest campaign aimed at prevention will help more people across Devon and Cornwall.” 

  • In November 2024 the NHS in Devon launched local engagement around the 10 Year Health Plan
  • NHS Devon has received over 2,500 pieces of feedback so far
  • NHS Devon wants to encourage anyone who has not yet given feedback to complete the survey before 5pm on Friday 28 February

Local people in Devon have one week left to share their experiences, views and ideas that will contribute to the development of the national 10-Year Health Plan whilst informing local priorities in Devon. There is a dedicated webpage, which includes a link to the Devon 10-Year Plan survey.

The NHS in Devon launched local engagement around the 10 Year Health Plan in November 2024, which has run in parallel with the national Change NHS campaign.  People are being encouraged to fill in the local survey even if they have already completed the national one. This is to ensure that insights from local people can be used to improve local services.

Steve Moore, Chief executive at NHS Devon, said: “The response from local people to the NHS Devon engagement around the 10 Year Health Plan has been incredible. 

“We have received over 2,500 pieces of feedback so far via the survey, postcards, drop-in events and workshops. 

“Everybody’s experience of using the NHS in Devon, positive or challenging, can help us shape services in the future.

“We want to hear from as many people as possible, so if you haven’t shared your views, there is still time to complete the survey online.”

The local and national public engagement exercises will help shape the government’s 10 Year Health Plan, which will be published in spring 2025 and will be underlined by three big shifts in healthcare:

  • hospital to community
  • analogue to digital
  • sickness to prevention 

For people who are unable to submit their feedback online, Healthwatch Devon, Plymouth and Torbay are offering to collate feedback over the phone. People can access this support by calling 0800 520 0640.

As part of the engagement, the Government and NHS Devon are also keen to hear from people who work in the NHS and in social care about their experiences.

Steve concludes: “I want to thank everyone who has got involved so far for taking the time to share their feedback and I also want to thank Healthwatch Devon, Plymouth and Torbay for their support to run our events.”

Thousands more breast cancers could be detected earlier in England next year in a major new NHS drive to support more women to attend potentially life-saving breast screening.

The NHS in England has today launched its first-ever awareness campaign to highlight the benefits of screening and encourage more women to make the most of regular mammograms, as figures show more than four in ten (46.3%) invited for the first time don’t act on their invitation.

The campaign – supported by leading charity Breast Cancer Now – launches with a new advert across TV, radio and online to highlight that screening can detect any cancers as early as possible, while providing reassurance and relief to millions of women who get the all-clear.

New NHS estimates suggest that if screening attendance could be improved to 80% of those eligible next year (2025/26), nearly a million more women (around 925,000) could be screened, compared to 2022/23 – with over 7,500 additional breast cancers detected at an earlier stage, when they are more treatable.

The landmark NHS campaign sees celebrities including Newsnight anchor Victoria Derbyshire, broadcaster and presenter Julia Bradbury, and Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas write ‘unofficial’ invitation letters to women about their personal experiences of screening to reassure them and encourage them to attend. They are joined by cancer survivors, NHS staff and TV doctors in sharing letters in a number of moving films launched today.

In her open letter to women invited for screening, Victoria Derbyshire said: “I’ve had breast screening multiple times. For me it was painless and I was happy to be screened; my motivation was to make sure any irregularities were picked up – because the earlier breast cancer is detected, the greater the chance of survival. When I was diagnosed, I thought I wouldn’t get to see my two little boys grow up (then aged 8 and 11). I thought I wouldn’t get to grow old with my partner Mark. I’m still here thanks to the skill of the NHS – 2025 will be 10 years since I was diagnosed. Breast screening might just help save your life. Please go.”

The campaign comes as a new survey of 2,000 women for the NHS showed that almost 40% rarely or never talk about breast screening with their female friends and families, and almost a quarter (24%) of women said they wouldn’t attend if they didn’t already have symptoms like a lump.

More than a fifth (21%) also said that embarrassment at being topless in front of someone would prevent them from attending. Concerns about screening being painful (18.5%) also feature. However, 83.2% said they would attend breast screening if they were invited.

NHS national cancer director, Dame Cally Palmer, said: “Breast screening detects breast cancers earlier and saves lives – but we know for many women there can be lots of reasons why they might be reluctant to come forward, or why it’s not top of the priority list in their very busy lives. That’s why the NHS has today launched its first-ever campaign to support more women to make the most of breast screening and to address some of the misgivings and misconceptions they might have.

“We hope that by hearing other women’s stories, it will reassure them and remind them why screening is so important. Cancer survival is at an all-time high in England thanks to a real focus on early detection – and we want hundreds of thousands more women to access screening so that any breast cancers can be spotted as early as possible to help save more lives.”

Thanks to the hard work of NHS teams, the number of women attending breast screening has risen since 2020/21, with latest data for 2022/23 showing that 4.30 million women had been screened in the last three years (66.4% of those eligible).

Latest data on the proportion of the number of women who attend screening after being invited (uptake) shows around a third are still not attending, which increases to 46.3% of those invited for the first time.

When Liz Jadav from Kennington in London turned 50, she received an appointment letter for her first breast screening. After her appointment, she was asked to return for more tests. Although Liz had no symptoms and was otherwise fit and healthy, the results confirmed that she had breast cancer. She was thankful that the cancer had been caught at an early stage, and to be able to start discussing treatment straight away.

Liz had been about to start a job with the Royal Shakespeare Company, so her first question after diagnosis was, ‘How is this going to affect my work?’ Her employer was very supportive. Liz attended the first day of rehearsals, underwent surgery to remove the cancer on the second day, and was back with the company by the end of the week. Following the success of the surgery, Liz received radiotherapy; she will continue taking a daily pill for a few more years to reduce the risk of cancer returning, and attends yearly mammograms.

Liz said: “I think lots of women are worried about a cancer diagnosis and this puts them off from going to their screening appointment. But the mammogram isn’t cancer. The mammogram is knowledge. Without my mammogram I wouldn’t have known that I had breast cancer. I wouldn’t have been offered treatment. And lots of other things might not have happened. I’d say, when you’re invited for breast screening, make the time to go to your appointment. You’ll be glad you did.’

Amanda Pritchard, NHS chief executive, said: “Lives are saved when cancers are caught early, and we hope this first-of-its-kind campaign for the NHS will help encourage thousands more women to have more regular breast screening.

“If we can help more people access NHS screening, we have a real opportunity to detect thousands more breast cancers early and ultimately save more lives.

“Getting your screening sorted can help to provide reassurance if you are concerned, and attending your appointment could help save your life.”

Jo Harby, director of health information at Cancer Research UK, said: “Every day, more than 150 people are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK. Thanks to the national breast screening programme, thousands of cancer cases are detected at an earlier stage when treatment is more likely to be successful. Improving access for people who want to attend screening is vital, and using digital tools, such as the NHS app, is one way to help with this.

“It’s your choice whether to attend breast screening, and that’s why it’s so important to read the information that comes with your invitation. Screening is for people without symptoms – if you notice any changes that aren’t normal for you, don’t wait for your next screening invite, talk to your doctor.”

Public Health Minister, Ashley Dalton, said: “As someone living with metastatic breast cancer, I know the importance of screening and early diagnosis. I urge all women to come forward for screening when they are contacted by the NHS – it could be life saving.

“Over the coming year, the investment and reforms this government is making will see an extra 100,000 patients are seen on time. We have also started using the latest AI technologies to help catch the disease earlier.

“We will publish a dedicated national cancer plan this year, to make Britain a world leader in saving lives, and to make the NHS fit for the future through our Plan for Change.”

Last year alone, NHS breast screening services detected cancers in 18,942 women across England, which otherwise may not have been diagnosed or treated until a later stage, and the most comprehensive review to date found around 1,300 deaths are prevented each year by the breast screening programme.

Women registered with a GP are automatically invited for NHS breast screening for the first time between the ages of 50 and 53, then every three years until their 71st birthday – while women aged 71 and over can self-refer for screening.

While most women attending screening will receive peace of mind that they have no early signs of breast cancer, the NHS encouraged women to ensure they continue to check their breasts regularly between their screening appointments and to get any unusual changes checked out by their GP.

Breast screening does have some risks. Some women who have screening will be diagnosed and treated for slow-growing breast cancers that may never otherwise have been found or caused them harm. Mammograms also do not always find a cancer that is there, but most people feel the benefits of breast screening outweigh the possible risks.

As part of efforts to drive uptake of breast screening, the NHS is launching a new “ping and book” service, with women already starting to get alerts to their phones via the NHS App to remind them they are due or overdue an appointment, with new functionality being developed to enable millions to book screening directly through the NHS App next year.

The NHS is diagnosing more people than ever before with cancer at an early stage, and latest monthly figures show the NHS met the cancer faster diagnosis standard in November for the eighth month out of the last ten, with 77% of people getting the all clear or a cancer diagnosis within four weeks.

NHS England confirmed last month that the performance standard would be increased so that 80% of patients receive a diagnosis or have cancer ruled out within 4 weeks by March 2026. This change will see around 100,000 more patients who are referred for cancer checks receive a diagnosis or the all-clear within 4 weeks next year.

The NHS in Devon is reminding residents of the importance of getting their COVID-19 vaccination to avoid becoming unwell over Christmas.

Since October 2024, more than 250,000 people across Devon have been vaccinated against COVID-19. However, the National Booking System will close on 20 December, which is why eligible people are being encouraged to book as soon as possible.

Outreach teams will offer ‘mop-up’ vaccinations through January and more details about how to book are in the table below.

Devon GP Dr Alex Degan, who is also Primary Care Medical Director at NHS Devon, said: “Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 this winter is really important to avoid getting seriously ill.

“COVID-19 can still be dangerous for those most vulnerable, so it is vital people come forward for a jab if eligible. You can book using the national booking system through the NHS app, by calling 119, or by visiting the NHS website where there is a list of walk-in sites across the country that you can go to without an appointment.”

More than 500,000 people in Devon are eligible for a COVID-19 jab this winter, including those aged 75 and over, people with a weakened immune system and older adult care home residents.

Dr Alex Degan, added: “It is fantastic that 10 weeks since the launch of the winter vaccination campaign, so many eligible people have already come forward to receive their vital protection.

“What we really need to see now is those eligible who haven’t done so yet to come forward to protect themselves and those around them from getting seriously ill. Nobody wants Covid for Christmas!”

If you have a question about your COVID-19 or flu vaccination, contact your local vaccination support line:

  • East Devon, Mid Devon, Exeter and Torbay team: 07729 300349
  • North Devon team: 07385 934988
  • Plymouth and West Devon team: 07729 300350.

Further information on how you can book a COVID-19 vaccination can be found in the table below:

ServiceWebsite
National Booking Service (NBSBook, change, or cancel a COVID-19 vaccination appointment online – NHS
Local walk-in clinics (Devon ICB)Vaccination calendar
Pharmacy finderFind a pharmacy offering walk-in COVID-19 vaccination services – NHS

Find out more about COVID-19 and whether you’re eligible for a vaccine.

The NHS in Devon is experiencing significant pressures on health services across the county today.

All partners across Devon’s health and social care system have been working hard to take action to mitigate the disruption during a period of winter pressures, including increased attendances at local Emergency Departments with people with minor ailments.

Dr Peter Collins, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Devon, said: “It’s vital that those who need medical help come forward as they usually would – using 999 and A&E in life threatening emergencies and 111 online for everything else, alongside their GP practices and pharmacies.

“Staff in our Devon hospitals are working hard to treat people as quickly and safely as possible, but there are things local people can do to help ease pressures and ensure that people with the most urgent needs can be cared for quickly.

“We are seeing increased numbers of people attending for minor injuries and ailments that can be quickly and easily treated elsewhere, so please choose the right service for your needs and only go to ED in an emergency.”

The message from the NHS in Devon is that urgent and emergency care is there when you need it, but please choose the right service for your needs. The advice for patients is to:

  • Continue to call 999 in emergency and life-threatening cases – when someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk
  • Go to NHS 111 online if you need medical help or advice, or you are unsure about whether you should go to hospital; you can also phone 111
  • Please check local hospital trust websites for information on Minor Injury Units and Urgent Treatment Centres. Further information can be found here: Health Pressures – One Devon
  • If you, or someone you know, experiences a mental health crisis you can access support from 111.
  • Play your part this winter by taking action to look after yourselves and loved ones, checking in on vulnerable family members and neighbours. A first step is making sure your medicine cabinet is well-stocked.
  • Please pick up loved ones who are ready to be discharged from hospital.
  • Make use of community pharmacies, which can advise on minor illnesses and provide medications. Pharmacists can now provide advice and treatment for seven common illnesses including earache, sinus infection and sore throat. Details about local pharmacies be found via the interactive map here: Find a pharmacy – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Local people can also help the NHS by:

  • Not visiting loved ones in hospital if you have symptoms of a cough, cold, respiratory illness, diarrhoea or vomiting
  • Washing your hands frequently with soap and water as this is the best way to stop it spreading. Alcohol hand gels do not kill norovirus
  • Getting your flu vaccine from your GP practice or local pharmacy. Some people are eligible for the free vaccine, including over-65s, people with long term conditions like stroke or heart disease and pregnant people
  • Getting the COVID-19 vaccine. People who are eligible for the vaccine are encouraged to attend one of the many walk-in COVID-19 vaccination clinics across Devon. No appointment is needed.

The NHS’s top A&E doctor is urging the public to use 111 services this winter, as the health service launches its annual campaign with adverts across online video, radio, podcasts and social media.

The campaign comes as the NHS ramps up its plans to deliver the safest possible care this winter, including the delivery of millions of winter vaccines, smarter use of data, and more care in the community including virtual wards and urgent community response teams.

Professor Julian Redhead reiterated long standing NHS advice for people to use 999 or A&E services for life threatening emergencies and serious injuries, and to otherwise ‘get to the help they need’ by calling 111 and using 111 online or via the NHS App.

It is estimated that up to two-fifths of A&E attendances are avoidable or could be better treated elsewhere.

While nearly one in six (16.3% or 124,038) 999 calls last month were completed with clinical advice over the phone, up by more than 150% since before the pandemic (6.3% in October 2019) as the NHS recruited more senior clinicians to call centres.

NHS 111 is an easy and convenient way for people to get urgent help for a wide range of health problems from the comfort of their own home, avoiding an unnecessary A&E trip or 999 call.

It can assess and direct people to the most appropriate local service, including urgent treatment centres, GP practices, and consultations with a pharmacist. If needed it can arrange a call back from a nurse, doctor or paramedic or provide self-treatment advice over the phone.

The 111 service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

While people should always call 999 or go to A&E in an emergency when someone is seriously ill or injured or their life is at risk, NHS 111 is an easy and convenient way to get urgent help in other situations.

Pressure has risen across other parts of the NHS with the health service going into winter busier than ever before, after a record few months of A&E and ambulance demand.

Professor Julian Redhead, NHS national clinical director for urgent and emergency care, said: “As we approach the busiest time of year for A&Es, we want to make sure that all patients are getting the safest possible care which is why we are launching our campaign encouraging everyone to ‘get to the help they need’ by using NHS 111 online or telephone services this winter.

“We know that up to two-fifths of A&E attendances could be better treated elsewhere, as well as one in six calls to 999 just needing advice over the phone, so I really want to encourage everyone to use our free, around the clock 111 service that can give millions of people this winter fast, safe and easy access to the advice or treatment they need.

“Our plans for winter include easier access to urgent treatment centres and community care, and so whether 111 gives you over the phone clinical advice, directs you to a pharmacist, GP team or community provider, or arranges a call with a nurse or paramedic, by using it you can help us ensure everyone is getting the care they need.

“And as ever, it is vital that the public use 999 and A&E in life threatening situations.”

Earlier this year the NHS started offering crisis mental health support through NHS 111, with people of all ages able to select a mental health option when calling to speak to a trained mental health professional.

The change is aimed at improving mental health provision and providing patients with the care they need in a timely manner.

People who need help in another language can call 111 and ask for an interpreter, British Sign Language (BSL) users can contact 111 using the NHS 111 BSL interpreter service by visiting 111.nhs.uk, and text relay users can call 18001 111.

For more information go to www.nhs.uk/111.