Category: News

Over 1 million parents and carers of 2–3-year-olds will be urged to book their children in for a flu vaccine from next week, as the NHS ramps up its preparations for winter.

The NHS is sending invitations to the group from Tuesday (17 September), after the jab offer for pregnant women and school children kicked off earlier this month (1 September).

It’s important that those eligible come forward when they can to top up their protection ahead of winter, as immunity wanes over time and viruses change and adapt each year.

The flu vaccination campaign launched on 1 September, with appointments running across autumn and winter to provide vital protection to prevent people from developing serious illnesses and ending up in hospital during the busy winter months.

The flu vaccine is usually given to children as a quick and painless spray up the nose – without the need for an injection – unless your child cannot have porcine gelatine in medical products, in which case an injected flu vaccine is available as an alternative.

Flu season usually peaks in December and January, so starting vaccinations in autumn will ensure those most at risk are protected during the colder months when people gather indoors and viruses spread.

Last year, during the peak of winter flu cases, data showed there were 2,478 patients in hospital with flu each day – 2.5 times higher than compared to the year previous (2,478 w/e 4 February 2024 vs 961 in the same week of 2023).

While Australia’s flu season this year – which is normally a good predictor for how seasonal viruses will play out in the English winter – saw health services manage a ‘big wave’ of COVID-19 infections alongside a rise in ​influenza and other winter illnesses.

Other eligible groups will soon be able to get their flu and COVID-19 jabs from 3 October, with online bookings opening on 23 September.

This month, for the first time ever, the NHS is also offering the RSV vaccine to pregnant women from 28 weeks and older adults aged 75-79. Pregnant women are encouraged to book their vaccine via their maternity service or GP practice and older adults should wait to be invited by the NHS.

Steve Russell, NHS National Director for Vaccinations and Screening said: “The flu vaccine is our best defence against these winter viruses, as well as helping to reduce pressure in hospitals over the winter period as demand increases.

“The flu virus puts thousands of people in hospital each year and vaccinations help us to keep more people well – so I would urge everyone eligible to book their jabs when they become available, to protect themselves and people around them.”

Last year, the NHS delivered more than 18 million flu vaccinations to adults and children. In line with advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, those eligible for a flu vaccine this year include:

From 1 September:

• pregnant women
• all children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2024
• 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 3 October:

• those aged 65 years and over
• those aged 18 years to under 65 years in clinical risk groups (as defined by 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.

The NHS in the South West is today (5 September) celebrating the remarkable achievements of staff and teams who have won regional categories in the 2024 Parliamentary Awards, after being nominated by their local MPs.

This year’s competition spans ten categories, including a new award for excellence in education and training.

All winners will now go on to represent the South West in the national awards ceremony, alongside those from other English regions, at the prestigious Queen Elizabeth II Centre in Westminster on Monday 14 October.

Elizabeth O’Mahony, Regional Director of NHS England in the South West, said: “Every year, I’m delighted to see our dedicated staff and volunteers across the South West receive this well-deserved recognition.

“Despite the difficulties and day-to-day challenges that we know the NHS faces, our teams continue to deliver outstanding care with unwavering commitment.”

“I’d like to congratulate every one of the winners and thank all the MPs who have taken the time to acknowledge the exceptional work happening in their constituencies.

“I also want to extend my thanks to all the amazing nominees, with a record 79 being put forward this year, some by more than one MP.”

Steve Moore, Chief Executive of NHS Devon said: “I’m incredibly proud and humbled to see so many of our regional winners are from Devon. It highlights the excellent care and innovative thinking we have locally, and I’m so pleased that people who have dedicated their careers to improving services for patients are recognised in this way.”

The 2024 Devon winners, selected by NHS leaders in the South West, are: 

The Excellence in Mental Health Care Award:

• Bristol Dementia Wellbeing Service, Devon Partnership NHS Trust
• Nominated by Ms Kerry McCarthy MP

The Future NHS Award:

• Northern Devon Heart Failure Remote Monitoring Project, led by Angela Tithecott, Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust – Northern Services (Royal Devon)
• Nominated by Ian Roome MP

The Nursing and Midwifery Award:

• Louise Barraclough, Devon and Cornwall Sexual Assault Referral Centre
• Nominated by David Reed MP, Richard Foord MP, Ian Roome MP and Steve Race MP

The Excellence in Primary Care and Community Award:

• Belle’s Place Primary Care project, Combe Coastal Practice/Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
• Nominated by Ian Roome MP

The Excellence in Education and Training Award:

• Dr Yvonne Neubauer, MSI Reproductive Choices UK
• Nominated by Steve Race MP and Karin Smyth MP

The Volunteer Award:

• Lyndsey Withers, Plymouth
• Nominated by Luke Pollard MP

The Devon winners for 2024, with comments from the judges: 

MP Name: Kerry McCarthy
Awards Category: The Excellence in Mental Health Care Award

Nominee Name: Bristol Dementia Wellbeing Service, Devon Partnership NHS Trust

Nominated for: A Care Home Liaison service (CHLS), with practitioners providing in-reach assessment and support to care homes across Bristol, offering person-centred strategies and guidance to meet residents’ dementia needs and to promote wellbeing.

“The Bristol Dementia and Wellbeing Service has taken an innovative approach to developing dementia training for staff in care homes, using ‘aging simulation suits’ – wearable devices that recrate physical and sensory impairments associated with older age.

“The simulation-based training has been evidenced to be effective in both increasing insight and awareness and changing practice across 20 care homes, reducing stigma and misconceptions around dementia.

“The impact on care was seen in one resident where staff didn’t understand his dementia. They thought he was “misbehaving on purpose” and wanted him to leave. After training staff attitudes changed: they realised he was frustrated and anxious so adopted different care approaches. He became more settled and therefore he remained there.”

MP Name: Ian Roome
Awards Category:  The Future NHS Award supported by medical defence union

Nominee Name: Northern Devon Heart Failure Remote Monitoring Project, led by Angela Tithecott at Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust – Northern Services (Royal Devon)

Nominated for: Remote monitoring at home for selected patients with heart failure, giving people greater control, with less travel and fewer unnecessary hospital admissions, enabling the heart failure team to prioritise face-to-face appointments with those patients who needed them most.

Comments:

“The work Angela has led on has enabled individuals with heart failure to take more ownership of their health condition and gain more control of their lives.

“Suitable individuals have been given the opportunity to monitor their health from home using a remote monitoring platform and equipment that directly connects to the heart failure team.

“This allows the people to record and send the team daily information about their symptoms – blood pressure, heart rate and weight. To date, the pilot has demonstrated that those being supported can be discharged quicker and have improved access to care.”

MP Name: David Reed, Richard Foord, Ian Roome and Steve Race
Awards Category:  The Nursing and Midwifery Award

Nominee Name: Louise Barraclough at NHS Devon

Nominated for: Her role as Lead Nurse and Specialist Safeguarding Lead for the Devon & Cornwall Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC), building a team of specialist and forensic nurses who provide exceptional care.

Comments:

“Louise has developed a highly regarded service that cares for, supports and advocates for people and children who have experienced sexual assault.

“She has demonstrated innovation and tenacity in her approaches to improving services for those that use them, as well as ensuring that colleagues providing care receive high-quality, evidence-based training to ensure best practice is followed.

“By sharing her knowledge and expertise she has built a network of people from health and multi-agency partners to ensure that those who use the service receive sensitive care that will not add to their trauma. A true inspiration and role model.”

MP Name: Ian Roome
Awards Category: The Excellence in Primary Care and Community Award

Nominee Name: Belle’s Place Primary Care project, Combe Coastal Practice/Royal Devon University Healthcare Trust

Nominated for: Outreach project via Belle’s Place Café in Ilfracombe, focused on understanding and improving access to primary care for some 200 vulnerable people via drop-in clinics and appointments spanning multiple, complex needs.

Comments:

“This exceptional project focuses on understanding and improving access to primary care for the most- vulnerable people living in Ilfracombe, who have significant health needs, chronic illnesses, mental health difficulties, and a lower-than-average life expectancy.

“It embraces the need to take primary care services into the community, re-imagines the ‘front door’ of general practice and shows what can be achieved through collaborative working with the community, as feedback from a patient attests: ‘Society will always look down on people like me. This is a place I can come…’

MP Name: Steve Race and Karin Smyth
Awards Category: The Excellence in Education and Training Award

Nominee Name: Dr Yvonne Neubauer at MSI Reproductive Choices UK

Nominated for: Setting up free, advanced abortion training for surgeons in the South West, after realising that access for pregnant women at 18 weeks or over was poor, even non-existent, forcing them to go to London. Dr Neubauer’s work has now enabled a Bristol service to open for complex abortion care, with additional hubs in Exeter and Plymouth.

Comments:

“Amongst some excellent nominations for the Excellence in Education and Training Award Dr Yvonne Neubauer’s work has been remarkable in addressing the national shortage of abortion surgeons and improving access to complex abortion care.

“Her efforts have made a significant impact on women’s health, particularly in the South West region of England. By offering free specialist surgical training, Dr Neubauer has not only expanded abortion capacity but also contributed to healthcare workforce recruitment and retention.

“Her vision and hard work have ensured that more women can access essential healthcare services in the South West without having to travel far. Truly impressive!”

MP Name: Luke Pollard
Awards Category: The Volunteer Award

Nominee Name: Lyndsey Withers, Plymouth

Nominated for: Voluntary work across Plymouth, including at the Plymouth Soup Run; at Shekinah’s drop-in centre for people affected by homelessness and other disadvantages; at Plymouth University Medical School, as teacher and mentor; at Salvation Army hostel, Devonport Lifehouse; at University Hospitals Plymouth; and with GPs and hospital staff to encourage testing for hepatitis C.

Comment:

“Lyndsey Withers has been chosen in recognition of her dedication and selfless contribution to improving the health and lives of some of the most-vulnerable people in Plymouth.

“She exemplifies the true spirit of volunteerism, dedicating her time to numerous projects that span a number of sectors – including the NHS, primary care, social care, VTS, academic and research sectors – to inspire and make positive change for citizens, patients and staff.

“Lyndsey acts locally but her impact has been far-reaching as she is willing to share knowledge and expertise that empower others to replicate initiatives and contribute to research projects, leading to lasting improvements in health outcomes and ensuring that a patient voice is heard at all times”

A regionwide drive gets under way today (Monday 2 September) to help people aged 40-plus protect themselves against the hidden threat of high blood pressure, one of the biggest causes of premature death in the South West.

Supermarkets, sports matches, libraries, workplaces, festivals and concerts will be hosting simple and free NHS blood pressure checks.

Anyone with high blood pressure – known as the ‘silent killer’ as it rarely has symptoms – can then be managed by their doctor or even manage their own condition through lifestyle changes.

Big steps have been taken over recent months, with 37,505 additional patients tested and treated between September 2023 and March 2024 – three times as many as in the same period the year before.

Many local pharmacies are now offering free blood pressure checks and people can check what the result might mean using the NHS blood pressure checker

But more effort is needed to reach those who are still unaware of their high risk.

That’s why the seven health and care systems spanning from Dorset to Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly have ramped up blood pressure checks.

Libraries, sports venues, factories, supermarkets and music events as well as a farmers’ market are among the places offering the free blood pressure checks.

Among employers supporting the campaign are clotted cream manufacturers Rodda’s in Cornwall, Hinkley Point in Somerset, and global aviation engineers Ontic in Gloucestershire. All are offering staff free check-ups on their blood pressure from trained health professionals in the workplace.

Dr Michael Marsh, Regional Medical Director for NHS England South West, said: “You could think of high blood pressure in your blood vessels like the water pressure in a garden hose – when the water flows through the hose normally everything is fine.

“But if you put your finger on the end and block the flow, the pressure builds and you may get leaks from the hose. When you have high blood pressure this can have a detrimental impact on your organs and puts you at risk of a heart attack or stroke.

“Left undetected and untreated high blood pressure becomes a silent killer, because it rarely has symptoms. The only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to get it checked.”

Claire Bunney works for works for NHS England South West. She decided to have her blood pressure checked after listening to a presentation at work, and was shocked by the results

The drive coincides with Blood Pressure UK’s Know Your Numbers! Week (2 – 8 September), and will continue throughout the month and beyond.

Professor Margaret Rae, NHS England South West’s Deputy Director of Regional Health Programmes, said: “Around a third of adults in the UK have high blood pressure, although many will not realise it.

“We have made great progress in the numbers of people that have been seen and treated for high blood pressure but more must be done.”

In the South West, identifying an additional 83,700 people, who may have high blood pressure, could prevent 503 heart attacks and 749 strokes, saving the NHS approximately £14 million.

Professor Rae added: “The only way we can reach the thousands of people and potentially save hundreds of lives is by working together with our community pharmacies and GPs, who also offer free blood press checks, our local authority colleagues and public health teams.

“We’re also grateful to the region’s compassionate employers who have accepted the invitation to offer these free blood pressure checks to their staff.”

Family and friends can also help encourage their loved ones to have their blood pressure checked if they are aged 40 plus, perhaps simply by buying then a cheap and easy-to-use blood pressure monitor they can use at home.

You are usually considered to have high blood pressure if you’re aged under 80 years old and your reading is either 140/90 or higher when checked by a healthcare professional or 135/85 or higher when checked at home.

For more information on the importance of a blood pressure check, knowing what those numbers mean and what to do next, visit https://www.england.nhs.uk/south/our-work/blood-pressure/

Blood pressure checks:

Health and care systems have been working together with a range of partners, businesses and the voluntary sector to step up the offer of a free blood pressure check.

Blood pressures checks are taking place at the following alongside many other events.

• Paignton Library, Great Western Road, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 5AG, Monday to Friday (daily), 10.00am-1.30pm
• Ernest English House, Buckwell Street, Plymouth, PL1 2DA, Monday 2 September, 10:00am-4.00pm
• Exeter Library, Castle Street, Exeter, Devon, EX4 3PQ, Tuesday 3 September, 9.00am-1.00pm
• Greendale Vaccination Centre, Sidmouth Road, EX5 2JU, Tuesday 3 September, 2.30pm-5.00pm
• Crediton Tesco, Joseph Locke Way, Crediton, EX17 3FD, Tuesday 3 September, 10.00am-3.00pm
• Happy Hearts – Scala Hall, New Road, Brixham, TQ5 8TA, Thursday 5 September, 10.00am-12.00pm
• Paignton Community Hub, Great Western Road, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 5AG, Thursday 5 September, 9.30am-12.30pm
• B&Q, Avocet Road, Sowton Industrial Estate, Exeter, EX2 7ST, Friday 6 September, 9.30am-3.30pm
• Plymstock Library, 10 Horn Cross Road, Plymstock, PL9 9BU, Friday 6 September, 10.00am-4.00pm
• Seaton Community Hub – Methodist church, Scalwell Lane, Seaton, EX12 2JN, Friday 6 September, 10.00am-2.00pm
• Torbay Pride, ‘The Market Village’ Torre Abbey Meadows, Torbay Road, Torquay, TQ2 5DG, Saturday 7 September (11am–6pm) and Sunday (2pm–5pm)
• Torquay United Football Club, Warbro Road, Torquay, TQI 3PS, Saturday 21 September, 12.30pm–2.30pm

The NHS is asking the public to still come forward as usual for care during collective action by GP services which starts today (Thursday 1 August).

GP services across England will begin collective action on Thursday 1 August for an indefinite period of time, and while there may be some disruption to services practices will remain open as usual and patients can make requests by phone, on-line or by walking in.

During collective action, practices are still required to be open between 08:00 and 18:30 Monday to Friday.

It is vital that patients still attend their appointments unless they are told otherwise, and practices should inform you of any changes to services.

The nature of the action means that the impacts will vary at different GP practices and from area to area but could include GPs limiting the number of patient appointments per day.

NHS teams have worked hard to plan for disruption and to mitigate this where possible to ensure services continued to be provided for patients.

Patients should continue to use 111 for urgent medical help when their GP practice is unavailable and if it is a serious or life-threatening emergency call 999.

Dr Amanda Doyle, NHS National Director for Primary Care and Community Services, said: “GPs and their teams are the bedrock of the NHS, and we recognise they are working really hard and dealing with record demand. On behalf of patients, the NHS has a duty to plan for collective action, and we will continue to work with government to find a resolution and end collective action.

“Our message to the public remains the same – they should continue to come forward for care during this collective action, as GP practices will remain open.”

An NHS Devon spokesperson said:

“We are aware that the BMA has balloted GPs about taking collective action and on 1 August 2024 the BMA announced that this action is going ahead.

“GP services remain open, please contact your practice as normal if you have a healthcare need. Remember, not everyone will need to see their GP. Other services that you can access at your GP surgery will remain largely unaffected, but please check your GP surgery website or social media channels for any updates.

“Unless you are contacted by your GP surgery, you should still attend any planned GP appointments.

“Over the coming days and weeks, we will be working closely with GPs and colleagues to understand the detail of what any collective action may look like, and the plans that we need to put in place to support patients in Devon.

“During this time, health and social care services across Devon will continue to run as normal and we would encourage all patients to attend any appointments as planned.”

Background:

• Practices should directly advise patients on any changes that might impact their patients as a result of collective action.
• Over the past two years, the NHS has been focusing efforts on reducing the pressure on general practice teams before taking steps to introduce wider reforms and change. This has meant tackling some of the issues around improving patient access, cutting bureaucracy, and supporting teams, such as with training and providing digital tools to help them better manage demand with the available capacity and resources.
• Collective action would mean GPs taking action that, in this initial phase, is not in breach of their contracts. So, during collective action practices are still required to fulfil their contracts, this essentially means:
  • practices are required to be open between 0800 and 1830 Monday to Friday
  • practices should provide reasonable care to patients this includes:
    • making appointments available
    • providing advice or care to patients by another means
    • give advice on alternative services
• The GPCE have recommended 10 actions for collective action: GP contract 2024/25 changes (bma.org.uk)

• The UK is the first country in the world to offer a national vaccination programme that uses the same vaccine to protect both infants and older adults from RSV
• The vaccine will protect infants and older adults, easing winter pressures on the NHS
• Eligible people urged to take up offer when rollout begins in September

The UK will become the first country in the world to have a national programme that uses the same vaccine to protect both newborns and older adults against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

The rollout, which will start from 1 September in England, includes both a vaccine for pregnant women over 28 weeks to help protect their newborn babies, a routine programme for those over 75, and a one-off campaign for people aged 75 to 79. These are the groups at the greatest risk from RSV, based on advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.

Despite infecting around 90% of children within the first two years of life, RSV is relatively unknown among the public. It typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms. However, it can lead to severe lung infections like pneumonia and infant bronchiolitis and is a leading cause of infant mortality globally.

Each year in the UK, RSV accounts for around 30,000 hospitalisations in children aged under five and is responsible for 20 to 30 infant deaths. Up to 50% of hospital admissions for children under one year old relate to RSV.

It also causes around 9,000 hospital admissions in those aged over 75.  The RSV programme could free up thousands of hospital bed days and help to avoid hundreds of deaths each year.

More than 75,000 people in Devon will be eligible for the vaccine when it becomes available.

Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Andrew Gwynne, said:

“As someone who has seen the devastating effects of RSV firsthand, I am thrilled to see the UK leading in the way in tackling this devastating disease.

“My own grandson contracted RSV when he was just days old, leading to weeks in intensive care, and a lifelong impact on his health. I don’t want anyone to go through what he went through. 

“Not only will this vaccine save lives and protect the most vulnerable, it will help ease pressure on our broken NHS, freeing up thousands of hospital beds as we head into winter.”

People aged 75-79 years old on 1 September 2024 will be invited to receive their RSV vaccination with their GP, and those turning 75 after this date will also receive an invitation from their GP once eligible. 

Women that are at least 28 weeks pregnant will be contacted by their maternity service or GP surgery to get the vaccine to protect their baby from September.

These vaccination programmes will save lives and significantly reduce the burden on the NHS during the challenging winter months.

Steve Russell, NHS national director for vaccinations and screening, said:

“RSV is a very serious illness, infecting up to 90% of children by the age of two and causing thousands of babies and older people to spend time in hospital over winter – so this rollout is a huge step forward and will undoubtedly save the lives of many of those most at risk.

“We strongly encourage those aged 75 to 79 to come forward for their vaccine when they are invited from September and for women who are 28 or more weeks pregnant to speak to their maternity service or GP surgery to ensure their baby is protected.”

Dr Alex Degan, a GP and Primary care medical director for NHS Devon, said:

“This new vaccine offers huge opportunities to prevent severe illness in those most vulnerable to RSV, helping to protect lives and ease winter pressures for the NHS.

“We are working local healthcare teams, including GPs and midwives, and Local Authority colleagues to be ready to provide vaccinations from September.

“You will be contacted about local arrangements, please do come forward if you are eligible. Look out for information from your GP regarding where and when you can get your RSV vaccination.  The vaccination will be available throughout the year, but we strongly encourage people to come forward in September to ensure they have protection in time for winter when spread of the virus is at its peak.”

The vaccine has been developed and produced by Pfizer. The programme follows the advice from the independent Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) published in September 2023.

The NHS in Devon has confirmed that plans for a new Health and Wellbeing Centre in Teignmouth are set to be stood down – the cost of the building has more than doubled due to spiralling construction prices and increases in the cost of borrowing since estimated costs were published in 2020.

When the NHS consulted on plans to relocate the most well-used services from Teignmouth Community Hospital to a new health and wellbeing centre in the middle of town in autumn 2020, the estimated cost was about £8 million. Current cost estimates for the building have risen to about £19 million, calling into question the scheme’s value for money.

Since 2020, the project has been beset by a series of challenges – including the NHS having to refocus efforts on the pandemic response, a complex planning process and the effect of statutory scrutiny work by a Devon County Council committee.

NHS Devon is due to publish agenda papers for the meeting of its Board on 25 July shortly. The papers will recommend that £9 million of limited capital resources designated for urgent remedial work across the NHS estate in Devon are not diverted to the Teignmouth Health and Wellbeing Centre. The capital pot is already inadequate to cover the cost of high priority schemes and essential remedial works across the ageing NHS estate in Devon.

On 26 July, agenda papers will be published ahead of the meeting of Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust’s Board which will seek to endorse the recommendation made to the NHS Devon Board.

If members of the Boards approve the recommendations, it will bring an end to the Teignmouth Health and Wellbeing Centre project in its current form. Importantly, it will also allow the NHS to fast-track work to support Channel View Medical Group, which was due to relocate from its two town centre bases into the new building. A solution is needed as the lease on one of Channel View’s sites – in the Den Crescent – ends on 31 March 2025.

Steve Moore, Chief Executive Officer of NHS Devon, who took on the role in February 2024, said: “I want to say sorry to people in Teignmouth and especially the patients and staff of Channel View Medical Group, who were looking forward to the opening of the new health and wellbeing centre.

“We have a legal duty to ensure local people have access to general practice services and I can reassure you that we are absolutely committed to finding a sustainable solution and creating a brighter future for primary care in Teignmouth.”

The plan was for Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust to take a head lease on the health and wellbeing centre from the developer and pay rent while sub-letting the majority of the building to the GP practice.

TSDFT Chief Executive Liz Davenport said: “We’re very sorry that the scheme now looks unlikely to proceed after so much work has gone into it. We were confident it could be delivered but the project has faced procedural and financial obstacles at every turn and, combined, they now look insurmountable.

“We will continue to provide local services in Teignmouth from our existing buildings until sustainable alternatives are found.”

In 2020, the partners in one of Teignmouth’s GP practices (Teignmouth Medical Practice (TMP)) wished to retire, and one of the other practices in the town, Channel View Medical Group, agreed to take over their contract and the lease on TMP’s Den Crescent premises. The practice, which retained the name Channel View Medical Group, agreed to take on the contract to protect continuity of care for the local population. This decision was made on the understanding that the practice would be able to move into the new health and wellbeing centre and that the financial and operational limitations arising from the outdated existing buildings would be short-term. 

At the time, it was made clear by the landlords that the practice would need to exit the premises when the lease ends in March 2025. The building itself would need significant investment to bring it up to the required standards for modern medical care.

With the health and wellbeing centre due to be stood down, a new solution needs to be found.

Dr Rebecca Chowdhury, Senior Partner at Channel View Medical Group, said: “We are extremely disappointed and saddened for both our patients and staff that the planned health and wellbeing centre is due to be stood down. Our two bases in the town centre are cramped and out-dated, and running two sites is inefficient and complicated. We do not have adequate space, which is impacting on our ability to recruit, retain and expand our team.

“As a training practice for GPs and other clinical roles – including paramedics, advanced clinical practitioners and nurses – it is imperative we have the room to provide a high-quality training experience to ensure we attract clinicians to work in Teignmouth. We need a sustainable base that will allow us to provide the best services for our patients now and in the future.

“All our services are continuing as normal at all sites and our patients will continue to receive the same warm welcome and high standards of care from our wonderful team.

“We’re working closely with NHS Devon on accommodation solutions and will share more details as soon as we can.”

NHS Devon, which is responsible for commissioning primary care in the county, has been working with the practice to explore alternative arrangements to ensure the continued availability of GP care in the town, in line with NHS Devon’s legal duty. It is likely a short-term solution will be put in place while options for longer-term arrangements are confirmed. For now, NHS Devon is not intending to share details of the short-term options as they are commercial in confidence but will share further information as soon as possible.

For further information, see below and click here.

Background information

Multiple challenges have delayed development of the health and wellbeing centre, alongside spiralling construction prices and increases in the cost of borrowing since estimated costs were published in 2020. The delays in the project mainly stem from the following:

NHS pandemic response

The pandemic response had an impact on progress as resources were focussed towards responding to the pandemic within the NHS.

Planning process and pre-election period at Teignbridge District Council

As a district council, Teignbridge District Council (TDC) has a statutory responsibility as the local planning authority.

• Plans for the building on the original plot in Brunswick Street were developed by Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust through a long engagement process with the planning authority and landowner – TDC – in 2020. A conservation and heritage report effectively ended the scheme in April 2021 by saying the planned building was too big for the site.
• In September 2022, following a further period of extensive engagement with TDC, new plans were submitted for a centre on a different plot on the same site in Brunswick Street after the hotel that was originally due to develop it scrapped its plans due to the pandemic. The design process was restarted and negotiations on the application were complex.
• A planning committee decision on the application had to be delayed due to the pre-election period for Teignbridge District Council in spring 2023. The authority’s planning committee approved the application in the summer of 2023.

The design development period was protracted partly due to the complex and constrained town centre sites, which are situated within a flood plain. It effectively means that essential services could not be provided on the ground floor.

Statutory scrutiny work by Devon County Council’s Health and Adult Care Scrutiny Committee (OSC)

In December 2020, following full public consultation, Devon CCG approved the relocation of the most-used outpatient clinics from Teignmouth Community Hospital to the new Health and Wellbeing Centre. The CCG also decided to continue with the community-based model of care in the area and relocate other services from the hospital to the modern Dawlish Community Hospital.

During any change project, the NHS works with the local Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee. The committee is made up of elected Devon County Councillors, who represent local people and their views.

The primary aim of health scrutiny as stated in Government guidance is to strengthen the voice of local people, ensuring that their needs and experiences are considered as an integral part of the commissioning and delivery of services and that those services are effective and safe.

As part of its statutory scrutiny role, Devon County Council’s Health and Adult Care Scrutiny Committee (OSC) has considered the issue at a number of its meetings. A summary of OSC activity in connection with the project is set out below:

• In January 2021, members of Devon County Council’s Health and Adult Care Scrutiny Committee (OSC) first voted on a proposal to refer Devon CCG’s decision on service changes to the Secretary of State – the motion was not passed.
• In March 2021, OSC members held another vote and a motion to refer the CCG’s decision to the Secretary of State was passed. Between March and November, the OSC clarified aspects of its referral to the Independent Reconfiguration Panel (IRP), who, in November 2021, announced they would investigate the OSC’s referral.
• In March 2022, the IRP and Secretary of State found that the CCG had consulted adequately and made a series of recommendations – see Appendix 2.
• In June 2022, the OSC held another vote on re-referring the CCG’s 2020 decision, which was not passed.
• In March 2023, members started a process to look at re-referring the decision to the Secretary of State. This process continued through to January 2024, when a proposal to re-refer was not passed.

Uncertainty always makes delivering projects more difficult with developers and funders and TSDFT was unable to proceed with building the centre while a potential re-referral to the Secretary of State hung over the project. This is because, if the decision had been referred by the committee and the Secretary of State had overturned the CCG’s decision, TSDFT would not have been able to relocate services from the hospital and would potentially be risking spending money on a building it might not be able to use for its services.

With just days left of this year’s spring covid vaccine programme, the NHS is urging anyone eligible to get their jab by this Sunday [30^th June 2024]. 

More than four million people have now received their spring booster jab since the campaign began in April.  

The NHS has made it easier than ever before for people to book their vaccination with the rollout of joint booking. By going online and selecting a joint booking, two eligible people aged 18 and over can get the COVID-19 vaccine in the same location at the same time. 

Anyone currently aged 75 and over, or who will be aged 75 by this Sunday (30 June 2024), is able to get the covid-19 vaccine, along with older adult care home residents and people with a weakened immune system aged six months and over.

For the next four days, there are thousands of appointments available across the country, including at pharmacies and GP practices. Some areas also offer convenient walk-in options, with a full list of walk-in sites available online. 

Since the spring covid vaccine campaign launched on 15 April, around two-thirds of care home residents have received their protection.

Covid-19 can still cause severe illness and hospitalisations in some cases, particularly among those most at risk. The vaccine gives the best protection against the virus and its different variants and helps reduce the risk of serious illness.

Steve Russell, NHS national director for vaccinations and screening, said: “It is fantastic that since April four million people have received their covid spring booster, but there are still thousands more appointments available over the next few days for eligible people to get their all-important protection against COVID-19. 

“The JCVI recommends the vaccination for those who are most at-risk including people aged over 75 or those with compromised immune systems – for these people COVID-19 can still have severe consequences, and even if you’ve been vaccinated before, protection does fade over time, so it is important to come forward if you’re eligible. 

“It’s now easier than ever to get protected, and with joint booking, you and a loved one can come forward at the same time, you can also book online, download the NHS App or call 119. Some areas also offer convenient walk-in options, with a full list of walk-in sites which are also available online.”

Anyone who believes they should be eligible for a vaccine but does not get invited can check online. Alternatively, they can self-declare via the National Booking Service and then speak to a clinician on site. 

The offer of two COVID-19 vaccinations for everyone who was aged five on or before 31 August 2022 will also end after 30 June, following advice from the JCVI.

A summary of the health conditions, treatments and medications that can cause a weakened immune system is available on the NHS.UK website, and a full definition of immunosuppression can be found in Chapter 14a (table 3) of the Green Book.

Junior doctors in Devon will be undertaking industrial action from 7am on Thursday 27 June until 7am on Tuesday 2 July 2024.

Advice for patients and the public during the strike period is available on the NHS Devon website: Health Pressures – One Devon

Local people are being encouraged to use services wisely over the five days of industrial action to help the NHS cope with the challenging period ahead. There is also currently a yellow heat health alert issued for the south west in the days leading up to the strikes.

Dr Nigel Acheson, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Devon, said: “We’re asking people to look after themselves and loved ones in the warm weather leading up to the strike and use the most appropriate service for their need during the industrial action. The NHS in Devon will still be here for those who need us and people suffering a life-threatening emergency should not hesitate to contact 999 or attend one of our emergency departments.

“However, I ask everyone else to carefully consider which service could help them best during the strike periods. 111 online is available for advice and your own GP or local pharmacy will be able to provide a range of other care.”

The message from the NHS in Devon is that urgent and emergency care will be there for you, 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
• Anyone with a hospital appointment should continue to attend as planned, unless they’ve been contacted to rearrange
• If you, or someone you know, experiences a mental health crisis you can access support from 111.
• Play your part by taking simple steps during the industrial 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
• Make use of community pharmacies, which can advise on minor illnesses and provide medications. Details about pharmacies can be found via the interactive map here: https://www.england.nhs.uk/south/info-professional/pharm-info/pharmacy-opening-hours/

The yellow heat warning is currently issued for the south west between 24 and 27 June.  Warm spells can pose health risks for some people.  There is lots of information online to help people stay safe during hot weather. Visit the UKHSA and NHS websites including their pages on how to beat the heat and on heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

Over four million people have now received their spring covid booster from the NHS just ten weeks after bookings officially opened as part of the latest vaccination campaign.

Around seven million people are eligible for a spring covid jab this year, including those aged 75 and over, those with a weakened immune system and older adult care home residents, and the latest stats published today show 4,042,920 vaccines have been delivered by the NHS.  

The vaccine offer formally opened to everyone outside of a care home on 22 April, but NHS staff have been going into older adult care homes since 15 April, with nearly two thirds of care home residents having received their protection.

With just one week left of this year’s spring covid vaccine programme, the NHS is urging all eligible people who haven’t yet had their top-up to come forward and get protected before 30 June 2024.

Dr Alex Degan, a GP in Devon and primary care medical director at NHS Devon, said: “It is fantastic that ten weeks since the launch of the spring covid vaccination campaign, so many vulnerable people have already come forward to receive their vital protection, with NHS staff also having vaccinated nearly two thirds of care home residents.

“Covid-19 can still be dangerous for those most vulnerable, so it is vital people come forward for a top up jab if eligible – the NHS is making it easier than ever to get vaccinated with the new joint booking option, and it’s not too late. You can still book in 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.”

Vaccination sites in Devon include Greendale near Exeter, Home Park in Plymouth, some community pharmacies and GP practices.

For the first time, joint bookings can be made for those who use the online booking system or NHS 119 to get their jab. By selecting a joint booking, two eligible people aged 18 and over can get the COVID-19 vaccine in the same location at the same time, making it easier than ever to get protected.

Depending on the vaccination site, those who have booked a joint appointment may be vaccinated at the same time or may have back-to-back vaccination slots.

Statistics from the UK Health Security Agency on last year’s spring covid-19 vaccination programme showed that those who received a vaccine were up to 50% less likely to be admitted to hospital with covid-19 for three to four months after vaccination, compared to those who did not receive one.

More details on people eligible for covid-19 vaccines and how to book a jab are available at nhs.uk/conditions/covid-19/covid-19-vaccination/getting-a-covid-19-vaccine

Dr Sarah Wollaston, Chair of NHS Devon – the county’s Integrated Care Board – has announced her decision to stand down from the role.

Sarah, who qualified as a doctor in 1986, was appointed to her current position in December 2021.

As Sarah has chosen to leave with immediate effect, NHS Devon’s Deputy Chair, Kevin Orford, has stepped into the role of Chair on an acting basis.

Kevin is an experienced board director who has held Chief Executive, executive director, non-executive director and trustee positions on NHS, charity and government agency boards for over 25 years. He will also take on the role of acting Chair of the One Devon Partnership, the system’s Integrated Care Partnership.

Sarah said: “It has not been an easy decision, but I believe the time is right for me to step back to allow a new Chair to work with the Board on delivering the performance and financial plans for this year and beyond.

“Since I was appointed to the role in December 2021, I have been hugely proud of the way partners across Devon have worked together to improve services, including pioneering work in elective care at the Nightingale Hospital, delivering millions of Covid vaccinations, improving 111, reducing waiting times and forging new ways of working together in provider collaboratives.

“I am delighted that NHS Devon has an excellent Chief Executive Officer in Steve Moore, who took up the reins in February, and I firmly believe that under his leadership, the system will work together and deliver the improvements local people need and deserve.

“I am grateful for all the opportunities I have had in the NHS. I would like to thank the wonderful and dedicated people I work with at NHS Devon, as well as my colleagues from previous roles over the years. I wish our local health and care system and our many partners in the voluntary sector and local authorities, the best for the future.”

NHS England South West is responsible for appointing Sarah’s permanent successor and further details about the arrangements will be shared in due course.

Elizabeth O’Mahony, South West Regional Director at NHS England, said: “I want to thank Sarah for stepping in to the role of interim chair for NHS Devon and for staying in it for over two years, which was much longer than originally planned.

“She has made a valuable contribution and now feels the time is right for another colleague to support the system during the next phase of its development.

“We will now make arrangements to appoint a substantive chair and in the meantime welcome Kevin, as an experienced member of the Board, who is stepping into the role on an acting basis.”

Kevin said: “I’m really grateful to have had the opportunity to work with Sarah on our Board and I wish her all the best for the future. I am looking forward to working with Steve Moore and my Board colleagues to provide all the support we can to NHS Devon staff and maintain our system focus on addressing the challenges we face.”