Category: News

We were notified this week of the sudden and unexpected closure of Kevin McGarey Dental Practice in Paignton. Unfortunately, we did not receive any notice from the contract holder that the practice would be closing, which means patients were not notified.

We understand Kevin McGarey, who previously ran the dental surgery, is no longer associated with it and has had no involvement with the practice for some years.

NHS Devon, which took over responsibility for commissioning NHS dentistry in the county in April 2023, is working with local partners to urgently identify patients who are under a current treatment plan at the practice. We are also looking at how we can urgently mobilise additional capacity locally to ensure there is access for anyone who is in the middle of a treatment plan.

For anyone needing urgent or emergency dental care, contact 111.

More information about access to local NHS dentists in Devon is available here https://onedevon.org.uk/our-work/services-and-support/nhs-dental-care/

This page will be updated with further advice for the practice’s patients as and when information on this issue becomes available – please check back for updates.

Devon Live has reported the closure here.

Note: NHS Devon is not responsible for the content of external websites.

The One Devon Partnership (ICP) has agreed a priority focus on children and young people in 2024 to influence and encourage action across the county.

The ICP is a statutory committee that includes a range of partners who influence people’s health, wellbeing and care.

The commitment follows its meeting in February where it received a joint update from NHS Devon, Devon County Council, Plymouth City Council and Torbay Council on the key challenges and progress in children’s services.

Members agreed that a historical lack of coordination had caused significant impact, alongside issues including poverty, poor housing and associated social isolation.

To support in developing a more coordinated approach, the ICP the agreed to support in the following ways:

  • To invite education colleagues from the Academy Trust to be involved in Partnership meetings
  • Develop a task and finish group to enable strategic conversations regarding commissioning and procurement of children’s services as a system
  • Consider an ethical framework and group for prioritisation of service provision
  • Hold an all-age neurodiversity symposium
  • Further incorporate CYP issues into the next iterations of the Devon Joint Forward Plan.

Services across Devon are collaborating on a project that integrates health and wellbeing data from different services to address health inequalities and improve outcomes.

The One Devon Dataset (ODD) provides a single view of data relating to people, communities and services.

All acute, community, mental health and social care providers in Devon, Plymouth and Torbay are signed up and providing data, along with 80% of the county’s GP practices.

The tool allows services to uncover gaps in data quality, identify new risks (such as fuel poverty) and monitor specific patient flows through health and social care datasets. 

This enables funding to be targeted at the people and communities where it is most needed, while monitoring and evaluating the impacts of interventions.

Confidentiality is maintained throughout the dataset by using pseudonymised data.

Several projects are already making use of the dataset, including analysing the impact of clinical-decision support software for anaemia of chronic kidney disease patients, supporting the monitoring of palliative and end-of-life care patients, and monitoring the impact of interventions for high blood pressure (hypertension).

Moving forwards, the project has plans to expand to other areas including children and young people and 111.

If you are interested in accessing the dataset, contact the ODD team.

Building work has begun on a new £20 million learning disability and autism (LDA) unit on Devon Partnership Trust’s (DPT) Langdon site in Dawlish.

Preparatory work has been going on for the last few weeks, with a formal formal turf-cutting ceremony taking place at the end of February, with service manager for the LDA unit, Carol Gray, doing the honours.

Carol was joined by Andy Willis, DPT’s Chair; Phill Mantay, DPT Acting Chief Executive; Chris Entwistle, from the learning disability service; Shona Charlton from NHS Devon; and the regional director for construction partner, Kier.

Andy and Phill said a few words to mark the occasion, reminding people that this £20 million investment to support people with mental health needs and a learning disability and/or autism is part of a £40 million regional project being delivered through two locations – with the other unit in Bristol.

The ten-bed unit has been designed with input from people with lived experience and will provide state-of-the-art care for people in a modern, therapeutic environment when it opens next summer.

The NHS in the South West is preparing for the start of the holiday season, as the first of millions of visitors start to arrive in the region, increasing demand for services.

Tourists and local people are being encouraged to make best use of health services, especially as the Easter bank holiday weekend is a four-day break.

The message is that urgent and emergency care will be there for you, but please choose the right service for your needs.

Ahead of the Easter weekend, the advice is to:

  • Make sure you have ordered and collected any repeat medicines, especially if you are travelling
  • 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
  • Play your part by taking simple steps 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.

Visitors to the South West are also reminded that their first port of call for GP care is their home practice, which will be able to provide online, phone and video consultations as well as arranging for prescriptions to be sent to any pharmacy you choose.

Dr Nigel Acheson, NHS Devon’s Chief Medical Officer, said: “The NHS in the South West has been preparing for a while for the start of the main holiday season, when we’ll start welcoming millions of people to this lovely part of the world.

“This Easter, we’re asking visitors and residents alike to ‘help us help you’ by choosing the right treatment options.”

Background:

An NHS Devon ICB (Integrated Care Board) project that allows patients to consult GPs located anywhere in the UK has won a prestigious national healthcare award.

The innovative ‘GP in the Cloud’ initiative was crowned the winner of the Virtual Care Project of the Year Award at the HSJ Partnership Awards.

GP in the Cloud – a partnership between NHS Devon ICB, DELT Shared Services, Integy and NASGP – was also named runner-up in the coveted Best Healthcare Provider Partnership with the NHS category.

The project team received the accolades at a gala ceremony held at Evolution London in Battersea Park on Thursday 21 March.

The HSJ Partnership Awards celebrate the role of collaboration in shaping the integrated health and care system of the future.

Judges praised the GP in the Cloud team for their success in “working together to set up and deliver a service that enables safe, effective virtual care.

“It (GP in the Cloud) involved patients in the care plan, equipping them to contribute to their own recovery, and has potential to scale up to meet future care demands.”

Dr John McCormick, Chief Clinical Information Officer for Devon ICB, said: “These accolades are deserved recognition for a project that brings tangible benefits to GP practices and patients, and a tribute to the organisations that delivered it.

“Each of the partners involved in GP in the Cloud brings a specialism. It is the combination of these specialisms that resulted in the success of this project. It is an outstanding example of true partnership working and what can be achieved.”

Delt CEO, Giles Letheren, added: “We are incredibly proud of our team and partners for delivering a groundbreaking solution that directly benefits NHS Devon and patients alike.

“Our joint win highlights the transformative impact of collaboration and technology in driving efficiency and accessibility within primary care settings. To have co-designed and implemented GP in the Cloud, a remote access platform that enables locum GPs to access a patient’s full medical record safely, securely and from any location, without the need to be issued a dedicated laptop, is good, but the bigger victory is in working together.

“The project itself was made feasible solely due to the willingness of NHS Devon to collaborate effectively with multiple partners. While the win for Virtual Care Project of the year reflects the utility and impact of our platform, we are perhaps even prouder of our silver award for Best Partnership.”

GP in the Cloud was developed as a response to the shortage of GPs in Devon. While online consultation revolutionised how GP services were delivered during the Covid-19 pandemic, they had their limitations as clinical systems could be accessed remotely but other systems could not.

NHS Devon ICB developed a solution that means GPs located anywhere in the UK to carry out consultations with patients from their own devices. It allows practices to offer more appointments to patients and can quickly alleviate any unforeseen issues such as unplanned staff absence by using it.

Thirty-four practices in Devon were actively involved in the pilot project and have successfully embedded GP in the Cloud.

After the initial pilot, GP in the Cloud technology was made available to the remaining Devon practices. By the end of 2022, it was embedded as the ‘business as usual’ model across the NHS Devon ICB footprint, providing thousands of additional clinical hours and cost savings.

And, following the successful roll-out, NHS Devon ICB was asked by NHS England to develop a blueprint to support regional and national roll out of the technology. This blueprint is currently being used by NHS England to support a phased rollout of our GP in the Cloud technology with plans for it to become available nationally.

“A great opportunity to see firsthand the new ways health and care teams are working together to benefit patients” is how a national NHS director described services in Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, following a recent visit.

Partners were delighted to have welcomed Professor Sir Stephen Powis (NHS England National Medical Director), Dr David Hargroves (National Clinical Director for Stroke Medicine), Dr Michael Marsh (Medical Director and Chief Clinical Information Officer for NHS England South West) and members of the South West Regional Medical Directorate for a three-day visit in February.

During the first day, the group were based in Cornwall and saw the portable x-ray equipment and community assessment and treatment unit at West Cornwall Hospital, followed by meeting the acute hub, triaging team and homecare team at St Austell Healthcare.

Day two began at North Devon District Hospital where they saw how the electronic patient record system is benefitting patients, followed by a trip to the rehabilitation ward at Tiverton Hospital and later a tour of the NHS Nightingale Hospital Exeter.

On the final day, the delegation visited the thrombectomy service at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust (UHP) which treats more than 200 patients a year and is one of the most effective types of treatment for certain types of strokes.

The group rounded off with a visit to Livewell Southwest to talk about innovative practice and use of technology across community, primary and acute care. They were impressed by Livewell’s approach to workforce and workforce development and use of Integrated Care of Older People.

Professor Sir Stephen Powis, said: “Our visit to Devon was a great opportunity to see firsthand the new ways health and care teams are working together to benefit patients.

“The Nightingale is a real case in point – repurposed from the pandemic to provide day-case surgery for hips, knees and cataracts so Devon can tackle long waits and bringing real benefits for patients.

“Equally the work being done in Plymouth by Livewell Southwest to deliver joined up health and social care for people in the community and mental health team and learning disabilities teams, was very impressive.

“It was also good to see how Devon’s apprenticeship model is using innovative ways to tap into schools and bring new staff into the workforce, which will not only support the NHS workforce now but also in the future.”

Data released yesterday shows NHS pressures are not letting up as winter ends, with huge demand on services last week.

Local people are asked to continue to choose the best health service for their need and collect loved ones who are ready to be discharged from hospital.

Dr Nigel Acheson, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Devon, said: “This winter has been incredibly busy and challenging for the NHS with staff juggling high demand for services, pressure caused by flu, Covid and norovirus, high bed occupancy and periods of industrial action.

“This latest data shows we are still experiencing significant demand going into spring.”

“It is important 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, consider 111, your GP or local pharmacy first.

“To ensure we can free up beds for the really sick patients who are coming into our emergency departments, we ask anyone who has a loved one in hospital who is ready to come home, to come and collect them as soon as possible.”

Local people can do their bit to help NHS services by:

  • 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
  • Play your part by taking simple steps 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. Details about local pharmacies be found via the interactive map here: Find a pharmacy – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
  • If you, or someone you know, experiences a mental health crisis you can access support from a number of places:
  • 24/7 urgent mental health helpline 0808 196 8708
  • Mental Health Matters helpline (24/7) 0800 470 0317
  • Mental Health Crisis Line Plymouth is open 24/7 0800 923 9323
  • Samaritans 1116 123
  • Text SHOUT to 85258 for 24/7 text support

The latest weekly national data continues to show a reduction in flu cases in hospital, however there were still on average 1,333 patients in a ward bed with flu each day last week. While this was down by just under a half when compared to the current peak for this winter of 2,487 flu cases per day (w/e 4 February 2024), it was still more than three times higher compared to the same week last year (430 for w/e 5 March 2023).

The number of patients with norovirus remained the same as last week, with an average of 470 patients with the virus in hospital every day. The latest data also shows there were 1,862 beds occupied by patients with Covid-19.

There was a significant increase in the number of calls answered by NHS 111 last week compared to the same period last year, up a fifth from 297,586 to 363,480. Despite higher demand, 111 call handlers answered more than two thirds (67.4%) of calls within a minute, up from 48.6% last year.

And new data shows GPs seeing record numbers of patients, with 53 million more appointments – excluding those for Covid vaccinations – delivered last year, compared to before the pandemic.

Around 19 in 20 (94.5%) adult general and acute beds were occupied last week, with 13,375 beds taken up by patients medically fit for discharge.

Despite the NHS having 1,716 more adult beds in place compared to the same week last year, there were an extra 598 occupied each day.

There were 92,763 total ambulance handovers to hospital, up 16% on 79,735 last year. Despite this additional demand, there were fewer hours lost to handover delays last week compared to the same time last year (13,881 vs 15,360).

Women in England can now get a first prescription of the pill and repeat orders without having to see a GP, in a move that makes access to free contraception even more convenient.

Pharmacies across the country are now offering the new service, increasing choice for women in the ways in which they can access contraception. 

The rollout is part of the government and the NHS’s primary care access recovery plan, which committed to making it quicker and easier for millions of people to access healthcare on their high street. 

Anyone needing the pill can access it through participating pharmacies without a referral from their GP, though they can be referred by their general practice or sexual health clinic. 

The pharmacist will offer a confidential consultation and reach a shared decision with the person about their first supply of the pill, or the ongoing supply of their current oral contraception. The supply of oral contraception will be free. 

For a combined oral hormonal contraception, a BMI and blood pressure measurement will need to be taken. These can be taken as part of the consultation within the pharmacy. 

A person accessing the service may also offer their own weight, height and blood pressure measurements.

A pharmacist may be able to supply the contraceptive pill if you need to:

  • start using the contraceptive pill for the first time
  • start the contraceptive pill again after a break from taking it
  • get a supply of the contraceptive pill if it’s already been prescribed to you

The training for pharmacists who provide the service is extensive, covering topics such as general consultation skills, the legal framework for prescribing combination and progesterone only contraception, as well as information around sexually transmitted infections and other areas that may come up during consultations. 

Clement Tan, a pharmacist in Plymouth, said: “Pharmacies stand as a beacon of support for women’s health. This International Women’s Day, let’s lean on their expertise for our contraceptive needs, easing the strain on the NHS and empowering our choices.

“This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the invaluable support that local pharmacies provide to our communities. As a trusted resource for contraceptive services and advice, pharmacies offer a convenient and confidential way to explore your options.

“By choosing to visit your pharmacy for these needs, you are taking an important step in managing your health, while also helping to ensure that the NHS can continue to provide care where it’s needed most.

“We invite you to utilise these accessible services, empowering you to make the best choices for your health and well-being.”

Find a local pharmacy offering the service here https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy-offering-contraceptive-pill-without-prescription

From back left to right; Sophie McDonald, Tina Somerville and Glenys McCarthy. Front left to right; Jane Fewings, Alison Kedward and Gail Angove

To celebrate International Women’s Day 2024 we are sharing the stories of seven nurses from Litchdon Medical Practice in North Devon who between them have been working for the NHS for over 250 years.

We asked them about their career and what their hopes are for the future of the NHS.

Glenys McCarthy: “I joined the NHS in March 1981 to start my nurse training, so have been in the profession for 42 years.

“I have loved the variety of work I have done, the patients, people and colleagues I have met along the way and the close friendships built through hard work and commitment to caring for those in need sometimes at their lowest ebb.

“Over the last 5 years I have done a more managerial role managing a team of highly skilled nurses in our GP surgery.

“I hope we invest in the NHS for the future health of the nation. People live longer now with growing health needs. We need to ensure this great institution is protected and invested in.”

Tina Sommerville: “I joined the NHS in 1985. I had always wanted to be a nurse for as long as I could remember.

“I’ve never regretted it and I feel privileged to have been part of the patient’s journey in whichever role I was in, including District Nursing, a Diabetes Nurse or practice nurse. In all of these roles I have certainly been part of the NHS from ‘cradle to the grave’.

“My hope for the NHS and its future is that as a profession we continue to strive to give ‘best care’ to the patients whatever challenges we may face.”

Jayne Fewings: “I joined the NHS in September 1971 as a nursing cadet, I was due to start a dental technician course in London but as my father died in October 1970, I didn’t feel able to leave my mother and 10-year-old sister.

“I have never regretted starting a nursing career and worked in several departments – surgery, medicine and gynaecology – before working for 10 years in intensive care unit when my children were small.

“I have always been interested in diabetes and when a diabetes support nurse job was advertised in 1989, I applied for the job and never looked back. The opportunity to educate patients to look after their own long-term condition has always been my driver along with educating other professionals.

“When I moved into general practice in 2010, I was able to broaden my skills to include the management of hypertension and hyperlipidaemia.”

Alison Kedward: “I joined the NHS in 1983 at 18 years of age as a student nurse because it was an apprenticeship training where I gained my Nursing Qualification while working practically and having full time paid employment.

“The best thing about working for the NHS is the variety and constant change.

I love the variety of people of all ages from children to older adults that I meet and interact with.

“I hope that the NHS continues to improve the health of the population and individuals and that services such as palliative care become mainstream funded rather than charity funded.”

Sarah Whittle: “I joined the NHS May 1983, 40 years ago.

“The patients are the best thing about working for the NHS. Their life stories and experiences, the hope and resilience they demonstrate as people in need of our care and advice. The respect and gratitude that most patients show for the NHS, and NHS staff.

“I’ve worked with some amazing colleagues over the years, some of them role models, I think we all need a person to look up to and aspire to be like.

“Medical advances, people living longer, a growing population, and rising public expectation, mean that our NHS resources are now spread so thinly. We need investment in all aspects of caring as a career.”

Gail Angove: “I first joined the NHS in 1978 as a cleaner (Housekeeper) in preparation for the opening of the North Devon District Hospital in 1979.

“I went on to work as an Auxiliary Nurse before training and qualifying as a nurse in 1982.

“The best thing about working for the NHS is that there is no career ceiling and there are countless opportunities to expand skills and experience.”

Sophie McDonald: “I joined the NHS in 1980 as I wanted to join the caring profession.

“The best thing about working for the NHS is the variety and every day is different.

“My hopes for the future of the NHS is that it will continue to grow and improve.”

Both Jane and Gail retired last month – we thank them for all their years of service to the NHS and wish them all the best for a long, happy and healthy retirement.

If anyone in Devon is interested in finding out more about a career in the NHS, please visit: https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/

Photo – from back left to right; Sophie McDonald, Tina Somerville and Glenys McCarthy. Front left to right; Jane Fewings, Alison Kedward and Gail Angove