Category: News

A group of patients in Devon with a painful spinal condition are benefiting from a new programme of physiotherapist-led classes thanks to research.

The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR)-funded Better Outcomes for Older People with Spinal Trouble (BOOST) study is testing a strength and conditioning programme to see if it is more effective than standard treatment for people with spinal stenosis. BOOST is sponsored by the University of Exeter.

The group receiving the treatment in North Devon say it has made a big difference to their quality of life, with improvements in physical and mental health and confidence.

Lumbar spinal stenosis is an age-related narrowing of the spinal canal, which places pressure on nerves and blood vessels causing pain and weakness in the lower back, buttocks, or legs. The condition can limit people’s ability to walk and stand and cause pain, which can make it harder to remain independent.

The latest phase of BOOST, which is supported by the NIHR Clinical Research Network South West Peninsula, is running at a number of sites nationwide, including North Devon District Hospital (NDDH), part of Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. It is aiming to find out if patients get the same benefit from the programme when it is part of real-world care as they did when it was tested under more controlled conditions – a type of research known as an implementation study.

The team at NDDH recruited 12 people against an original target of 10 to trial the classes, which are delivered by NHS physiotherapists at CrossFit North Devon in Barnstaple.

James Rodger, NDDH consultant physiotherapist and principal investigator for BOOST, said: “Some people with this condition can be quite vulnerable, struggling to get up from a chair, for example. Normally, physiotherapists would see them around three times as outpatients, and they would be given light repetitive exercise. But this is a series of 12 classes, and the goal is strength and conditioning.

“We’ve also encouraged them to take part in a walking programme. I don’t think we’re making major physical changes in the short term, just trying to give the time and confidence to walk. It’s almost a case of giving them permission to try, and see what they can do.

“Seeing how the intervention works in practice has challenged my beliefs. I actually expected less progress but they have really improved a lot in a short time. The study has had a significant cultural change on how classes are delivered for this group and others, and the team are moving forward to reflect this in class delivery.

“The setting has worked really well, and we’ve found they really like the class environment. One of our participants is now even considering starting Crossfit, aged 72.”

BOOST is sponsored by the University of Exeter, and conducted by a study team led by Professor Sallie Lamb, Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University’s Faculty of Health and Life Sciences. Professor Lamb said: “I am delighted to hear that the BOOST programme has had such a positive effect on this group of patients, benefiting them both physically and mentally. Spinal conditions can have a huge impact on quality of life, and finding ways to improve treatment can make a real difference. The BOOST project forms part of a body of world-leading research into rehabilitation here at Exeter, of which we are incredibly proud.”

BOOST volunteer Pam Lee from Barnstaple said: “I think this has made us all more motivated to try and extend what we can do. For some people it has also just been a reason to get out of the house. Mentally and physically I think it’s been great, and there is a competitive element that has really motivated some of us.

“I’ve tried normal physio and it didn’t seem to do much for me, but with this I feel I’m getting better. I can walk a lot further than I could before.”

Sue Smith, from North Cornwall, added: “The improvement in my balance has been really amazing. Taking part in the trial has helped me feel more confident in myself.”

Arie Hollenbach, from Barnstaple, said: “This has made a big difference to me. I’m walking further now and not seizing up as much. It’s meant spending time and working in my allotment has become much more relaxing, and easier.”

Ann Oakley, from Barnstaple, felt the social benefits of the classes were also significant: “It has been fantastic to meet other people and get out and do something, it has done so much for me mentally. It’s helped me accept my situation and what I can and can’t do. The fact that everyone in the class has the same condition is really nice. I’ve seen the expressions on people’s faces change, from a bit miserable to really happy.”

People in Torbay and South Devon who are living with multiple sclerosis (MS) are benefitting from pioneering technology to manage their long-term condition from home thanks to a partnership project.

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust (TSDFT) is spearheading the use of augmented reality (AR) glasses to improve motor function assessments, in partnership with Stroll, a leading digital therapeutics company, and the University of Exeter.

The trust set up its first MS augmented reality clinic last year to enable staff to communicate with their patients, and conduct assessments remotely using the HoloLens 2 augmented reality headsets from Microsoft. The wearable AR headset has lots of features sensors, cameras, and advanced optics. A holographic display allows digital content to be placed anywhere to blend with the real world so the user can interact with holographic objects and information.

One patient said of their remote assessment: “The HoloLens experience allowed me to talk with my consultant while I could still have a physical examination in my home,” while another patient added: “This supports taking ownership of my illness.”

TSDFT neurologist Dr Agne Straukiene said the use of augmented reality technology to assess patients and hold clinics remotely is a gamechanger in how people with long term conditions such as MS and who are immunosuppressed will be cared for in the future.

She said: “We are bringing to life our new care model using immersive technology and modernising our healthcare pathways, driving a more flexible, accessible and more sustainable service. We will focus on care as close to home as possible, and personalise care, centred on what matters to the patient.”

The trust is an early pioneer of digital technology and has been using extended reality (XR) technology like Virtual Reality (VR) and AR headsets to improve patient care. People who are seriously ill, undergoing treatment or who are at end of life have been offered VR based immersive experiences for therapeutic support and VR has also been used to help train staff for real life scenarios.

Jacqueline Rees-Lee, a consultant oncoplastic breast and plastic surgeon, and the director of medical education at TSDFT, has been leading the work with co-lead of digital futures Nick Peres. She said: “Immersive technology is undoubtedly going to play a big part in patient care, as well as staff and healthcare education in the hospital and in the community in the future.

“We have been using HoloLens 2 in our breast care unit to send high-resolution video feeds to consultants, in real time, to get immediate feedback and advice on a patient’s needs.”

Nick Peres, who is also an advisor for immersive technologies at Health Education England, added: “Our Digital Futures lab enables us to explore, share and understand the potential that digital technologies can bring to healthcare settings.

“Staff can experience and learn about a range of technologies, including augmented and virtual reality, and creatively explore how they can be used to support healthcare services, enhance patient and staff experience, and deliver education and training.”

Thousands more scans and investigations are to be offered to NHS patients in Devon as part of a ground-breaking agreement for the NHS in the South West.

A scheme announced today (4 August) will create a series of fixed and mobile diagnostic centres across the region, to speed up treatment, reduce waiting lists and provide care closer to home for people in remoter areas.

A state-of-the-art community diagnostic centre (CDC) will be opened in an accessible location in Torquay and provide a range of different tests during a single visit, reducing travel and the number of appointments for people who are waiting to be seen.

As well as providing x-ray, MRI, CT and ultrasound scans, the CDC will offer, blood-tests, and other tests to assess heart and lung problems. The range of scans and tests the CDC can offer will help with the diagnosis and treatment of people with a range of conditions, from cancer to joint problems.

The new fixed CDC in Torbay is due to open in Market Street, Torquay, in spring 2024.

Dr Eileen Deakin, local GP and NHS Devon’s clinical lead for diagnostics, said: “We know it can be a worrying time when you need a test – the new centre will be in a convenient location and will help local people and clinicians get a faster diagnosis. Locating the centre in the community also helps our main hospitals to focus more on complex cases and on urgent and emergency care.”

InHealth has been appointed as preferred bidder for the project. The appointment was made following a ground-breaking competitive procurement exercise by NHS England in the South West. Normally, procurement processes are carried out by local systems or organisations, but in this case, the procurement was carried out on a large scale on behalf of integrated care boards (ICBs) across the region, as the best way of improving access and of bringing rapid increases in capacity and staffing.

Four other CDCs will be opened in the South West in Bristol, Weston-super-Mare, Yeovil and Cornwall.

Rough sleepers in Devon will have better access to mental health support thanks to an innovative partnership project which sees mental health, primary care, social care, housing services and the voluntary and charity sectors working together.

The project has been launched as a one-year pilot, led jointly by Devon Partnership NHS Trust (DPT) and Livewell Southwest CIC (LSW), who provide mental health services across Devon.

A funding bid led to more than £400,000 being awarded to set-up and run the pilot in Teignbridge, South and West Devon. This area previously had no dedicated mental health support for people sleeping rough, but has higher than average numbers of people identified as rough sleepers in an England-wide study in 2021. It is expected that the learning from the pilot will be then rolled out across One Devon, our integrated care system.

The funding is in place for 12 months and has created five fixed-term clinical roles. This includes Peer Researchers employed by the Devon Mental Health Alliance as part of the Community Mental Health Framework – which is transforming mental health services in the community.  In particular, it aims to provide the right support at the right time, removing referral processes and putting the needs of the person at the centre their care.

The collaborative response means connecting housing outreach, mental health and drug and alcohol services with primary care network multi-agency teams (PCN MATs) who can work together to provide appropriate interventions with clinical supervision.

The project team, based at Follaton House in Totnes, will consist of a Clinical Lead and Psychologist from DPT, a Mental Health Change Practitioner from Livewell and two Peer Researchers from Improving Lives Plymouth.

The purpose of the group is to upskill the practitioners already working with rough sleepers on a regular basis and build on trusted relationships to provide appropriate interventions. They will also work to transform current practices, embed new ways of working and cascade learning. It’s hoped that newly developed pathways and training will be used to inform improvements across the county.

Lisa-Marie Phillips, the project’s senior responsible officer at DPT, said: “It is really rewarding working collaboratively with the community to look at improving access to mental health support and services for people who find themselves at this time rough sleeping or homeless. The Peer Researchers will be able to give a voice to the personal journey’s that will help us to adapt and develop pathways to enhance personalised care, as well as shape services for the future.”

Deborah Atter, Changing Futures Project Manager at Improving Lives Plymouth, said: “This is an exciting and impactful collaboration which Improving Lives, through the Devon Mental Health Alliance, are delighted to be involved with.

“This partnership will put the voice of lived experience at the very heart of service design and delivery. We are currently planning a trauma sensitive recruitment pathway with a view to employing two Peer Researchers who will be an integral part of the newly formed team, carrying out community research and gathering experiences and ‘stories’ to better understand how to meet the needs of people rough sleeping.”

Ian Veale, senior responsible officer for the project at LSW, said: “It’s positive that we have been successful as an area in the bid to be able to provide much needed and better access to mental support for rough sleepers in Devon. This innovative project will bring the right people from mental health, primary care, social care, housing services and the voluntary and charity sectors together and support some of the most vulnerable people in our population.”

The project is being supported by DPT’s Portfolio, Programme and Project Management Office (PMO). If you’re interested in finding out more about the project and/or would like to get involved, email dpt.pmo@nhs.net

More patients at two hospitals in Devon are benefitting from robotic surgery thanks to a partnership project.

Surgeons at Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust are excited to be expanding the use of robotic surgery in patient care.

The Trust has two new robots thanks to national funding from NHS England and the Cancer Alliance – one at North Devon District Hospital (NDDH) and one at the Royal Devon and Exeter (Wonford) Hospital.

It is the first robot at NDDH, where patients are now benefiting from robotic surgery for hiatal hernias, inguinal hernias and gallbladder removal.

Professor David Sanders, consultant and clinical lead for gastrointestinal, said: “We’re really pleased to have the new Da Vinci robot at NDDH and are excited about the benefits it will bring. The robot offers exceptional precision and the most advanced surgical technology for our patients.”

It’s the third robot at the RD&E (Wonford) hospital, and is being used by a team of ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeons to remove tumours of the tonsils, tongue, voice box and swallowing passage, so far. 

The first robot existing at RD&E (Wonford) has been in place for 10 years and has been used for urology operations, performing more than 2,000 cancer procedures. A second type of robot has been in place for approximately four years in support of major orthopaedic surgery.

When using the robots, surgeons operate the instruments from an operating console and the instruments move like the surgeon’s hands. This allows complex procedures to be performed with increased accuracy and precision, which means surgery can be keyhole rather than open. Robotic surgery patients recover faster and have a shorter stay in hospital.

Joel Smith, lead ENT surgeon, said: “We’re thrilled to have the Da Vinci robots in place for our trans-oral procedures as the advantages for our patients are significant. Operations are faster and less invasive – what used to take up to 12 hours and involve open surgery can now be performed as keyhole surgery and take 60 minutes.

“Patients who would have previously needed intensive care nursing patients go straight back to the ward. The average length of stay is four days and some patients can go home the day after surgery.”

The new robot in ENT means the Royal Devon is the first Trust in the South West to be able to perform trans-oral robotic surgery, with patients previously having to travel to Oxford or London if they needed this care.

In addition to its existing use in ENT and urology, the new robot at RD&E (Wonford) will mean that the Royal Devon can expand the use of robotic surgery for colorectal surgery across its sites in the coming months. Growth in the number of urology procedures that can be done is also planned, as well as for certain types of gynaecology procedures in the late autumn.

Mr Kenneth Keogh, consultant colorectal surgeon, said: “This will ensure that we can provide the highest level of care with the most up-to-date systems for the patients of Devon requiring colorectal surgery or abdominal wall surgery.

“Our colleagues in urology have already been undertaking robotic surgery for some time and as our colleagues in gynae-oncology also start operating, this will allow us to perform procedures together, using the robot, avoiding a large open abdominal incision.”

The robots will also play an important role in offering opportunities for colleague development.

Joel added: “This technology allows us to be innovative in the way we approach surgery, and this makes the Royal Devon an attractive proposition for junior doctors and theatre staff, to come and train in the latest surgical techniques.”

The results show that almost 8 in 10 people are satisfied with their local practice, some of the highest achievement seen across the country.

Satisfaction rates overall have decreased slightly from last year, but Devon is still performing better that other areas, with 78% of people describing their experience of their GP practice as good.

A further 93% of patients surveyed felt their needs were met at their last GP appointment and for almost 72% of those surveyed in Devon, their last GP appointment was face-to-face.

The GP Patient Survey (GPPS) is an England-wide survey, providing data about patients’ experiences of their GP practices. In Devon, more than 14,300 people responded to the survey and shared their experiences. Administered by Ipsos on behalf of NHS England, the survey covers a range of topics including local GP services.

Dr Nigel Acheson, Chief Medical Officer at NHS Devon, said: “We have excellent primary care services in Devon, and I am pleased to see we are well above national average for GP satisfaction across Devon.

“Our Devon GP practices have performed incredibly well considering the extreme challenges they continue to face. The current demand for GP appointments is way above that seen pre-pandemic levels, and there has been significant growth in the appointments that are now offered to patients.

“However, we know there is variation between our practices and the experience of our patients.

“The results signal there is a lot of work to do right across the country to improve sustainability for general practice and staff satisfaction, as well as patient experience.

“We are already working with our local practices to improve capacity and access and will continue to do so as we focus on expanded clinical teams within practices, improved access to digital tools, and better systems for navigating patients to the right care for them.”

There are also several hundred more people working in general practice than pre-pandemic in a wider variety of clinical roles including clinical pharmacists, paramedics and advanced nurse practitioners.

The nationally published GP appointment data (GPAD) shows Devon practices are offering almost 50% of their appointments within one working day of the patient contacting their practice and are consistently exceeding targets on this.

The NHS in Devon is giving advice to local people as the county’s hospitals and NHS services prepare for the first strike by consultants in a decade.

Consultant doctors and hospital-based dentists will be taking industrial action from 8am on Thursday (20 July) until 8am on Saturday (July 22).

The strike follows industrial action by junior doctors from 13-18 July, and precedes a strike by radiographers from 25-27 July.

In contrast to strike action among other staff groups, no other clinicians can provide cover for consultants, so any planned care delivered by junior doctors or other healthcare professionals that requires even remote consultant supervision will need to be rescheduled. This means a significant amount of planned care involving junior doctors will be affected.

Consultants will only provide staffing levels to cover emergency care, meaning the NHS will experience two ‘Christmas Day service’ days in a row.

The advice for local people and holiday makers who need care has not changed – people should use 999 in life-threatening emergencies and NHS 111 online for other health concerns. GP services and pharmacies are also available for patients and can be accessed in the normal way.
If you haven’t been contacted or informed that your planned appointment has been postponed, please attend as normal.

Dr Nigel Acheson, Chief Medical Officer, NHS Devon, said: “We know there will be severe disruption to planned care in our hospitals during the strike, with many appointments needing to be rearranged. Services will also still be recovering from the effects of the junior doctor strikes this week.
“If people follow our advice on how to access services, it will help us maintain emergency care for those who genuinely need it.”

The NHS is prioritising resources to protect emergency and urgent care, critical care, neonatal care, maternity, and trauma.

Advice for patients:

Hospital appointments
The NHS will contact you if your appointment needs to be rescheduled due to strike action. If we have not contacted you, please attend your appointment as planned.

Urgent or emergency care
People should go to 111 online for medical help and advice but call 999 if it is a life-threatening emergency.

During strike days, it is likely 999 call handlers will be very busy and response times at NHS 111 call centres are likely to be longer.

For more information on when to call 999 and when to go to A&E, you can visit the NHS UK website.
Please check Trust websites for information on Minor Injury Units and Urgent Care Centres.
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
  

GP and dental appointments
GP practices will continue to be open as normal during the strikes. Please continue to attend your GP and dental appointments, unless you are contacted and told otherwise.

Keep yourself safe and well
The NHS is also asking the public to play their part by taking simple steps during industrial action to look after themselves, loved ones and checking in on vulnerable family members and neighbours. Make sure you have ordered and collected any repeat medicines, especially if you are travelling.

Visitors
Visitors to Devon 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.

The Peninsula Acute Provider Collaborative (PAPC), which covers the NHS in Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, has appointed Stephanie Elsy as its non-executive independent chair as of 1 May 2023.

Working two days per month for the next year, Stephanie’s informal and facilitative role will help to bring acute NHS providers and commissioners in the area together to transform patient care, improve staff experiences and make the best use of collective resources.

Stephanie has worked in the delivery of public services for more than 30 years and currently also chairs NHS Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board and is a non-executive director for Solent NHS Trust.

Prior to that, Stephanie worked in local government as a councillor and leader of the council in the London Borough of Southwark and was a chief executive in the charity sector for 15 years.

Speaking about her appointment, Stephanie said: “I am very pleased to have joined the Peninsula Acute Provider Collaborative during this hugely important and ambitious period.

“The NHS is facing huge challenges and it’s only by working together that we can deliver the best possible patient care and staff experiences.”

The Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) team on Haytor and Salus ward, on DPT’s Torbay Hospital site, have received national recognition for their work using the Vona du Toit Model of Creative Ability (VdTMoCA).

Wendy Sherwood, the principal of ICAN-UK, the VdTMoCA training provider, sponsors an annual award for an Occupational Therapy (OT) support worker who contributes to the development of the VdTMoCA approach in clinical practice.

The Haytor and Salus team’s achievement is significant as this is the first time a prize has been awarded to a team rather than an individual. Liz Thomson, the OT Manager for the Torbay Acute Wards, nominated her team for the award because she wanted to recognise the contribution of everyone within the group.

The team has collectively won £600 for their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) or purchasing resources to support CPD.

Liz Thomson said: “This is a brilliant achievement for the team and all their hard work in implementing this new model. As the Occupational Therapy Manager, I could not be prouder of how the team has embraced implementing the VdTMoCA, which is completely new to them. The team has been open to exploring this model in practice and how it can support and enhance the service offered by the occupational therapy team. A big congratulations goes to Kelly Barkhuizen, Gaby Randle, Steve Grant, Lori Davis, Lucy Turnbull and Tim Bounsall.”

Alice Zitter, the OTA on Delderfield ward in Exeter, received the individual award this year for her significant contribution to the work of the Delderfield OT team in developing and embedding the VdTMoCA approach to OT practice on their ward. Alice has won a £200 prize to support her individual professional development.

These awards, both individual and team, are a significant acknowledgement of the amazing contribution made to people’s care by occupational therapists across Devon Partnership NHS Trust.

To date, around 150 members of the OT team have undertaken the three-day online training with the International Creative Ability Network (ICAN) to develop a working

knowledge of the VdTMoCA in theory and practice.

One of the key features of ICAN’s VdTMoCA training is the commitment to a ‘whole team’ approach, involving not just registered OTs but also OTAs and Technical Instructors.

We would like to extend our congratulations to the OTA teams on Haytor and Salus ward, as well as the Delderfield ward, for their truly remarkable achievements. Your collective efforts and commitment to enhancing patient care are truly commendable.

A nursing apprentice from Devon Partnership NHS Trust has been honoured at a prestigious national awards ceremony. Hailei Petersen received the bronze Apprentice of the Year award at the Our Health Heroes Awards, presented by Skills for Health.

The glittering national awards ceremony took place in London, where Hailei expressed her gratitude and passion for dementia nursing, stating: “It’s a real privilege and honour to be here. Dementia nursing is something that I’m really passionate about, making sure that people feel supported and listened to. When you get recognised for it, it gives you that confidence and it makes you want to plough on and keep doing what you’re doing.”

One of Hailei’s notable accomplishments is her significant impact on local care homes in managing patients with complex needs. She developed a check list of questions to assist care home staff in addressing the behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) commonly observed in patients.

Hazel Harris, Clinical Team Manager for East Devon Older People Mental Health Community Team, said: “I could not be prouder of Hailei, her attitude to learning, the level of standard of work she consistently produces, her willingness to share information with her peers, the level of rapport she manages to achieve with each patient, making them feel valued and heard. All while improving the standard of service that we provide as a team.

“She will make an incredible nurse when she qualifies in 2024, and will be an asset not just to my team, but the wider directorate, our organisation and our profession. She serves as a role model for all apprentices to aspire to.”

Sara Gorton, Head of Health at UNISON, the sponsors of the Apprentice of the Year Award, offered her congratulations, saying: “Congratulations to the amazing finalists and winner of this award. UNISON is delighted be its sponsor once more, highlighting the up-and-coming stars of the future. Apprenticeships are a fantastic and expanding route into a career in healthcare. The award finalists highlight the huge contribution that apprentices are making and showcase the variety and high quality of apprentice roles in the health service.”

The Skills for Health Our Health Heroes is sponsored by UNISON, NHS England, NHS Employers and other organisations. For more information, visit www.skillsforhealth.org.uk/awards

The Simulation Team at DPT has received national recognition for its work on Salus Ward in Torbay, and has been shortlisted as a finalist in the ‘Patient Safety Pilot Project of the Year’ category, in the Health Service Journal’s Patient Safety Awards.

The HSJ Patient Safety Awards acknowledge the hard-working teams and individuals across the UK who are continually striving to deliver improved patient care. This year there were 515 entries, with 209 organisations, projects and individuals making it to the final shortlist.

To be shortlisted, applicants must be able to show promise in delivering demonstrable and positive consequences for patient safety, to enable continuous improvement.

Before the opening of new wards, a host of tests and assessments take place to make sure that they are safe and ready to start admitting patients. Recently, it was the turn of Salus Ward – a brand new, £12m adult inpatient unit on the Torbay Hospital site.  The ward team has worked with the Simulation and Quality Improvement (QI) teams, along with a host of other supporting staff, to put the new ward through its paces. The aim of the simulation training and situational learning is to deliver ‘staff and patient safety by design’.

Steve Haupt, Simulation Lead at DPT, said: “This is such exciting news, everyone involved worked so hard, it was a massive project from start to finish. We never underestimate the impact and positive ‘boost’ that being shortlisted for an HSJ Patient Safety Award will bring to our wider team and colleagues.

“It is well known within our sector that the HSJ Awards programme is a high profile and hugely respected platform to showcase the work and achievements of the many healthcare professionals who enter, and we’re delighted to have been recognised on this prestigious shortlist for a 2023 Patient Safety Award. We hope our entry might also inspire other colleagues to consider submitting their projects, too.”

The Salus Simulation Team will have the opportunity to showcase their work and ongoing commitment to patient safety to a judging panel in July.

The full list of finalists for the 2023 HSJ Patient Safety Awards can be found on the HSJ website. Winners will be announced during the awards ceremony at Manchester Central, on Monday 18 September.

“It’s one of the most beautiful part of the UK to live in and there are so many opportunities to develop” says emergency medicine consultant, Beth Newstead, in a new recruitment film.

Produced as part of a series of six videos with medics across the county, Beth’s film aims to encourage people to consider starting or progressing their careers in Devon.

As well as highlighting the many professional opportunities in Devon, Beth also speaks about the hobbies that living in Devon enables her to do, including sea swimming and hiking on the moors.

The films are supplemented by a new suite of pages on the One Devon website which includes information and living and working in Devon, plus a quick form that people can fill in to apply and receive further advice and support.

The film is being promoted online and social media so please look out for it and share it if you see it.