Category: News

Easter in Devon is one of the busiest times of the year as thousands of visitors arrive to enjoy the county’s beaches, countryside and attractions.

As suitcases are packed and holiday plans finalised, the NHS in Devon is reminding both visitors and residents to plan ahead for their health too, helping ensure everyone can enjoy a happy and healthy bank holiday weekend.

The Easter bank holiday (Friday 3 – Monday 6 April) marks the start of the holiday season in Devon, when health services traditionally see an increase in demand.

Visitors and local people are being encouraged to make the best use of NHS services – especially community pharmacies – and to order any repeat prescriptions early.

Ahead of the Easter weekend, the advice is to:

• Order and collect repeat prescriptions early, particularly if you are travelling or planning to be away over the bank holiday
• Use community pharmacies and the Pharmacy First service for advice and treatment for common conditions such as sore throats, earache, sinusitis, infected insect bites and urinary tract infections
• Call 999 in a life-threatening emergency – when someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk
• Visit NHS 111 online or call 111 if you need urgent medical advice or are unsure which service you should use
• Check in on vulnerable family members, friends or neighbours and make sure medicine cabinets are stocked with essentials
• Seek urgent dental care via NHS 111, where advisers can assess your needs and arrange an appointment if required
• Access mental health support through NHS 111 if you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis

Dr Peter Collins, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Devon, said:
“Easter is a wonderful time to visit Devon and we look forward to welcoming many people to the county.

“While everyone is planning their trips, we’re encouraging people to plan for their health as well – ordering repeat prescriptions in advance and remembering that local pharmacies can help with many common conditions through the Pharmacy First service.

“By choosing the right service and preparing ahead, visitors and residents can help ensure urgent and emergency care is available for those who need it most.”

Contact your own GP practice first

Visitors to Devon are also reminded that their first port of call for GP care should normally be their home GP practice, which can often provide advice through online, phone or video consultations and arrange for prescriptions to be sent electronically to a pharmacy of your choice in Devon.

Community pharmacies

Community pharmacies can provide expert advice and treatment for a range of common conditions such as ear ache, insect bites and urinary tract infections, without the need for a GP appointment through Pharmacy First, making them a quick and convenient option for many minor illnesses while people are away from home.

Access the NHS App 24/7

People can also use the NHS App to order repeat prescriptions, check symptoms and access a range of NHS services, which can be particularly helpful when some services are closed over the bank holiday. The app is free to download and available to use at any time.

In an emergency

For life-threatening emergencies – such as someone who is unconscious, struggling to breathe, having a severe allergic reaction, experiencing a seizure for the first time, or suffering serious injury or bleeding that won’t stop – always call 999.

By planning ahead, ordering prescriptions early and making use of community pharmacies and NHS 111, visitors and residents can help ensure everyone stays well over Easter while protecting urgent and emergency services for the most serious conditions.

Industrial action by resident doctors

The long Easter weekend leads into strike action by resident doctors on Tuesday 7 April to Monday 13 April.

People are being reminded that if they have not been contacted directly, they should attend NHS appointments as planned. The NHS will contact you if your appointment needs to be rescheduled due to strike action.

Regardless of any strike action taking place, it’s vital that people who need urgent medical care continue to come forward as normal, especially in emergency and serious life-threatening cases – when someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk.

Dear residents, partners, colleagues and stakeholders,

I want to share details of the One Plan for Devon, our five-year commissioning plan that was agreed by our Joint Committee on 26 March 2026.

This plan has been developed at a pivotal time for health and care in Devon.

We know that some people are waiting too long for some services, that urgent and emergency care remains under pressure, and that care can sometimes feel fragmented and difficult to navigate.

These challenges are not unique to Devon, but they are real for our residents, our staff, and our partners—and they require a clear, long-term response to improve experiences.

The One Plan for Devon sets out the overall direction for how health and care services in Devon will need to evolve over the next five years to meet growing demand, workforce pressures, and the needs of an ageing population. 

At the same time, the plan recognises the financial reality facing the NHS: we must live within our means.

Therefore, we must look more towards prevention and supporting people to stay well.

Our focus is on: 

• Improving access to care 
• Delivering more services closer to home 
• Reducing waiting times 
• Improving outcomes for local people 

Our aim is that the people in Devon should experience care that is easier to access, more joined up, and delivered closer to home, with shorter waits, better outcomes and a more sustainable NHS for the future.

Our plan aligns with the national direction set out in the Government’s 10 Year Plan, ensuring that Devon’s health services contribute to wider NHS priorities while responding to local needs.

It has been shaped by extensive engagement with communities, staff, and partners, reflecting feedback gathered through recent 10 Year Plan engagement programme.

We recognise that some people are worried about the future of local hospitals and health services. Our local hospitals play a vital role in our communities and will continue to do so.

We want to be clear that our One Plan for Devon does not include proposals to downgrade hospitals, make specific service changes or removal of services.

However, changes to services and the way we work, may be needed in the future to help overcome the challenges facing health and care services in Devon.

If proposals for changes are developed in future, they will be based on clinical evidence and would be subject to public involvement, giving people a clear opportunity to have their say before any decisions are made. 

We are committed to being open and transparent, and to listening to the views of patients, staff and local communities and there will be a range of opportunities for people to get involved, ask questions, and help shape how this plan is delivered in the year ahead. 

You can sign up for official updates, to receive the latest accurate information and receive invites to engagement opportunities.

We are also recruiting to a lived experience group that will form an important part of our engagement exercise.

Together, we want to build a sustainable NHS that continues to provide high-quality care for our communities now and in the future. 

Libby Ryan-Davies

Chief Strategic Planning and Commissioning Officer

NHS Devon

For more information, visit the One Plan for Devon page on our website.

• Mark Hackett joins as interim cluster chief executive for NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly and NHS Devon on Monday 16 March
• New joint executive team also announced who will take up their roles on 1 April
• The appointments are part of a Department of Health and Social Care directive for all integrated care boards (ICBs) to reduce their running costs and shift to a more strategic role with some changes in responsibilities

NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly and NHS Devon have appointed a new interim chief executive officer (CEO) and joint executive team as they take a major step towards operating as a single ‘cluster’ ahead of a formal merger next year.

‘Clustering’ means that, although both integrated care boards (ICBs) will continue to exist, they will work as one – with a single board, leadership team and staffing structure.

Interim CEO “delighted to be joining”

Mark Hackett joined as interim cluster CEO on Monday 16 March 2026, for an initial 12-month period. He will lead the two ICBs as a single south west peninsula cluster during a period of significant alignment across both systems.

Mark brings extensive leadership experience across the NHS and the wider health system, where he has led major transformations to improve clinical quality, outcomes, and financial sustainability into NHS Trusts and health organisations.

Speaking about his appointment, Mark Hackett, interim cluster CEO, said: “I’m delighted to be joining colleagues at NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly and NHS Devon at such an important time for both organisations and the NHS more broadly.”

Cluster Chair, John Govett, said: “Mark brings a wealth of leadership and transformation experience and a strong track record of delivering improvement across complex health systems.

“His appointment will provide clear leadership for our two ICBs. Mark’s focus on improving outcomes for patients while ensuring long-term financial sustainability will be vital as we move through this next phase of our systems development.

“I would also like to thank Susan Bracefield and Libby Ryan-Davies for their support as Acting Chief Executives and Accountable Officers for our two Integrated Care Boards, who have now returned to their current substantive posts.”

Joint executive team appointed

The organisations have appointed a new cluster executive team, following a recruitment process, who will commerce their new roles on Wednesday 1 April:

1. Chief Clinical Officer (Chief Nursing Officer) – Susan Bracefield
2. Chief Finance Officer – Simon Gittoes-Davies
3. Chief People Officer – Patrick Weir
4. Chief Place and Transformation Officer (Chief Medical Officer) – Chris Reid
5. Chief Population Health Officer – Peter Collins
6. Chief Strategic Planning and Commissioning Officer – Libby Ryan-Davies
7. Company Secretary – Philippa Harding

Together, they bring a wealth of experience, deep knowledge of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly and Devon systems, and a strong commitment to collaboration across organisational and geographical boundaries to improve health and care for local people.

Cluster Chair, John Govett, said: “Our new ICB executive cluster structure reflects that ambition and will help us deliver greater consistency, stronger strategic leadership and better use of our shared resources.

“I would also like to recognise the contribution of colleagues across our existing executive teams. Their experience, knowledge and leadership continue to be vital to the work of both organisations, and we are grateful for the role they are playing in supporting our teams and partners as we move through this transition.”

The new structure was developed after a thorough period of engagement and consultation over the past couple of months to align leadership, share expertise and strengthen the collective ability to improve health and care for the local population.

From 1 April, the new cluster executive team will begin working with colleagues and partners across the cluster to deliver local priorities – including improving population health, tackling inequalities, supporting the workforce and transforming services.

Background information

In March 2025, the Department of Health and Social Care announced that all ICBs were required to reduce their running costs and shift to a more strategic role with some changes in responsibilities.

This required many ICBs – including NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly and NHS Devon – to develop plans to “cluster” with other local ICBs. ‘Clustering’ means that, although both ICBs will continue to exist, they will work as one – with a single Board, leadership team and staffing structure, underpinned by some decisions that will continue to go through the sovereign Boards during clustering.

The changes are part of a wider NHS reform programme, to reduce management costs and focus more money on the front line, which stemmed in part from the outputs of a review into the NHS conducted by Lord Darzi in September 2024.

Following approval of national funding for the costs of change in November 2025, ICBs were asked to develop and implement structures that meet the new running costs allocation by April 2026.

Over the past few months, NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly and NHS Devon have been developing proposals that build on the experience and successes of both organisations since their formation in 2022, with real opportunities to learn from each other as they start to work more closely together.

Both organisations have a shared aim to drive sustained improvement in population health outcomes across the peninsula and build the organisational capabilities described in the national Model ICB Blueprint.

To achieve this, they will put people, patients, customers and communities at the heart of all their work, and make the most of opportunities for digital, clinical and workforce innovation in designing and commissioning new care models and services, and enabling different and more efficient ways of working within a leaner workforce.

Patients in Exeter will benefit from improved access to local healthcare as St Leonard’s Practice opens five new clinical rooms to expand neighbourhood health services.

The new purpose-built clinical rooms at St Leonard’s Practice will enable more services to be delivered closer to where people live, including audiology, physiotherapy and ear care. This investment will increase capacity and help more patients access timely care in their community.

St Leonard’s Practice already hosts an on-site pharmacy and provides care for thousands of patients in Exeter. The expansion reflects a wider commitment across the NHS to strengthen neighbourhood health services and make it easier for people to receive care locally, without needing to travel to hospital where it is not necessary.

Dr Alistair Buick, GP Partner at St Leonard’s Practice, said:
“Patients, staff and the wider NHS all share the goal of providing more care closer to home. Having modern, high-quality clinical space is essential to making that possible. These additional rooms will allow us to expand the range of services we offer and ensure patients can access safe, timely and effective care within their community.”

St Leonard’s Practice is part of the Exeter City Primary Care Network (PCN), working alongside Barnfield Hill Surgery, Southernhay House Surgery and Whipton Surgery. Primary Care Networks bring GP practices together with other health professionals to provide joined-up services for local populations.

Through this partnership, patients across the network can access a wider range of neighbourhood services, including same-day mental health support, menopause care and physiotherapy.

Zoe Trevascus, Primary Care Network Manager for Exeter City PCN, said:
“We know patients value being able to access care quickly and close to home. Increasing clinical space at St Leonard’s Practice strengthens our ability to work together across the network and provide more support locally. This benefits patients across Exeter and helps us deliver more joined-up, responsive care.”

The new clinical rooms form part of a wider ambition across the NHS to deliver more care in community settings. By bringing services together in neighbourhood locations, patients can receive more of their care in familiar surroundings, improving access and supporting earlier intervention.

Dr Simon Ogilvie, Managing Partner at St Leonard’s Practice, said:
“This is an important investment in the future of local healthcare. These new rooms will help us expand services and improve access for our patients. Our team is proud to be strengthening the care we provide and supporting the health of our community.”

NHS Devon has welcomed the expansion as part of ongoing work to improve access to primary care and develop neighbourhood health services across the county as part of the NHS’s 10 Year Health Plan.

Paul Green, Director of Primary Care at NHS Devon, said:
“Expanding neighbourhood health services is central to improving access and ensuring patients receive the right care in the right place. The expansion of clinical room at St Leonard’s Practice will help more people in Exeter access services closer to home and supports our wider work to strengthen primary care and improve patient experience across Devon.”

We are seeking a Non-Executive Member for the Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly ICB Cluster. Non-Executive Members (NEMs) contribute by bringing an external perspective, upholding the highest standards of governance, and championing the interests of people and communities.

The South West Peninsula Cluster was established in response to national NHS reforms to consolidate leadership, reduce running costs and strengthen strategic commissioning across England. Our cluster brings together NHS Devon and NHS Cornwall & Isles of Scilly with a single Board, shared leadership model and joint operating arrangements ahead of an anticipated formal merger in 2026/27.

Non Executive Members play a vital role in providing independent oversight, constructive challenge, and strategic guidance as the two ICBs progress towards an anticipated merger.

Working collaboratively with executive colleagues and system partners, NEMs help ensure that transformation is cohesive, that transitions enhance service delivery, and that new models maximise value for local populations while supporting improved health and wellbeing.

For more information and to apply, please download the documents below.

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching people are being encouraged to look after their heart health this half term by getting their blood pressure checked and taking simple steps to stay well.

High blood pressure, if left untreated, can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, kidney disease, vision loss, and even dementia.

The NHS, Devon County Council and Libraries Unlimited have joined together to help people keep track of their health at home. People can now borrow a blood pressure monitor for free from one of 50 libraries across Devon, making it easy to check their readings and get support. Visit the NHS Devon website here for more information.

Free blood pressure checks are also available at many community pharmacies across Devon. To find your nearest pharmacy visit the NHS website here.

Taking small steps to support your health today can help you feel better now and may lower your chances of developing certain health conditions in the future. It can also support your wellbeing as you age, helping you stay active and independent for longer.

As the February half term sees spring on the horizon and for many brings a welcome break to enjoy.

Penny Smith, Chief Nursing Officer for NHS Devon said: “When you’re injured or feeling unwell, knowing who to contact can make all the difference. We’re asking residents and visitors to follow our simple guidance during February half term, so they can be seen in the right place, at the right time – often with shorter waits.”

Here is some useful advice on where to get the help you need if you or a loved one is unwell or injured during this time.

For anyone in need of medical help:

1. Self-care kit: top of the list is to make sure you always have a well-stocked first aid kit in your medicine cabinet or suitcase. Read the NHS Devon advice on self-care for more tips.
2. Pharmacy: from supermarkets to high streets and retail parks, pharmacists are on hand with advice and treatment for a wide range of conditions – including children’s earache, urinary tract infections (UTIs), emergency contraception and more. Did you know they can also provide an emergency supply of most medicines when your GP surgery is closed? Find your nearest open pharmacy.
3. GP team: remember you can still call your own GP surgery even if you’re staying away from home. If needed, they’ll be happy to help arrange a prescription for collection at a local pharmacy close to where you’re staying.
4. Minor injury units and urgent treatment centres: provide help for conditions such as broken bones or cuts that need stitches. There’s a network of minor injury units and Urgent Treatment Centres across Devon as a great alternative to the emergency department. Find your nearest one here. 
5. NHS 111: If you’re unsure what help you need or where is best, visit NHS 111 online or call 111 for advice and assistance. They’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
6. Mental health: You can call NHS 111 any time day or night if you are worried about your own or someone else’s mental health.
7. Urgent Dental appointments: If you develop an urgent dental issue and you don’t have a regular dentist, call NHS 111 or visit NHS 111 online who will assess your situation and if needed, make an appointment at a local dentist.
8. Life-threatening injury or illness: Call 999 or go straight to the emergency department if you are seriously ill or injured. Examples include chest pain, trouble breathing, severe bleeding and signs of stroke.

For more information about local urgent and emergency services in Devon visit the One Devon website

Patients in Devon are being encouraged to make more use of the NHS App after registered users reached a record high.

The NHS App allows patients to order repeat prescriptions, view their GP health record, book and manage appointments, and access test results.

It currently has more than 39 million users, with 66% of the population in Devon already registered.

However, patients can make even more use of the app by exploring more of its features.

Dr Alex Degan, a GP in Devon and primary care medical director at NHS Devon said: “Patients can now order repeat prescriptions at the touch of a button thanks to the NHS App.

“It really is quick and easy to do, and every repeat prescription ordered using the NHS App saves you and the NHS time.

“As well as prescriptions, this fantastic resource provides access to a host of other services and information. You can do so much more with the NHS App than a lot of people realise – and at a time which suits you.

“So, to get the most out of the NHS app, we’d encourage users to switch on notifications to get instant alerts when prescriptions are ready, updates from their GP practice and reminders about appointments.”

If you’re aged 13 or over and are registered with an NHS GP surgery in England or the Isle of Man, you’re eligible to use the NHS App. You can download the NHS App onto your phone or tablet from the App store on Apple devices, or the Google Play Store on Android devices.

Once you’ve set up the NHS App, you can order repeat prescriptions, view your health record and test results securely, book and manage appointments, manage your organ donation decision, view your NHS number and use NHS 111 online.

You can also search conditions and treatments and find NHS services near youYou can find out more – including how to download the app and register – at www.nhs.uk/nhsapp

We are seeking an exceptional, seasoned NHS Chief Executive/Accountable Officer to lead the Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Cluster at a pivotal moment.

Our two integrated care boards (ICBs) now operate with a single Cluster Board and shared leadership model ahead of a planned merger in 2026/27, chaired by John Govett, appointed in September 2025 to provide strong, stable leadership.

This critical role will deliver system performance and financial sustainability, complete the redesign of our operating model, and shape the future clinical and commissioning strategy for our population.

The Cluster arrangement supports national reforms requiring ICBs to transition to a strategic role with shared leadership and reduced running costs.

For more information and to apply, visit https://join-nhsciosd.com/

Message from John Govett, Chair of NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly and NHS Devon

Dear colleagues, partners and stakeholders,

I am pleased to announce that Libby Ryan-Davies has been appointed as NHS Devon’s Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Accountable Officer (AO), effective from 1 February.

Libby will now take up the role on her return from holiday and until we appoint a Cluster CEO (interim or substantive, depending on the outcomes of recruitment that is currently underway) for NHS Devon and NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, which is expected to be from 1 April and is subject to NHS England approvals.

Having originally joined NHS Devon in August 2024 as a Transformation Director, Libby has held the Devon Deputy CEO role since April 2025.

During her time in Devon, Libby has led on a number of high-profile projects, including leading NHS Devon’s Health and Care Strategy, which set out a bold and necessary transformation to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the local health and care system.

Libby will continue to lead NHS Devon and work closely with Susan Bracefield, NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly’s Acting CEO/AO, on our plans for 2026/27 and ensuring we close out 2025/26 as expected. Both Susan and Libby will continue in these roles until the interim/substantive Cluster CEO starts (or the new Cluster Executive structure formally rolls out).

I am sure you will join me in congratulating Libby on her acting role, and I look forward to continuing to work with both Libby and Susan in these roles.

Kind regards,

John Govett

Chair of NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly and NHS Devon

Dental practices across Devon came together over the 2025 festive period to provide extra urgent dental care through the NHS Devon Give a Smile for Christmas initiative.

The scheme helped people get emergency dental treatment at a time when access is usually very limited, including patients who are not registered with a dentist and those referred through NHS 111.

Give a Smile for Christmas encouraged dental practices across the county to pledge additional urgent dental care sessions during the festive period. With many practices closed over Christmas and New Year, a number of local dental practices stepped forward to offer extra appointments for patients who needed urgent help.

As a result, 61 people were seen over four days during the festive period, helping to relieve pain, manage infections and prevent dental problems from getting worse.

Jonathan Bouwer-Davies, Clinical Dental Adviser at NHS Devon, said: “It has been great to see practices involved in the Give a Smile for Christmas campaign.

“This ensured that even more urgent dental care was available for our communities throughout the festive season.

“Practices and their teams provided their expertise and time to care for patients who needed help for people who had been directed to them through NHS 111.

“This is a fantastic example of teamwork and dedication to patient wellbeing.”

Ongoing access to urgent dental care

Extra urgent dental appointments are now available for people in Devon who need urgent or unscheduled dental care.

These appointments are part of the 700,000 extra urgent dental appointments being rolled out across the country.

People do not need to be registered with a dental practice to access urgent NHS dental care.

Urgent dental care is for conditions that need prompt treatment, including:

• Severe toothache that cannot be managed with over-the-counter pain relief
• Dental abscesses causing pain, swelling or fever
• A broken or knocked-out tooth following an injury
• Bleeding in the mouth after dental treatment or injury that does not stop on its own but can be controlled with local measures
• Significant swelling in the mouth or face that may indicate infection
• Fractured, loose or displaced fillings causing pain
• Severe bleeding from the gums, or acute conditions affecting soft tissues such as the cheeks or tongue

Other treatments may be available at the dentist’s discretion. Some treatments may require additional visits or charges.

People who need urgent dental care should visit NHS 111 online or call 111.

NHS 111 will assess the situation and help arrange an appointment if needed.

More information about urgent dental conditions is available at NHS.uk/urgentdentalcare