Category: News

NHS Devon is funding vital oral health lessons for children in primary schools across Devon for the next three years to support them in learning good habits and help protect their teeth for the future.

Open Wide and Step Inside (OWSI) is an oral health programme delivered by the Dental Outreach Team at Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise (PDSE).

Up until now the programme has only been available on a very limited basis to primary schools in Plymouth and Torbay.  However, funding from NHS Devon is now enabling the successful programme to reach out to all primary schools across the county.

The sessions are funded for all year two children (6-7 year olds) in primary schools, across Devon for the next three years for those primary schools who sign up to the programme.

Jonathan Bouwer-Davies, a local dentist and Clinical Dental Adviser forNHS Devon, said: “Understanding how to brush your teeth properly is an important life skill for children so programmes like this, which promote good oral health, are essential.

“This investment will help address health inequalities by supporting children to develop positive brushing habits, preventing tooth decay and reducing the need for hospital treatment.

The lesson includes a 15-minute animated film, a two-minute brushing song and a quiz for the children. The session has been designed to be fun but educational. It links into Key Stage 2 of the national curriculum and helps schools to promote health and wellbeing.

Robert Witton, Professor of Community Dentistry at the University of Plymouth and Chief Executive of PDSE said: “Putting prevention at the heart of our local communities is essential if we want children to grow up cavity free.

“This school-based programme is a win-win for children, their parents and the school”.

The programme is delivered by qualified oral health educators and dental nurses who deliver an interactive session at the end of the film to reinforce the key messages the children have learnt.

Each child receives a home pack containing a toothbrush, toothpaste, two-minute timer and information about oral health messages. They also get the OWSI story book, which will reinforce good habits at home and can continue long after the lesson ends.

Karen Burn, Oral Health Educator and PDSE Dental Outreach Team Lead said: “It is an exciting time to be able to launch this amazing programme across Devon.

“The feedback from the Plymouth schools who have been part of the programme previously has been amazing.

“Raising the importance of better oral health is our goal and this project has definitely achieved this.”

Developing a case for change for cardiovascular disease, cardiology and cardiac surgery services  

Dear residents,

The health and wellbeing of local people is an absolute priority for NHS Devon and Cardiovascular (heart) disease is one of the leading causes of premature death and health inequality in the county. Now more than ever – there is a clear need to consider how health and care services can collaborate more effectively to improve the way we work together for the long-term benefit of local people.

We are finalising our plans to develop future pathways for cardiovascular disease, cardiology and cardiac surgery services across Devon – with the aim of reviewing how we can better support the long-term heart health of our population — not only through hospital-based cardiac care, but also through a greater focus on prevention, support for earlier interventions, and better access to community-based services.

Developing a draft case for change for cardiovascular disease, cardiology and cardiac surgery services.  

We have recently published our Health and Care strategy, which explains our intention to ensure equitable access to health and care services for people across Devon, Plymouth and Torbay.

A key aim of our strategy is to reduce cardiovascular disease in Devon, improving the heart health of our whole population, especially for our future generations.  

Central to the strategy is reducing waiting times and doing everything we can to prevent people needing NHS services for as long as possible – this is an essential part of what we want our cardiology programme to deliver.

The first important step in our plans to reduce cardiovascular disease is the drafting of a ‘case for change’ for cardiovascular disease, cardiology and cardiac surgery services across Devon, which sets out the data and detail of what we could improve and where health inequalities could be reduced.

Case for change – does not mean closure of services.

We want to reassure local people that the aim of our Cardiology programme is not about reducing or closing local services but focusing on how we can support local people to look after their health and prevent them developing heart conditions.

We want to help those with existing heart conditions, to live healthier lives with timely treatment when they need it.

To be really clear, the draft case for change does not contain any proposals for ‘change’ or ‘closure’, and a case for change doesn’t automatically lead to service changes for NHS services.

It is important everyone understands the case for change, and the complexity of the challenges facing Devon’s population – which are not limited to one particular area of the health service – and will cover heart health throughout a person’s life.

Involving health professionals, stakeholders and local people in our plans.

We want to improve the health and wellbeing of local people together with a wide range of different health professionals, partners and stakeholders. We are designing a detailed engagement plan to ensure that we can do that. We have already involved clinicians and key stakeholders (such as local MPs) in understanding what needs to change. The development of a ‘case for change’, comprehensively describes the current and future needs of the local population, the provision of local services and the key challenges facing the health and care system that must be addressed.  

Following early feedback from cardiology clinical leads from across Devon and local MPs, the draft case for change is currently being reviewed and updated. We will then share the case for change more widely with local authority Overview and Scrutiny Committees, the Heart Campaign and wider key stakeholders for further consideration.

A clinical validation exercise, led by the NHS Devon Chief Medical Officer will then follow. This will ensure the draft case for change and supporting technical document is robust, evidence based and clinically led.

We plan to publish the updated draft case for change and supporting technical document for wider patient and public engagement between January-March 2026.

As part of this first phase of engagement activity, we will be writing to our stakeholders to keep them informed and invite them to planned briefings for local MPs, council members and people from across provider partners, primary care networks, Healthwatch and voluntary sector organisations.  

Once complete – all the feedback will be used to develop the documents further as part of the continuous engagement process.

How to keep informed about our plans:

• Visit the dedicated Cardiology One Devon webpage.
• Sign up to receive updates by completing this short form.
• Register your interest in our new lived experience group – please complete this short form. This is a group for people with experience of living or caring for someone with a long-term health condition – we want to hear from you. To register your interest

We are committed to being transparent and inclusive throughout and encourage you to sign up to be kept informed. This will ensure you receive accurate information and the very latest updates as the programme progresses.

We look forward to working with you, to deliver on our commitment to improve heart health for local people in Devon.

The NHS in the South West is encouraging all eligible people to get their winter flu vaccine in the lead up to the Christmas period – and is making it easier than ever to find out where clinics are in your local area.

The country-wide vaccination drive kicks off this weekend as those eligible for their free flu jab are urged to get vaccinated now to get protected before the festive period, as the vaccine usually takes two weeks to be fully effective.

To make it as easy as possible for those eligible to get the jab while out looking for Black Friday deals or Christmas shopping, local teams are hosting clinics across key community areas such as family hubs, community centres and supermarkets over the next week.

So far in the South West there has been 1.8 million flu vaccines delivered to eligible people since this season’s rollout kicked off, with over 170,000 appointments still available across the next week.

Dr Trevor Smith, Regional Medical Director for NHS England South West, said: “It can take up to two weeks after you receive your flu vaccination to fully benefit from it. This is why we are advising all those who are eligible to get their flu vaccine sooner rather than later, to ensure the best protection before the festive season.

“December is often the time of year where many of us begin to have gatherings with family and friends, and the weather can drive us indoors, increasing the risk of spreading viruses such as flu. By getting your flu vaccination, you’re not only protecting yourself, but those around you as well.”

Those eligible include people aged 65 and over, those in clinical risk groups and close contacts of those who are immunosuppressed, pregnant women and children, care home residents and carers, frontline social care workers, and health and social care staff.

Eligible adults can book their flu vaccine appointment now via the NHS App, their GP practice, online at www.nhs.uk/bookflu, by calling 119 or by finding their nearest walk-in service. The local Devon vaccination calendar can be found here.

Parents are being reminded to complete their child’s school vaccination consent forms or to book an appointment for 2 to 3-year-olds, to ensure their child’s protection from flu ahead of the Christmas break.

A family from Somerset have shared the reason behind why they receive their flu vaccines, after falling ill with flu over the festive period.

Rebecca Pettitt, 32 from Taunton, said: “In December last year my little one-year-old girl Astrid became very poorly, and I thought she had picked up a bug from her nursery. She had a sudden fever, was very lethargic and couldn’t settle and then became very poorly.

“The next day I felt unwell with aching bones and was so tired I couldn’t stay awake, so I asked my mum if we could go and stay with her and my dad, so she could help look after us and she kindly did.

“Having flu is so much worse than having a bad cold. I have never felt so unwell. I had no energy. I felt drained and just wanted to be left alone. It was like being hit by a truck.

“A few days later, about a week before Christmas my little girl got bronchiolitis and had to be admitted into A&E and be treated with a nebuliser. Then my mum also started to feel unwell. We all tested for COVID, as we thought that’s what it might be, but the tests were negative.

“Although we were all feeling unwell, Christmas is such an important time for our family and particularly my mum, who wanted to make it special, so we tried to struggle on.

“My mum started to feel more unwell and by Christmas Day I have never seen her look so ill. She looked grey, she couldn’t move or eat and had lost a lot of weight very quickly. My dad, my brother and I were so worried about her, particularly as she has asthma (although it is normally very well controlled). I tried to persuade her to go to hospital, but she didn’t want to ruin Christmas Day for the family.

“My dad was so worried as her breathing was rattling, and she couldn’t even keep down a sip of water.

“On Boxing Day, we persuaded her to go to Minehead Minor Injuries Unit. They were absolutely fantastic. They organised for an ambulance to take her to Musgrove Park Hospital.

“When she was admitted into A&E and was swabbed to understand what was making her ill. They found she had flu (Influenza A); her oxygen saturation levels were low, and they were worried about sepsis, so they admitted her to resus initially, and then she was sent to a respiratory ward where she received antibiotics and anti-viral medication for five days.

“It was really scary. I love my mum so much and rely on her a lot. It was terrifying to see her so unwell. And to see the effect it had on my dad and brother. We were all so frightened. She was so fragile when she’s normally so strong.”

Early seasonal data shows vaccination remains the best defence against flu for children and adults, who are receiving strong protection from this year’s flu vaccine despite the emergence of a new flu sub-strain driving an unusually early flu season.

UKHSA’s first Cold-Health Alert of the season also reminded the public that cold weather can have a serious impact on health, leading to increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections, particularly for individuals over the age of 65 and those with pre-existing health conditions.

COVID-19 vaccinations are available to adults aged 75 and over, older adult care home residents and people who are immunosuppressed, with 604,689 delivered so far this season.

Adults aged 75 and over and those that are immunosuppressed can book their COVID-19 vaccine directly with their local pharmacy, GP practice, via the NHS app, online at www.nhs.uk/bookcovid or via 119.

The NHS also recommends the RSV vaccine to pregnant women and older adults, as well as the pneumococcal vaccine to over 65s, to help protect against serious illnesses that are more common in the winter, like pneumonia.

You can access more information on recommended vaccinations at nhs.uk/vaccinations.

Patients in Devon are being reminded of the benefits of ordering repeat prescriptions using the NHS App.

Record numbers of Devon residents are now accessing services through the NHS App, which provides a quick and convenient way to order repeat medications.

And, as the NHS gets ready for winter – its busiest time of year – patients can also help their local surgery by using the app.

Dr Alex Degan, a GP in Devon and primary care medical director at NHS Devon said: “It’s great that so many people in Devon are now taking advantage of the NHS App to request repeat prescriptions.

“Using this feature helps patients save time and avoids calls to their GP practice. It also allows patients to request medication at their convenience with a few simple taps on their phone.

“And with winter coming, using the NHS App has a particularly important role to play as it helps relieve pressure on local NHS services.”

The NHS app offers patients a secure and convenient way to access a range of healthcare services, including ordering repeat prescriptions.

Patients can request repeat prescriptions 24/7, without having to travel, call or wait for their practice to open. They can also use the app to change where they collect prescriptions.

Patients don’t need to call to find out the status of prescriptions, as they can see it’s being managed on the app. This shortens the telephone queue and frees up staff time to focus on other matters.

The app also allows patients to see all their prescription information in one place, including prescription statuses and when their medications were last ordered.

As well as ordering repeat prescriptions, patients can use the NHS app to:

• View their GP health record to see information like your allergies and medicines (if your GP has given you access to your detailed medical record, you can also see information like test results)
• Register organ donation decisions
• Choose how the NHS uses your data.

Users can download the app on their smartphone or tablet via the Google Play or App Store or access the same services in a web browser by logging in through the NHS website.

To use the NHS App or log in through the NHS website, you must be aged 13 or over and registered with an NHS GP surgery in England.

To set up a login, you need an email address and a mobile or landline number. This login will also give you access to lots of health and care websites and apps, including NHS services, online pharmacies, patient access services, and online consultation services.

Find out more about the NHS App at www.nhs.uk/nhs-app

The NHS is urging patients to continue coming forward for care with thousands of resident doctors expected to go on strike.

Industrial action begins at 7am today (Friday 14 November) until 7am on Wednesday 19 November and hospital teams across the country are working round the clock to ensure disruption is minimised for patients.

Plans are in place to continue life-saving care as normal, while hospital chiefs have been told to keep routine operations going as much as possible – with 95% of elective activity aiming to go ahead with appointments only rescheduled in exceptional circumstances in the interests of patient safety.

NHS bosses are warning it comes at an already challenging time for the service with flu cases set to peak immediately after industrial action.

During the last round of strikes in July, a robust approach by the NHS to preserve services and maintain patient safety saw over 10,000 extra patients receive their care compared to the previous five days of industrial action in summer 2024.

The NHS maintained the vast majority of operations, tests and procedures despite the disruption, as well as dealing with urgent and emergency cases.

The public are advised to attend any planned appointments scheduled during the strikes unless they have been contacted to reschedule.

Primary and urgent and emergency care services will continue to be available for those who need them. The public should use 111 online as the first port of call for urgent but not life-threatening issues during industrial action so that they can be directed to the best place for their needs.

Patients who need emergency medical care should continue to use 999 or come forward to A&E as normal.

Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS England National Medical Director, said:

“It is frustrating and disappointing that we are facing another round of industrial action at a challenging time for the NHS, with flu cases rising earlier than usual and more staff likely to be absent due to illness.

“Despite this, staff across the NHS are working extremely hard to maintain care and limit disruption.

“The public should continue to come forward for their appointments over the next few days unless they are contacted by the NHS and told otherwise.

“Inevitably some appointments won’t be able to go ahead as planned but we are doing everything possible to keep this to a minimum – and the last round of industrial action showed that, thanks to a strong collective effort, we were able to keep the vast majority of services going for patients.

“In an emergency the public should still dial 999, and otherwise use 111 online, your local pharmacist or GP.”

This latest action will be the 13th round of strikes from resident doctors since March 2023, resulting in 54 days of disruption to NHS services. Resident doctors, previously named junior doctors, make up around half of all doctors in the NHS and have anywhere up to eight years’ experience working as a hospital doctor, depending on their specialty, or up to three years in general practice

For advice on your local services in Devon click here

UKHSA South West concerned that many people at risk may not know they are eligible for a flu vaccine

• Over 411,000 people under 65 with one or more long-term health conditions (LTHCs) eligible for a flu vaccine in the South West received their flu vaccine last winter (2024-25), but 487,000 were unprotected
• Last winter (2024-25), just 46% of those aged under 65 with certain LTHCs in a clinical risk group in the region took up the vaccine offer
• For some clinical groups, the risk of influenza-related mortality compared with the general population is much higher[1]:
• 48 times more likely for those with chronic liver disease
• 47 times more likely for those with immunosuppression
• 40 times more likely for those with a chronic neurological disease

Thousands of people in the South West with long-term health conditions are being urged to get their flu vaccine, as figures reveal uptake remains concerningly low among those most at risk.

Latest data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) showed that last year, just 45.8% (411,629) of people under 65 with certain long-term health conditions in the South West were vaccinated against the flu last season.

This means 487,554 people in the region who were eligible remained unprotected, despite being at significantly higher risk of severe illness, hospitalisation and even death from flu.

The figures come as UKHSA warns that flu can be particularly dangerous for people with conditions including chronic respiratory disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease, chronic neurological conditions, and immunosuppression.

For some clinical groups, the risk of flu-related death compared with the general population is stark: 48 times higher for those with chronic liver disease, 47 times higher for those with immunosuppression, and 40 times higher for those with chronic neurological disease.

Across the South West’s local authorities, vaccine uptake varies considerably. South Gloucestershire had the highest uptake at 51.6%, with 21,571 people vaccinated. Meanwhile, Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch had the lowest at 39.6%, with just 23,584 of 59,574 eligible people protected.

Other areas with uptake below the regional average include Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly (41.2%), Plymouth (41.9%), Torbay (42.5%) and Bristol (43.2%).

Dr Fiona Neely, Consultant in Health Protection at UKHSA South West, said:

“Every year we see many people across the South West with long-term health conditions ending up seriously ill in hospital from flu, and tragically some dying, when for most this could be prevented with a vaccine.

“If you have a long-term health condition like diabetes, asthma, heart disease, kidney disease or a condition affecting your immune system, you are eligible for a free flu vaccine. With nearly half a million people in our region still unprotected, I urge everyone eligible to come forward now.

“The flu vaccine offers the best protection against serious illness, and it is not too late to get vaccinated. Please don’t put it off. Speak to your GP or pharmacist today and get yourself protected.”

Estimates every year of excess winter deaths potentially attributable to influenza in England are published in the annual national flu reports[2] and range from less than 1,000 (2013 to 2014) to greater than 20,000 (2014 to 2015 and 2017 to 2018). More recently, over 15,000 deaths from flu were seen in England during the 2022 to 2023 season.

The risk of serious illness from flu is higher amongst children under 5 years of age, older people, those with certain LTHCs and also in pregnant women. People with one or more certain LTHCs in a clinical risk group who are eligible for the flu vaccine include:

1. Chronic respiratory disease
2. Chronic heart disease and vascular disease
3. Chronic kidney disease
4. Chronic liver disease, including chronic hepatitis
5. Chronic neurological disease. Including stroke, transient ischaemic attack and conditions in which respiratory function may be compromised due to neurological or neuromuscular disease.
6. Diabetes and adrenal insufficiency
7. Immunosuppression due to disease or treatment. Including patients undergoing chemotherapy, radical radiotherapy, solid organ transplant recipients, bone marrow or stem cell transplant recipients, people living with HIV, multiple myeloma or genetic disorders affecting the immune system.
8. Asplenia or dysfunction of the spleen, including sickle cell disease
9. Morbid obesity (class III obesity)

The list above is not exhaustive, and doctors should apply clinical judgment to take into account the risk of flu exacerbating any underlying disease that a patient may have, as well as the risk of serious illness from flu itself. A vaccine should be offered in such cases even if the individual is not in the clinical risk groups specified above.

Dr Matthew Dominey, Consultant in Public Health and Screening and Immunisation Lead for NHS England South West, said:

“If you have a long-term health condition such as a heart problem, diabetes, or a lowered immune system, it is vital that you take up the offer to get your free NHS flu vaccine.

“Flu cases are on the rise, and having a long-term health condition can make you more susceptible to the effects of flu, while increasing your risk of developing other illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia. Flu can also make some long-term health conditions worse, even if they are well-manged and you normally feel well.

“If you’re not sure if you’re eligible for a flu vaccine, you can check on the NHS website or by contacting your GP.”

Beth, who lives in Bristol, is eligible for the flu vaccine:

“I get the flu vaccine every year as I have heart and lung conditions that put me at higher risk of becoming seriously ill with flu. Getting the vaccine, therefore, helps protect me, but also reduces the impact on the NHS at their busiest time of year.”

The Department of Health and Social Care, with UKHSA and NHS England, has launched a new campaign urging people to protect themselves against flu this winter. Campaign activity prioritises audiences who are eligible for the flu vaccine, including pregnant women, parents of children aged 2-16 years, and people living with certain long term health conditions. The campaign message is simple and calls on eligible groups to ‘Stay strong. Get vaccinated’ for flu this winter. The campaign uses protective imagery like bubble wrap and armour to illustrate the protection that vaccinations offer.

The marketing will run across TV, video on demand, radio, outdoor advertising and social channels. This is supported by media outreach, partnership activity, social media, and more.

We are proud to publish our Green Plan, the first joint sustainability strategy between NHS Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly and Devon Integrated Care Boards.

This landmark collaboration sets a bold course toward achieving net zero for scope one emissions by 2040, uniting our communities, health systems, and local partners in a shared commitment to climate resilience and environmental stewardship. Together, we are stronger, greener, and ready to lead the way in creating a healthier, more sustainable future for all.

Climate change presents an immediate and growing threat to health. The UK is already experiencing more frequent and severe floods and heatwaves, as well as worsening air pollution. Up to 38,000 deaths a year are associated with air pollution alone, disproportionately affecting the most deprived and further exacerbating health inequalities. The impact of climate change will also be expensive for society and the NHS, with the national costs of heat-related mortalities from climate change estimated at £6.8 billion per year in the 2020s, rising to £14.7 billion per year in the 2050s.

As part of the NHS, the NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly and NHS Devon Cluster must play its part in reducing the environmental impact and carbon footprint of their operations. To protect the health of people in the NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly and NHS Devon we must:

• limit our contribution to the climate crisis, reducing carbon emissions and damage to our environment
• prepare for and build resilience to respond to increasingly more extreme weather patterns
• invest in keeping people healthy to reduce preventable diseases, improve the general health of our people and communities, and reduce the demand for healthcare

By reducing emissions, improving air quality, and creating greener, more resilient communities, the cluster will not only aim to meet its Net Zero targets but also reduce preventable illness, improve health equity, and deliver better value for money. This is not just about meeting statutory targets, it is about shaping a healthier, fairer, and more sustainable future for the people of Cornwall, Devon and the Isles of Scilly.

The SEND Local Area Improvement Partnership Board has created an action plan to address the areas of concern highlighted in Torbay’s recent SEND inspection report.

As a result of the inspection outcome, the partnership has been issued an improvement notice and will have 18 months to address the findings before a monitoring visit from Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

This will be followed by a full inspection within three years.

The Ofsted and CQC report, published in June, highlighted four priority areas for action.

These will be addressed in the action plan, known as a priority impact plan. This will focus on:

• Strengthening partnerships and improving communication with families
• Ensuring services meet the needs of children and young people
• Improving early identification and the quality of support plans
• Reducing delays in accessing health services and support without a diagnosis.
• Helping young people with SEND prepare for adulthood, education and employment.

The Torbay SEND local area partnership is made up of Torbay Council, including school representatives, the Devon Integrated Care Board and SEND Family Voice Torbay (SFVT), Torbay’s parent carer forum.

SFVT worked with parents to co-produce the impact plan. During the summer, SFVT held engagement events and ran a survey to gather parents’ views about what improvements are needed across the whole SEND system in Torbay. These views fed into the final plan.

Alison Hurley, Chair of the SEND Local Area Improvement Partnership Board, said: “It’s essential we have robust arrangements in place for delivering the necessary improvements needed for children and young people with SEND in Torbay.

“I was delighted so many parents and carers made their views known during the summer. They played a vital role in co-producing the plan. It means their voices are at the heart of all the work that the partnership is doing to improve outcomes for Torbay’s children and young people.”

“It is clear there is a great deal that needs to be done to tackle the issues, and I am encouraged by the commitment and determination from across the partnership to deliver these changes.”

Rebecca Box, of SFVT, said: “We feel encouraged that parent carers were able to share their concerns, experiences and ideas to shape the impact plan.  We will continue to hold Torbay’s SEND Partnership to account wherever family voice is missing from the decision-making process, championing inclusive, co-produced solutions.”

Read full, summary and easy read versions of the priority impact plan

Read the Ofsted / CQC inspection report

Learn more about SEND Family Voice Torbay

NHS Devon is encouraging residents to take control of their health this winter through the NHS App.

Record numbers of patients in Devon are now accessing services through the NHS App, which has become an essential tool for managing healthcare needs conveniently and efficiently.

It’s particularly beneficial during winter as illnesses such as flu, RSV and COVID-19 spread more easily in the UK during colder months when people spend more time indoors.

The NHS App helps users order repeat prescriptions and nominate a pharmacy for collecting medication, book GP appointments and locate nearby NHS services – all without needing to wait for surgery opening hours or make a phone call.

You can also use it to:

• View your GP health record to see information like your allergies and medicines (if your GP has given you access to your detailed medical record, you can also see information like test results)
• Book and manage vaccinations
• Register organ donation decisions
• Choose how the NHS uses your data.

Jim Goodwin, NHS Devon Head of Digital said: “Ahead of the winter, we want to remind everyone of how the NHS App can help you access NHS services quickly and easily.

“More than 600,000 people are already using this App locally. It’s an incredibly useful tool that allows you to view your GP record and results, as well as book and manage your upcoming appointments.

“I’d encourage anyone who doesn’t have the NHS App on their phone, or has not used it for a while, to use the app this winter to help them stay well.”

Users can download the app on their smartphone or tablet via the Google Play or App Store or access the same services in a web browser by logging in through the NHS website.

To use the NHS App or log in through the NHS website, you must be aged 13 or over and be registered with an NHS GP surgery in England.

To set up a login, you need an email address and a mobile or landline number. This login will also give you access to lots of health and care websites and apps, including NHS services, online pharmacies, patient access services, and online consultation services.

Nearly all local GP practices are registered to be accessible via the NHS App, so depending on your surgery, you may also be able to use it to:

• Message your GP surgery or a health professional online
• Contact your GP surgery using an online form and get a reply
• access health services on behalf of someone you care for
• View and manage your hospital and other healthcare appointments
• View useful links your doctor or health professional has shared with you
• View and manage care plans.

NHS Devon is sharing some helpful hints and advice on how to keep young children safe and well this October half-term.   

Families can follow a few simple Halloween themed steps to keep everyone healthy and well over the holidays.   

Keep the bogeyman at bay  

It’s the season for coughs, colds and flu.  Keep noses clean with tissues, hands clean with soap and water and keep poorly little ones away from people who are vulnerable. 

Prevention is better than cure, so fill in the consent form for flu nasal sprays at school, or book your 2 or 3 year old in for their nasal flu vaccine.  Young children can be “super-spreaders” of winter bugs, so getting them vaccinated can help protect others.  

More information about the flu vaccine is here.

If you or your child have missed any routine vaccinations, contact your GP to make an appointment for a ‘catch up’ vaccine.

For half-term vaccination clinics for school children, parents can contact 01392 342678 to complete a consent or arrange a clinic appointment. Please note clinics are by appointment only. Phone lines are open 9am-5pm Monday to Friday.

Peter Collins, NHS Devon chief medical officer said “Ahead of winter, we want families to know through our fun Halloween themed advice how they can keep their loved ones healthy and well.

“Flu can be much more than just a sniffle and for some, it can lead to serious illness, from ear infections to pneumonia; and in the worst cases can result in hospitalisation.   

“The good news is there are small steps you can take to get your family winter ready and the most important is to take up the free, painless nasal spray flu vaccine for children aged 2-17 years to protect their loved ones over winter.”  

“By vaccinating your child, you’re not only protecting them from illness, but you’re also helping prevent flu from spreading to those who are most at risk. It’s a small step that can make a big difference to your child’s health, and to those around them.”  

If your children are feeling green  

The winter vomiting bug, norovirus, also spreads at this time of year.  Wash hands before eating and preparing food.  Keep children off school for 48 hours after they’ve had sickness or diarrhoea.  Antibacterial hand gels won’t kill norovirus, so do use soap and water. Make it fun with this hand washing video from the NHS.   

Coping with blood and broken bones  

There are lots of places to find treatment if your little ones are injured.  From your own medicine cabinet, to a local pharmacy or our network of minor injury units and urgent treatment centres.  You can find your nearest urgent or emergency care services in Devon here. If you really aren’t sure where to go, visit www.111.nhs.uk for urgent advice.

For life-threatening emergencies like a child who is unconscious, struggling to breathe, has a severe allergic reaction, is experiencing a seizure for the first time, or has a serious injury or bleeding that won’t stop, call 999.

Other spook-tacular tips this Halloween include  

Sweet treats. While they may have a huge pile from trick or treating, enjoying them in moderation can prevent an upset tummy. Check packaging to avoid allergens or choking hazards – some sweets may not be suitable for very young children.  Make a swap to fruit slices as they are just as yummy.

Big Brush Club.  If your child is enjoying a few extra sweet treats, it’s a great time to remind them about the toothbrushing skills they may have learned at the Big Brush Club. 

Thousands of primary and nursery school children in Devon have access to supervised toothbrushing sessions thanks to the Big Brush Club which encourages better oral health in a fun and interactive way.   

Costume safety. Before the trick-or-treating starts, check your child’s costume has a fire safety label. Safe costumes mean happy Halloween!