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A pioneering intervention that gives children and families on-demand access to a therapeutic mobile game designed to tackle childhood anxiety is driving positive mental health outcomes in Devon.

The NICE-recommended immersive game, called Lumi Nova, combines a gold-standard therapeutic approach – Cognitive Behavioural Therapy – with ethical and immersive gaming delivered via a mobile app.

Lumi Nova was commissioned through Mental Health Support Teams (MHST) by Devon Partnership NHS Trust with Children and Family Health Devon (CFHD) in 2023 to improve access to early intervention support for children and young people who are struggling with anxiety. It has already been used by more than 1100 children aged 7-12 in the region.

Data shows the service is having a positive impact: over three-quarters (79%) of users demonstrated clinical need when first accessing the service and over 90% saw their condition reliably improve or stay the same after engaging with the therapeutic mobile game.

In particular, children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) have seen significant outcomes after accessing the service, according to results from a deployment with Devon Partnership NHS Trust and CFHD.

Improving outcomes for children with SEND

Data shows Lumi Nova has driven especially positive outcomes for children with SEND in the region, pointing to the intervention’s successful support of children typically underserved by traditional mental health services:

Lumi Nova has seen disproportionately high engagement from children with SEND: more than a quarter (27%) of Lumi Nova users in Devon had SEND as reported by their parents/carers, compared to 18% of pupils in England
It has also improved outcomes: 93% of children with SEND demonstrated clinical need when first accessing Lumi Nova. After accessing the service, 97% of children with SEND showed reliable improvement or stayed the same

Tackling anxiety in young men

Data also points to the positive impact the platform is having for boys in Devon, amid rising concerns of a growing mental health crisis among boys and men in the UK.

More than 2 in 5 (45%) children who have accessed the platform in Devon identify as male. 53% identify as female and 0.3% as non-binary. Of the boys using Lumi Nova in Devon, 93% demonstrated reliable improvement or no-worsening.

“It’s been so helpful in so many ways”

The service has received strong endorsements from parents and families in Devon.

Emily is from Devon. Her son, Luke*, has autism and was seven years old when he first started using Lumi Nova for vomit phobia.

She said: “Luke has had challenges since he was born.

“One thing that particularly upset him was being sick and he had a real phobia around it.

“It made him panic and stopped him from sleeping each night. When I heard about Lumi Nova via a local charity, I leapt at the chance to use it straightaway.

“It’s been so helpful in so many ways and had an immediate impact. It made him feel empowered, his phobia seemed less frightening, it took the fear out of it and it made overcoming it feel fun, he felt like a little hero.

“I think a lot of the time it’s the anxiety associated with his autism that holds him back. For me, there isn’t enough support for anxiety but Lumi Nova is a great opportunity to provide that. It has made all our lives happier.”

“A positive step forward”

Holly Billington, Deputy Director (interim) for Children and Family Health Devon said: “We are incredibly impressed with Lumi Nova: Tales of Courage. This innovative app offers a practical and engaging way for children and young people to learn how to manage their fears and anxieties in a supportive environment.

“By combining evidence-based therapy techniques with a child-friendly approach, Lumi Nova supports young users to gain confidence and resilience at their own pace.

“It also represents a positive step forward in accessible mental health support for children and families.”

1 in 4 school age children are struggling

Manjul Rathee, founder and CEO of BFB Labs, the social impact organisation behind Lumi Nova, comments: “It is brilliant to see the positive impact Lumi Nova is having in Devon.

“Accessible, tailored, and engaging child mental health support has never been more important, with 1 in 4 school age children struggling, and waiting lists at an all-time high.

“For children with SEND, there are even higher barriers to accessing mental health support.

“Interventions like Lumi Nova, which provide inclusive, stigma-free and easily accessible mental health support for free, are vital to tackling these and ensuring every child has the tools to build resilience and manage their anxiety.

“It’s a privilege to be able to play an active part in this and we look forward to continuing to work with Devon Partnership NHS Trust to support young people across the region.”

Co-designed with children and parents

Lumi Nova has been co-designed by social enterprise BFB Labs along with children, parents, NHS clinicians, educators and mental health experts to act as a first-line treatment option to support anxiety in children before interventions like therapy are considered, or whilst they wait for other support.

The service aims to bridge the gap in mental healthcare provision for children with mild to moderate anxiety and improve access to inclusive and timely care.

Lumi Nova gives children instant access to an age-appropriate therapeutic mobile game to self-manage their worries and build lifelong mental resilience.

The intervention takes children through a series of personalised quests – such as imagining and drawing themselves in particular scenarios or watching immersive videos before facing their worries in real life – to gradually expose them to the fears and anxieties they face and give them the tools to overcome them.

Lumi Nova has been accessed by 13,000 children across the UK via schools, community services, local authorities and the NHS.

Lumi Nova is available in approximately 20 areas of the UK including Wakefield, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, Hertfordshire and Lincolnshire. To find out if Lumi Nova is available in your area, parents can visit www.luminova.app/get-access.

How to access

Families in Devon are able to access the intervention online without the need for prescription or referral via Lumi Nova’s digital self-signup hub.

The self sign-up model allows for immediate, on-demand access without waiting lists.

The service remains available for children and families in Devon to sign up for now.

The Lumi Nova app is available on Android and iOS (with support for older, low-cost devices, to ensure all families are able to access the app).

Half of all mental health disorders start by the age of 14, yet up to 70% of children and young people don’t get access to timely, appropriate care.

Left untreated, mental health issues can escalate and become harder to treat.

People in Devon most at risk of becoming seriously unwell from flu this winter are being urged to get their flu vaccine as cases of flu start to rise.

The number of people receiving a flu vaccine across England has increased by over a quarter with the flu jab already administered to 4.3 million people, a 28% rise from 3.36 million who received the vaccine at the same point last year.

But there are concerns that people who are at high risk of becoming seriously unwell from flu and are eligible for the vaccine, are not coming forward to be vaccinated.

Dr Alex Degan, a GP in Devon and primary care medical director at NHS Devon said: “One of the key issues we face is that many people who fall into the ‘clinically vulnerable ’category do not realise they are in it.

“If you are someone with conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, chronic kidney or liver disease, have a BMI over 40, or are taking medication for asthma, you are classed as clinically vulnerable and are entitled to a free flu vaccination.

“It is especially important that those falling into this group protect themselves against flu this winter.

“Flu can affect anyone but if you have a long-term health condition, the effects of flu can make it worse even if the condition is well managed and you normally feel well. It can increase the risk of developing more serious illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia or can make existing conditions worse.

“Vaccinations are our best defence against these potentially very dangerous viruses and can genuinely save lives.”

If you have a health condition and are not sure if you fall into the clinically vulnerable category, you can visit www.nhs.uk/fluvaccine which details health conditions are included and whether you are eligible for a free flu vaccination.

Speak to your GP surgery or specialist if you have a health condition and you’re not sure if you’re eligible for the flu vaccine.

GPs, vaccination centres and community pharmacies are offering flu and COVID-19 vaccinations through the national booking systems or local booking systems.

In addition, walk-ins are available. Information is updated daily on the NHS website:

The local outreach service are also offering pop-up clinics, details of which are available on this vaccination calendar.

NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly and NHS Devon have launched a new website for their new ‘cluster’ joint committee.

The site contains information about Board members, meeting dates and papers, and stakeholder updates.

Both NHS Devon and NHS Cornwall and Isle of Scilly’s websites will continue to operate as normal, maintaining all existing information and content.

The joint working arrangements were established in September 2025, as part of national NHS reforms to reduce the running costs of integrated care boards (ICBs).

This requires some ICBs with smaller populations – including NHS Devon and NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly – to work more closely with other ICBs in a ‘cluster’.

‘Clustering’ means that, although both individual ICBs will continue to exist, they will work as one – with a single Board, leadership team and staffing structure.

Two and three-year-olds in Devon can now get their free flu vaccination at a community pharmacy, thanks to a new NHS service.

Devon pharmacies that have opted to participate in the one-season trial started vaccinating eligible children from October 1, 2025.

The service aims to increase uptake of the vaccine among two and three-year-olds, who are ordinarily offered the vaccination through their general practice. Older children are offered the vaccination at school.

Flu is a common infection in babies and young people, with children under five having the highest hospital admission rates compared to other age groups.

All children aged two and three (on 31 August 2025) are eligible for a free flu vaccination in the form of a nasal spray, although many do not take it up.

Appointments are available across local pharmacies, as well as GP practices and community clinic drop-in centres.

You can book an appointment via the NHS App, your local GP practice, online at www.nhs.uk/bookflu or www.nhs.uk/bookcovid, or by calling 119.

Devon GP Dr Alex Degan, who is also Primary Care Medical Director at NHS Devon, said: “This NHS trial service offers parents a convenient option to getting their child’s flu vaccination.

“Flu can make young children seriously ill during the winter months, but the vaccine will offer the best protection from catching and spreading the virus.

“Vaccines are our best defence from winter illnesses and will help reduce the number of people needing hospital care.

“Flu can be very unpleasant for children and sometimes causes serious problems, such as pneumonia. Each winter in the UK, thousands of children who do not have a health condition need hospital care because of flu.

“Children can catch and spread flu easily. Vaccinating them also helps protect others who are at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu, such as babies, pregnant women and older people.”

The flu vaccine is usually given to children as a quick and painless spray up the nose, without the need for injection. Those who cannot have porcine gelatine in medical products will be offered an injection instead.

You and your children can also reduce the risk of catching and spreading flu with good hygiene measures. These include:

Washing hands regularly with soap and warm water
Using tissues to cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
Putting used tissues in a bin as soon as possible
Regularly cleaning surfaces such as tables, telephones and door handles to get rid of germs.

Find out more about the children’s flu vaccine at www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/child-flu-vaccine

Flu and COVID-19 vaccines kick off for all eligible people from today to help ‘winter-proof’ those most vulnerable and the NHS amid new variants circulating this year.

Vaccination teams across England are working to protect millions most at risk of getting seriously ill this winter by building immunity ahead of December and January, when hospitalisations for respiratory viruses typically rise.

It comes as data shows early signs of an increase in flu cases, and COVID-19 cases have been steadily increasing for weeks, with hospitalisations increasing by 60%.

The increase follows the emergence of the XFG variant in May. UKHSA has also reported a 50% increase in rhinovirus, which causes the common cold – likely driven by the return of schools after the summer break.

The NHS is taking an even stronger approach to winter this year, with 2025 on track to be the busiest on record for A&E and ambulance services.

NHS leaders have been testing the robustness of their winter plans with scenario exercises, as well as delegating more power for local teams to deliver bespoke plans for their populations – with those most vulnerable to winter viruses being identified to provide targeted care and ensure they have appropriate vaccinations.

For the first time, those eligible for winter vaccines have been able to book since 1 September to allow more people to book their flu or COVID-19 vaccine appointments in advance.

Regional teams across the country are working to make it as easy as possible for people to receive their vaccines – like hosting mobile vaccination buses to deliver vaccines closer to home, running family drop-in sessions in the community, and first the first time ever delivering flu vaccines to two- and three-year-olds in some community pharmacies.

Since the start of September, vaccination teams have been rolling out flu vaccines to pregnant women and children through GP practices, maternity services and via schools.

Flu vaccines are also available for everyone aged 65 and over, under 65s in clinical risk groups, care home residents and carers, close contacts of those who are immunosuppressed, frontline health and social care workers, as well as children and pregnant women.

Following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), COVID-19 vaccinations are available to adults aged 75 and over, older adult care home residents, and people who are immunosuppressed.

From today, booked appointments and walk-in sessions are now available across local pharmacies, GP practices and community clinic drop-in centres across the country and you can book an appointment via the NHS App, your local GP practice, online at www.nhs.uk/bookflu or www.nhs.uk/bookcovid, or by calling 119.

You can also find your nearest drop-in service or using the NHS walk-in finder.

Dr Amanda Doyle, National Director for Primary Care and Community Services at NHS England, said: “It’s concerning to hear flu and COVID-19 cases are already creeping up ahead of winter – but vaccinations remain our best defence against these viruses and can be lifesaving. I urge everyone eligible to come forward for their jabs as soon as they can, with easy to book appointments or drop-in sessions now available closer to home.

“Teams across the country are working hard to make it as easy as possible to get vaccinated at your local GP, pharmacy, school or other community clinic, and for the first time ever parents will be able to get flu vaccines for their two and three year olds at their high-street pharmacy to help busy families protect their children in a way that works for them.

“Get vaccinated today to protect yourself and others around you, it might keep you out of hospital this winter.”

The NHS has already sent over 12 million invites via email and further invites via the NHS App, text and letters are set to go out across the month – but those that are eligible do not have to wait to receive an invitation to be able to book.

Health Minister Karin Smyth said: “Vaccines save lives and with flu and COVID-19 cases already rising, I urge all those eligible to come forward and prevent sickness before it happens.

“It is easier than ever to book your vaccination with appointments available at GP surgeries, pharmacies and community centres across the country.

“Get vaccinated and protect yourself, your loved ones and help reduce pressure on the NHS. Don’t wait – book your appointment today.”

Last autumn/winter, the NHS delivered more than 18.5 million flu vaccinations to adults and children – including over half a million to 2- and 3-year-olds.

Staff also delivered 9.8 million vaccinations to protect those eligible against COVID-19, over a quarter of a million to older adult care home residents.

Despite this, there were more than 450,000 hospital bed days taken up by patients with flu and COVID-19 last winter.

Dr Mary Ramsay, Director of Immunisation at UK Health Security Agency, said: “From today everyone at higher risk of flu and COVID-19 can take up the offer of a vaccine to give them vital protection going into winter. If you’re eligible it is because you are at greater risk of getting seriously ill and ending up in hospital. Book online on the NHS app or National Booking System or speak to your GP or practice nurse, or alternatively your local pharmacist. For pregnant women, the vaccine may also be available through maternity services.

“Join the ‘Stay strong, get vaccinated’ campaign – it could be the most important appointment you make this winter, helping to keep you out of hospital.”

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.

NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly and NHS Devon are pleased to announce the joint appointments of six Independent Non-Executive Members (INEMs) to the new South West Peninsula Board.

Both organisations established joint working arrangements in September 2025, as part of national NHS reforms to reduce the running costs of integrated care boards (ICBs) and shift to a more strategic role.

As part of the changes, the two organisations have established a new joint Board called the South West Peninsula Board, which the new members will sit on, alongside each organisation’s current Board. The Board’s first meeting in public will be on Thursday 16 October 2025.

Speaking about the appointments, John Govett, Chair of NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, NHS Devon and the South West Peninsula Board, said: “I am delighted to have appointed six outstanding Independent Non-Executive Members who will play a vital role in providing insight and assurance, helping us ensure that our local plans are both robust and effective.

“Graham, Martin, Lopa, Salma, Tarn and Neil already bring valuable experience from working within at least one of our organisations, giving them a strong understanding of both the challenges we face and the opportunities ahead.

“Their diverse skills and perspectives will be instrumental to the success of our new South West Peninsula Board as we begin to align our two organisations in line with the national ask of reducing ICB running costs.”

The Boards, which will continue to meet in public, ensure that both organisations operate effectively and efficiently, including good governance and value for money.

The INEMs announcements are being made following the appointment of John Govett as Chair of NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly and NHS Devon earlier in the month.

Photos and biographies of the new Board members are available on our website.

From today (Monday September 8) library users visiting our libraries can now borrow a blood pressure monitor and a book at the same time.

It’s all part of the One Devon initiative, led by Devon County Council Public Health, Libraries Unlimited and NHS Devon, and has been launched as part of the local Check Your Blood Pressure campaign to mark Know Your Numbers! Week.

Over 50 of our libraries now have blood pressure kits which can be borrowed for up to three weeks. The kits include a monitor, a simple instruction leaflet, a blood pressure diary to record the readings, and advice on what to do if numbers are high.

Our aim is to encourage more people to regularly check their blood pressure at home – and submit their reading to their local surgery – as it could save their life. It also saves time for patients and clinicians, freeing up valuable GP appointments.

Devon GP Dr Kay Brennan, the Strategic Clinical Advisor in Long Term Conditions, NHS Devon, said: “One in three adults in the UK have raised blood pressure but many don’t realise it.

“In Devon nine per cent of adults may have undiagnosed high blood pressure. But the good news is there are small everyday choices that we can make to help bring it down. The only way to find out if you have high blood pressure is through a blood pressure check. Getting this done is easy and can improve the quality of your life. Your local pharmacy can check your blood pressure, or you can check it yourself at home with an easy to use monitor.

“High blood pressure can develop due to a variety of factors. Eating patterns that are high in salt or saturated fats, or low in potassium, may contribute. Other influences can include weight, alcohol use, smoking, stress, and lower levels of physical activity. Everyone’s situation is different, and understanding these factors can help support better blood pressure management.”

Iain Harris, 54, used his local library’s blood pressure monitor as part of an earlier Devon pilot scheme and he said the new service will be hugely beneficial to library users.

He said: “I have no doubt they will reveal important hidden health issues for many people and will hopefully prompt healthy changes for those that can, and potentially life-saving medication for those that need it.

“I’d been under some stress, so I decided to use the library blood pressure monitor. The good news was it was very easy to use. The bad news was the reading, 192/100, was extremely high.

“It was upsetting but it was the nudge I needed to make changes. I made appointments at my health centre, and they sent me a chart to monitor my blood pressure so that I could seek further advice and consider medication if it remained high. As soon as I adopted lifestyle changes it came down drastically.

“The high blood pressure reading was a real shock, but strangely, a helpful one. It gave me clear evidence that stress really does affect my health that awareness was the push I needed to start doing things differently.

“It was the wake up call I needed. I would have carried on my habitual ways and not taken steps to improve my health without it.”

Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member responsible for public health, communities and libraries, said: “High blood pressure is extremely serious but many either don’t know they have it or have the means to check it.

“It’s vitally important to know what your readings are – it means that you can start making healthy lifestyle changes or start taking medicines if you need them to bring your blood pressure down to a healthy level.

“And that’s why we’ve launched the scheme to make it easier for people to check.

“Libraries are the perfect places to provide this service; over the past few years the importance and value of libraries as community and social hubs has significantly increased; it’s where parents take their children to Lego club on Saturday mornings, it’s where you can access online services; they host community fridges and offer safe warm spaces when the winter nights draw in.

“And now, as easily as taking out a book, you can now borrow a monitor to check your blood pressure at home. Its quick and easy.”

More information about the Check Your Blood Pressure campaign can be found on the Devon County Council, Libraries Unlimited and the One Devon websites.

Flu vaccinations are now available for pregnant women and children aged 2 to 3 years, school-aged children and children with certain long-term health conditions.

Flu is a highly infectious disease which can cause symptoms much worse than a heavy cold, however, the flu vaccine provides the best protection against flu, helping people to Stay Well this Winter.

If you are pregnant, you should have your flu vaccine to protect yourself and your baby. This is because pregnancy alters how your body handles infections such as flu.

Getting the flu while pregnant can increase the chances of pregnant women and their babies needing intensive care. The flu vaccine provides protection for pregnant women and their babies, reducing the risk of severe complications and providing additional protection for newborn babies.

The flu vaccine is available at any stage of pregnancy, and is given for free from your GP, and may also be available from your pharmacy or midwife.

If you have a child who is aged 2 to 3 years old, in primary or secondary school, or is aged from 6 months to less than 18 years and is in a clinical risk group, they will also be eligible for their flu vaccine.

The child flu vaccine is usually given as a spray in each nostril and is a very quick and painless procedure. The vaccine will help protect your child from flu and help to reduce the spread of flu to other children and family members such as parents and grandparents.

Getting your child vaccinated can also help you avoid the need to take time off work because of flu or to look after your children with flu.

Most school-aged children will receive their flu vaccinations at school, but younger children and those who miss their school or nursery session can also get the vaccine at their GP practice or at a community clinic.

Dr Vinay Takwale, NHS England’s Regional Medical Director for the South West, said: “Ensuring you get your flu vaccine is one of the most important things you can do to keep yourself and others safe this winter.

“If you are pregnant we recommend that you get your flu vaccine as soon as you can to ensure you and your baby are protected before the height of winter. For parents of eligible children, we urge you to please book them in for their vaccine appointment early to protect your children and those around them by helping to minimise outbreaks at school and within families.”

The flu vaccine is estimated to have prevented around 100,000 people from being hospitalised in England last winter by helping protect those at risk from getting seriously ill, particularly during the colder months when people gather indoors and viruses spread.  

Despite this, there were more than 300,000 hospital bed days taken up by patients with flu last winter – almost double the previous winter (175,062 in 2023-24) and close to 50% higher than the year before (216,120 in 2022-23) – adding pressure to NHS services during the busy period.

Elizabeth Smout, Lead Consultant in Health Protection with UKHSA South West, said: “Flu should not be underestimated. It can be more than just an unpleasant illness – for some an infection is life-threatening, including kids who are normally very active and healthy. However, the flu vaccine is effective in providing protection. Estimates show the vaccination protected as many as 120,200 people from being hospitalised with flu last year, but for many thousands of unvaccinated vulnerable children and adults who ended up seriously ill in hospital, this could have been prevented.

“We recommend that all pregnant women should have a flu vaccine to protect themselves and their babies, as pregnancy alters how the body handles infections such as flu. The flu vaccine provides the best protection for both pregnant women and their baby. It reduces the risk of severe complications, intensive care needs, stillbirth, prematurity, and provides additional protection to the baby in the first few months of life. On top of helping to keep your child healthy, the flu vaccine also helps stop the spread of flu in the community – helping to protect those who are more vulnerable and the elderly such as grandparents.”

From 1 October, the flu vaccination offer will be extending to include those aged 65 years and over, those aged 18 to under 65 years in a clinical risk group, frontline health care workers, residents in long-stay care homes, those who are in close contact to immunocompromised individuals and carers.

The NHS is sending out millions of invitations this month to remind eligible people to come forward as soon as they can, but you do not need to wait for an invitation to book. If you are eligible, you can book quickly and easily on the NHS website, NHS App or by calling 119. 

COVID-19 vaccinations will also be available to adults aged 75 and over, older adult care home residents, and people who are immunosuppressed. For adults eligible for both vaccines the NHS will make flu and COVID-19 jabs available at the same time, providing protection from both viruses in one visit.

Booking is now open for flu and COVID-19 vaccination appointments from 1 October 2025. The national booking service will remain open for COVID-19 appointments until 31 January 2026 and for flu appointments until 31 March 2026.

Notes to editors:

Winter vaccination is a vital part of the NHS in the South West’s winter campaign encouraging people to Stay Well this Winter.
Based on scientific advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), those eligible for a flu vaccination this Autumn/Winter include:
From 1 September 2025: 
pregnant women  
all children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2025  
primary school aged children (from Reception to Year 6)  
secondary school aged children (from Year 7 to Year 11)  
all children in clinical risk groups aged from 6 months to less than 18 years  
From 1 October 2025:  
those aged 65 years and over  
those aged 18 years to under 65 years in clinical risk groups (as defined in the Influenza chapter of the Green Book)  
those in long-stay residential care homes  
carers in receipt of carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person  
close contacts of immunocompromised individuals  
frontline workers in a social care setting without an employer led occupational health scheme including those working for a registered residential care or nursing home, registered domiciliary care providers, voluntary managed hospice providers and those that are employed by those who receive direct payments (personal budgets) or Personal Health budgets, such as Personal Assistants  
health and social care staff will also be offered a flu vaccine from their organisation from 1 October 2025, with multiple convenient options to get vaccinated based around working and shift patterns. 
This year’s autumn COVID-19 vaccination programme will run from 1 October 2025 to 31 January 2026 and those eligible include:  
adults aged 75 years and over  
residents in a care home for older adults  
individuals aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed (as defined in the COVID-19 chapter of the Green Book).  
For more information on the flu vaccine see the NHS website: Flu vaccine – NHS
For more information on the COVID-19 vaccine see the NHS website: COVID-19 vaccine – NHS
For more information on children and flu vaccination see the NHS website: Children’s flu vaccine – NHS
For more information on pregnancy and flu vaccination see the NHS website: The flu jab in pregnancy – NHS

For further information/ interview requests contact Cherry Pannell-Berry on 07872817288 or england.swcomms@nhs.net

For urgent out of hours queries call 0303 033 3247

NHS England South West is one of seven regions in England, covering Swindon, the Bath area, Wiltshire, the Bristol area, Somerset, Gloucestershire, Devon, Dorset, and Cornwall and Isles of Scilly. We make sure that people across the South West have access to high-quality health and care services.

Our work involves supporting the seven Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) 19 NHS trusts, two Community Interest Companies (CICs) and one Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) in the region to ensure that together they provide excellent healthcare services that meet the needs of patients and the communities of the South West.

We do this by providing professional leadership to the local NHS on commissioning, digital transformation, assurance and delivery, finance, nursing, medical and clinical leadership. Visit our website

Twitter at @NHSSW

Facebook: @NHSSW

Instagram: @nhssouthwest

The Chair of the new NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board (ICB) and NHS Devon ICB Cluster has been announced as John Govett, following approval by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.

John Govett will take up his new role from 1 September, ahead of the first cluster Board meeting, when he also hopes to be able to announce the new aligned group of ICBs’ and Cluster Non-Executive Directors, along with the new ICB Cluster governance and committee arrangements.

Describing his appointment as a privilege to take on the leadership role, John said: “We now need to shift our focus to delivering both the 10-year plan and to further supporting all our providers in delivering in-year 25/26 budgets and operational plans to improve services and outcomes for local people that together we jointly signed off back in the Spring.

We are working across our cluster footprint to bring closer working between our ICBs, acute trusts, Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector, primary care, mental health providers, local authorities and others to transform the way we commission and contract health services for our local communities and populations.

We will consider the impact on our staff and service provision while also ensuring the re-structure of our ICBs is fit-for-purpose for the NHS 10-year plan ahead of us all.

I want to take a moment to thank Kevin Orford, outgoing Chair of NHS Devon, for his leadership and contribution to the Devon system and beyond. Kevin, who announced some time ago that he would be stepping down, has confirmed that he will now do so on 31 August. He is very well respected across the county, and I look forward to building on the strong foundations he has helped put in place.

This is a time of significant change, and I know that brings uncertainty. But I also know that across our system we have extraordinary people, staff, clinicians, leaders, partners and volunteers who continue to innovate and deliver in the face of complex challenges.

Whilst continuing the work we have supported getting underway in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, I am also particularly looking forward to working more closely with teams across Devon to ensure our new cluster board supports continued improvement through integrated and community-focused care from where ever that develops, along with delivery of in-year plans and we gain clarity of how we locally plan to achieve the NHS 10-year plan as ICBs and as a wider health and care system.

I am fully committed to providing strong, stable leadership as we enter this new phase, with a clear focus on delivering for the people and communities we serve.

With my appointment now confirmed, we expect our new cluster Chief executive to be announced shortly. We will update you further as soon as we know more. We will then look to then progress at pace to be ready for winter and the 2026/27 and 5-year planning cycles.

I hope to meet many of you in person over the coming months to share our plans and important next steps in the journey ahead of us.

Until then, thank you for everything you continue to do in these unprecedented and uncertain times.”

Parents and carers of children aged two and three are being urged to get their flu vaccine this September.

Flu is a common infection in babies and young people, with children under five having the highest hospital admission rates compared to other age groups.

All children aged two and three (on 31 August 2025) are eligible for a free flu vaccination in the form of a nasal spray. However, not all parents are aware of this or take up the offer.

Devon GP Dr Alex Degan, who is also Primary Care Medical Director at NHS Devon, said: “Flu can make young children seriously ill during the winter months, but the flu vaccine will offer your child the best protection from catching and spreading the virus.

“Vaccines are our best defence from winter illnesses and will help reduce the number of people needing hospital care.

“When you are invited by your practice, please take up the offer”.

Flu can be very unpleasant for children and can sometimes cause serious problems, such as pneumonia. Each winter in the UK, thousands of children who do not have a health condition need hospital care because of flu.

Children can catch and spread flu easily. Vaccinating them also helps protect others who are at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu, such as babies, pregnant women and older people.