Category: News

NHS Devon, the county’s integrated care board, has appointed a new Chair and three Non-Executive Directors, while the One Devon Partnership, a collaboration of health, care and voluntary organisations, has named a new Chair.

Kevin Orford has been appointed as NHS Devon’s Chair, following a competitive NHS England recruitment process.

Having held the Acting Chair role since June 2024, Kevin was previously the organisation’s Independent Non-Executive Member for Finance and Remuneration, so he has great knowledge, insights and understanding of our organisation and system.

Kevin is an experienced Board director who has held Chief Executive, Executive Director, Non-Executive Director and Trustee positions on NHS, charity and government agency boards for over 25 years.

Having held director roles in both NHS acute and community trusts and in strategic health authorities, Kevin was also previously a Non-Executive Director for Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.

Kevin is committed to inclusion and was a board member of Stonewall Equality Ltd during the successful campaign for equal marriage.

NHS Devon’s Chief Executive, Steve Moore, said: I am delighted with Kevin’s appointment. His meticulous and compassionate leadership and vision will be invaluable to our organisation and the wider community of Devon, and I am very much looking forward to continuing to work with him.”

Speaking about his appointment, Kevin Orford said: “I am truly honoured to have been appointed as the Chair of NHS Devon. This is a pivotal time for the healthcare system, and I look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with our partners, staff, and communities to drive forward improvements in care for all.”

NHS England South West’s Regional Director, Elizabeth O’Mahony, said: “As an experienced and dedicated member of the Board, Kevin quickly made a positive impact when he stepped in as Acting Chair last summer. His leadership has already made a noticeable difference, and I am pleased that he will now be staying on in a permanent capacity.

“With his expertise and vision, I am confident Kevin will continue to steer the NHS in Devon through this next phase, helping to seize the opportunities outlined in the forthcoming 10-year plan.”

NHS Devon has also confirmed the appointments of three new Independent Non-Executive Members (IMEMs) who will join the Board in February, following a competitive and open recruitment process.

Salma Ali is a highly experienced senior NHS executive, with a wide range of executive director leadership in both commissioning and provider roles, including as a clinical commissioning group (CCG) Accountable Officer, Director of a cluster of primary care trusts (PCTs) and a Programme Director for NHS England.

In addition to her expertise in commissioning and service transformation, Salma has a strong background in clinical leadership, having served as a director of nursing for Heart of Birmingham Primary Care Trust as well as Executive Director of Nursing and Quality for four Black Country PCTs in Dudley, Sandwell, Wolverhampton and Walsall.

Having begun her career as a Registered General Nurse, followed by tenures in midwifery, health visiting and primary care, Salma is currently a Non-Executive Director at Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, as well as a Trustee for Black Country Women’s Aid.

Speaking about her appointment, Salma said: “I am delighted to be joining NHS Devon as an independent Board member. My experience working across the NHS and social care is broad however I very much enjoy commissioning healthcare services tailored to meet the needs of local communities.

“Much of my career has been working with urban communities so I am looking forward to the opportunity to work with rural and coastal communities and learn more about some of the unique opportunities and challenges to shape healthcare for the population of Devon.”

Kaye Bentley brings a wealth of experience in financial leadership and strategic management across the healthcare sector, including in commissioning, provision and at a regional and national level.

She previously served as Director of Finance at NHS England South West, where she played a key role in overseeing the financial strategy and governance for the region’s NHS.

Born and raised in Devon, Kaye was instrumental in driving financial efficiency, ensuring effective use of resources, and supporting the delivery of high-quality care during her time at NHS England.

She is currently the Independent Chair of NHS England South West’s Joint Specialised Services Committee and has also recently provided senior financial advice and support to a number of integrated care boards.

On her appointment, Kaye said: “It is a privilege to be working with the NHS in my home county of Devon, I’m excited to be joining the Board. I am passionate about healthcare and, having worked across the healthcare sector during my career, I am hopeful that my experience will be able to benefit the population of Devon.”

Lopa Patel MBE is a digital entrepreneur, Chair, Non-Executive Director and Trustee with strengths in governance and risk oversight. An ambassador for entrepreneurship, innovation and technology, she has founded two ventures in online media and a data-driven marketing.

As the Chair of Diversity UK, Lopa has played a pivotal role in advocating for diversity, equality, and inclusion within healthcare and beyond, shaping policies and practices that support underrepresented communities.

Lopa has been recognised with many accolades including an MBE for services to the creative industries and an Honorary Doctorate conferred by the Open University.

On joining NHS Devon, Lopa Patel MBE said: “I am delighted to have an opportunity to give back to the NHS, a fantastic national institution that I have long admired.

“For the past decade, as Chair of Diversity UK, I have championed digital inclusion, giving under-represented founders, including women and ethnic minority individuals, a platform to gain funding and support and to showcase their innovations to improve outcomes for all.

“I am excited by the Government’s new 10-Year Health Plan for the NHS and hope to play a part in actioning this plan for Devon.”

Kevin Orford, NHS Devon’s Chair, said: “Salma, Kaye and Lopa bring extensive experience and credibility to our board that will widen our diversity and bring real benefits to the Devon system at a time when we are most challenged. We look forward to welcoming them to our Board and working with them in the months and years to come.”

The One Devon Partnership has also appointed Councillor Mary Aspinall as its new chair.

The One Devon Partnership is a collaboration of the NHS and local councils, as well as a wide range of other organisations like the voluntary sector, who are working together to improve the lives of people in Devon.

Councillor Aspinall brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to public service, including as a nurse and midwife, making her ideally placed to lead the Partnership in its ongoing efforts to improve health and social care services across Devon.

As a long-serving member of Plymouth City Council, Councillor Aspinall has represented Plymouth’s Sutton and Mount Gould ward since in 2002 and served as Lord Mayor of Plymouth in 2010/11.

Councillor Aspinall is currently a Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care and Chairs the Health and Wellbeing Board. During her time in office, she has also previously chaired the Scrutiny Management Board and the Health and Adult Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Panel.

On her appointment, Mary said: “I am delighted to be taking on the role of Chair for our One Devon Partnership. Together with colleagues across health, social care, the voluntary sector and beyond, I am looking forward to driving integration to best meet the needs of our local communities.

“My experience in both the NHS and local government means that I recognise the unique demographics of Devon, and I am committed to making sure that Devon is a great place to live.”

Kevin Orford, NHS Devon’s Chair, said: “We are excited to welcome Councillor Aspinall to this important role and look forward to the fresh perspective and vision that she will bring. With her passionate, strategic and collaborative approach, Councillor Aspinall’s leadership will be instrumental in fostering greater integration between health and care services across Devon.”

A gardening initiative in Mid Devon, aimed at supporting patients’ wellbeing has been featured on the BBC’s Gardener’s World.

The ‘Growing Well Garden’ was developed by Dr Susan Taheri, a GP at Bow Medical Practice and gardening enthusiast, with the help of a team of local volunteers.

The project was set up with financial support from Bow Medical Practice, who also provided the land, £5,000 funding from Mid Devon Primary Care Network (PCN), and a personal contribution from Dr Taheri.

Drop-in sessions are provided on Tuesdays and Thursdays and patients can also be referred for one-to-one sessions in the garden, which is situated next to the Bow practice.

The green social prescribing project was featured on BBC 2’s Gardener’s World – the UK’s longest-running gardening programme – in October.

Dr Taheri said: “Having recognised just how valuable gardening was to me personally, it was something I wanted to share with my patients.

“A garden felt like a natural place to talk about well-being, connection, relationships, diet and physical activity.

“It removes barriers. If patients come and talk to me when I’m wearing gardening clothes and covered in mud, the conversations are more natural, rather than people feeling they’re being told something by a doctor.”

The idea for Growing Well Garden was a combination of Dr Taheri’s love of gardening and a wish to find an alternative way to engage with patients.

“A few years ago, I read a shocking study that showed isolation and loneliness carry the same risks for stroke and cardiovascular disease as a moderate amount of smoking,” said Dr Taheri.

“In a GP surgery, I can talk to people about their smoking risks but there’s not much I can do about their isolation. The garden felt like a natural solution – a place where we get the benefits of connecting with green space and nature but also connect with each other in a meaningful way.

“Growing Well Garden gives me an enormous sense of pride at what a group of individuals can achieve on a tiny budget with an awful lot of belief. “And I hope something like this can become a bit more of a vision. It would be amazing to

People in Devon are being asked to help the county’s busy NHS by continuing to choose the right service for their needs and getting vaccinated against winter viruses.

A rise in cold weather illnesses, including flu, vomiting and diarrhoea bugs mean all of the county’s NHS services, including the main hospitals – in Plymouth, Exeter, Torbay and Barnstaple – are likely to remain under severe pressure all week.

The region’s ambulance service has also been experiencing significant and sustained demand across its 999 services.

Local people can do their bit by:

• Only call 999 when someone is seriously injured or ill and their life may be at risk. For example, if someone is unconscious, not breathing or is bleeding heavily.
• If an ambulance has been arranged for you, please only call back if the patient’s condition worsens or you wish to cancel the ambulance
• Go to NHS 111 online if you need medical help or advice, or you are unsure about whether you should go to hospital; you can also phone 111
• Please check local hospital trust websites for information on Minor Injury Units and Urgent Treatment Centres. Further information can be found here: Health Pressures – One Devon
• Play your part by taking simple steps during the cold weather to look after yourselves and loved ones, checking in on vulnerable family members and neighbours. Wrap up warm, wear sensible footwear in icy conditions and make sure your medicine cabinet is well-stocked.
• Please pick up loved ones who are ready to be discharged from hospital.
• Make use of community pharmacies, which can advise on minor illnesses and provide medications. Details about local pharmacies be found via the interactive map here: Find a pharmacy – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
• If you, or someone you know, experiences a mental health crisis you can access support from 111.

Dr Peter Collins, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Devon said; “All our services are working together to prioritise care to those most in need. Making the right choices can save lives and support our neighbourhoods and communities.

“It is still critical that those needing emergency or life-saving care contact 999 or attend ED but we ask everyone else to choose the best service for their medical need. If your condition isn’t life-threatening, consider 111, your GP or local pharmacy first.

“We have also entered a period of extremely cold weather which means winter illnesses and infections are spreading quickly.”

To prevent the spread of winter illnesses people should:

• Not visit loved ones in hospital if you have symptoms of a cough, cold, respiratory illness, diarrhoea or vomiting
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water as this is the best way to stop it spreading. Alcohol hand gels do not kill norovirus
• Try to stay at home and avoiding contact with other people if you come down with a winter bug and do not feel well enough to do your normal activities. Follow simple self-care tips from www.nhs.uk 
• Get your flu vaccine from your GP practice, local pharmacy or vaccination centre. Some people are eligible for the free vaccine, including over-65s, people with long term conditions like stroke or heart disease and pregnant people. Information about where and when you can get a vaccine can be found here.

If you have a question about your COVID-19 or flu vaccination, please get in touch with your local vaccination support line – Eastern/Southern team: 07729 300349; Northern team: 07385 934988; West team: 07729 300350.

Dr Collins concluded: “75% of those aged over 65 in Devon have been vaccinated against flu but we know many people who are eligible for a vaccination this winter, such as those with a long-term condition or who are pregnant, still haven’t come forward to get their jab. Please protect yourselves by getting your vaccination from your GP or local vaccination clinic.”

New NHS data covering the Christmas and New Year period shows flu cases have continued to skyrocket, with over 5,000 patients hospitalised with the virus at the end of last week.

Last week (w/e 29 Dec) there were an average of 4,469 patients with flu in hospital each day – almost 3.5 times higher than the same week last year – including 211 a day in critical care.

There were 4,102 patients in hospital with flu on Christmas Day, rising sharply by almost a quarter to 5,074 by Sunday 29 December. The new figures mean flu cases in hospital have quadrupled in a month (1,190 on 29 Nov).

There are warnings of continued pressure going into 2025, with amber cold health alerts for England issued by UKHSA as temperatures in the coming days are set to drop below freezing.

Hospitals are still experiencing pressure from a range of viruses, with an average of 723 patients with norovirus in hospital in the week ending 22 Dec, and 528 patients each day last week – although this has come down, it remains 40% higher than 378 the same week last year.

There was also an average of 74 children with RSV in hospital every day last week, up almost half on 50 for the same period in 2023, as well as an average of 1,184 beds occupied by patients with Covid.

While the national vaccination booking system has now closed, those eligible can still get protected by visiting a COVID-19 walk-in vaccination site or finding a pharmacy offering the flu vaccine.

Ahead of winter the NHS put in place measures to manage extra demand including upgraded 24 hour co-ordination centres, support for frequent users of A&E services, strengthening same day emergency care and providing more care in the community.

To prepare for an expected rise in winter pressure, the NHS had 1,301 more beds open last week than the same period last year (101,309 vs 100,008). There was an average of 648 more beds occupied each day compared to last year (90,200 vs 89,552).

Ahead of Christmas, NHS staff went above and beyond to discharge as many patients as possible who no longer needed to be there with 15,094 patients discharged on Christmas Eve, up more than 40% on the 10,495 discharges on average for the week before.

Further figures show the pressure on urgent and emergency services with a total of 98,118 ambulance handovers to hospitals last week, and 465,442 calls received by NHS 111.

Professor Julian Redhead, NHS national clinical director for urgent and emergency care, said: “These latest figures show the pressure from flu was nowhere near letting up before we headed into the New Year, skyrocketing to over 5,000 cases a day in hospital as of the end of last week and rising at a very concerning rate.

“On top of flu there is also continual pressure from Covid, while RSV and norovirus hospital cases are also higher than last year, with hospitals putting in place an extra 1,300 beds last week than the same time last year in expectation of this continued pressure from viruses and other demand.

“With what looks like an extreme cold snap expected right across England ahead of the weekend, we know the low temperatures can be dangerous for those who are vulnerable or have respiratory conditions so if you are at risk, do try and keep warm and make sure you are stocked up on any regular medication.

“Please continue to use NHS 111 and 111 online if you need advice and support for health conditions, and only use 999 or attend A&E in life-threatening emergencies.”

The NHS in Devon urges vaccinations, handwashing, and self-care to prevent winter illnesses and protect health.

The NHS in Devon is reminding everyone of the simple steps they can take to protect their health as they gear up for end of year festivities.

Get vaccinated

Winter illnesses, including flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), are circulating widely, with emergency department attendances on the rise. We strongly encourage everyone eligible, especially the elderly, pregnant women, and those with pre-existing health conditions, to come forward for their vaccinations for these infections. Vaccination will help reduce your risk of getting seriously ill this Christmas and New Year.

School-aged children in reception through to year 11 are also eligible for a free flu vaccine, delivered as a nasal spray in schools or as an injection for those with medical or faith exemptions. If your child missed getting a vaccine at school, they can get it at a catch-up clinic. Two and 3-year-olds (on or before 31 August 2024), as well as children aged 6 months to 2 years with certain health conditions, can also receive the flu vaccine through their GP.

Keep washing your hands

Norovirus, which causes vomiting and diarrhoea, is circulating at higher levels than average so far this year as we all start spending more time indoors together with friends and family. 

Regularly washing your hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds and using bleach-based products to clean surfaces are effective ways to stop the spread of norovirus and other infections. Avoid preparing food for others if you have diarrhoea and or vomiting.

Give it a miss

If you do have respiratory symptoms such as a cough or sore throat, along with a fever, consider giving social gatherings a miss as it’s best to avoid close contact with other people, especially those who are vulnerable, such as the elderly or those with weakened immune systems. If you do go out in crowded places, consider wearing a facemask to reduce your risk of infecting others.

If you’ve had diarrhoea and vomiting, avoid school or work for 48 hours after symptoms stop and do not visit loved ones in care homes or hospitals to reduce the chances of causing outbreaks in these settings. 

Practice self-care and use antibiotics responsibly

Getting plenty of rest, drinking lots of water, and taking over-the-counter medications are often effective ways to deal with common minor illnesses like colds, sore throats or coughs.

Antibiotics do not work against viruses, which are the usual cause of these conditions. Taking antibiotics when you don’t need them can contribute to antibiotic resistance, making it harder to treat bacterial infections in the future, so always listen to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist’s advice.

Protect yourself against cold weather this winter. The Met Office has given a cold weather warning for this week (1-4 January 2025). Maintain indoor temperatures of at least 18°C, particularly if you are older or live with elderly people, young children, or those with long-term health conditions. If you’re spending time outdoors, ensure you wear plenty of warm clothing.

Dr Peter Collins, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Devon, said: “No one wants their festive plans derailed by a bout of norovirus or flu. Take simple steps to reduce your risk of infections and their consequences this winter – including taking up all the vaccines you may be eligible for including flu, COVID and RSV.

You can also help reduce the risk of passing infections on to others through frequent handwashing and catching coughs and sneezes in a tissue. If you have diarrhoea and vomiting, do try and avoid passing it on by staying away from work or school for 48 hours after symptoms have stopped and avoid visiting vulnerable loved ones, especially if they are in a care home or hospital.

Dr Collins added: “It’s vital that those who need medical help come forward as they usually would – using 999 and A&E in life threatening emergencies and 111 online for everything else, alongside their GP practices and pharmacies.

“Staff in our Devon hospitals are working hard to treat people as quickly and safely as possible, but there are things local people can do to help ease pressures and ensure that people with the most urgent needs can be cared for quickly.

“We are seeing increased numbers of people attending for minor injuries and ailments that can be quickly and easily treated elsewhere, so please choose the right service for your needs and only go to ED in an emergency.”

The message from the NHS in Devon is that urgent and emergency care is there when you need it, but please choose the right service for your needs. The advice for patients is to:

• Continue to call 999 in emergency and life-threatening cases – when someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk
• Go to NHS 111 online if you need medical help or advice, or you are unsure about whether you should go to hospital; you can also phone 111
• Please check local hospital trust websites for information on Minor Injury Units and Urgent Treatment Centres. Further information can be found here: Health Pressures – One Devon
• If you, or someone you know, experiences a mental health crisis you can access support from 111.
• Play your part this winter by taking action to look after yourselves and loved ones, checking in on vulnerable family members and neighbours. A first step is making sure your medicine cabinet is well-stocked.
• Please pick up loved ones who are ready to be discharged from hospital.
• Make use of community pharmacies, which can advise on minor illnesses and provide medications. Pharmacists can now provide advice and treatment for seven common illnesses including earache, sinus infection and sore throat. Details about local pharmacies be found via the interactive map here: Find a pharmacy – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Local people can also help the NHS by:

• Not visiting loved ones in hospital if you have symptoms of a cough, cold, respiratory illness, diarrhoea or vomiting
• Washing your hands frequently with soap and water as this is the best way to stop it spreading. Alcohol hand gels do not kill norovirus
• Getting your flu vaccine from your GP practice or local pharmacy. Some people are eligible for the free vaccine, including over-65s, people with long term conditions like stroke or heart disease and pregnant people
• Getting the COVID-19 vaccine. People who are eligible for the vaccine are encouraged to attend one of the many walk-in COVID-19 vaccination clinics across Devon. No appointment is needed.

Torbay Council’s public health team has been working with At Home Dental to help improve the oral health of some of the Bay’s youngest residents.

More than 2,500 children in primary schools and nurseries across Torbay have benefited from the in-school supervised toothbrushing scheme called the Big Brush Club.

The scheme has seen dental nurses go into schools to promote toothbrushing, show the correct brushing techniques and then train teachers and staff to run the programme themselves.

Commissioned by the NHS and provided by the At Home Dental service, the Big Brush Club is the largest such evidence-based programme in England, being delivered to nearly 50,000 children across the South West.

Torbay has the highest uptake across the region with all eligible schools participating.

A rural self-help group has been awarded the UK’s highest honour for local volunteer groups.

The Blackdown Support Group (BSG) – a community self-help group of volunteers based in the Blackdown Hills on the Devon-Somerset border – won The King’s Award for Voluntary Service, which is the equivalent of an MBE.

For more than 30 years the BSG has helped people in the Blackdown Hills get around more easily, meet and make friends and, when they face challenges, feel that they are not alone.

The group’s 70-plus dedicated volunteers are managed by a small and talented office team that facilitates the service and connects service users with volunteers.

The King’s Award for Voluntary Service recognises outstanding work by local volunteer groups to support their communities. The BSG is one of 281 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year.

Group representatives will receive the award crystal and certificate from David Fursdon, the Lord-Lieutenant of Devon early next year.

Gillian Girling, Chair of the BSG, said: “I’m thrilled and delighted that the work of the wonderful volunteers in the BSG has been recognised with this prestigious award. Our brilliant office staff work hard in ensuring the voluntary service runs smoothly allowing people in our rural community of the Blackdown Hills to feel connected and supported.”

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust and InHealth have celebrated the official opening of a new state-of-the-art centre in Torquay.

The new Torbay and South Devon Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) in Market Street opened in November, giving thousands of people in the area access to faster diagnosis and treatment for a range of conditions including cancer, and heart and lung disease.

The partnership between the NHS and InHealth, the UK’s largest specialist provider of diagnostic solutions, will help speed up treatment, reduce waiting lists and give people access to tests in the town centre rather than visiting Torbay Hospital. This will allow hospital teams there to focus on more complex, urgent and emergency care and reduce the chance of appointments being postponed at times of high demand.

More than 1,400 patients have already been seen at the centre and more than 40,000 diagnostic tests are expected to be carried out during the next 12 months.

Liz Davenport, Chief Executive of Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Waiting for a diagnosis of cancer or another condition can be a really worrying time.

“The opening of the new Torbay and South Devon Community Diagnostic Centre will ensure thousands of people in our community receive a quicker diagnosis and begin any treatment they might need.”

A community group in Paignton held a special event to provide local people with energy advice and financial support during the winter.

Paignton Community Hub’s ‘Beat the Freeze’ event was hosted in partnership with Torbay Health and Wellbeing Voluntary Sector Network and local non-profit community organisation Engaging Communities South West.

The event, held at Paignton Library, coincided with the widely reported Government cuts to winter fuel payments and the need to look at ways to keep warm in the winter months.

One hundred residents attended and learned about health, care and wellbeing support; Government and financial support for rising energy costs; help with pension credit applications and benefits; energy advice and other support.

Torbay Council were also on hand to offer their Household Support Fund to those who may have missed out on the Government’s Winter Fuel Allowance.

Claire Bithell, Torbay VCSE Network Coordinator and Paignton Community Hub Lead, said: “For many people, it is difficult to find out about these services and the financial support available or to get energy advice. That’s why we hosted this special in-person event to support those who may not be aware of, or able to, access the support available.”

Local people are being offered a wide range of vaccinations and health checks, thanks to partnership working between the NHS and council.

The Royal DevonUniversity Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust vaccination service delivers outreach COVID-19 and flu vaccinations seasonally, and RSV vaccinations all year across North, East and West Devon. There are three core sites in Barnstaple, Exeter and Plymouth, but the vaccination service also includes targeted clinics in areas such as Torbay and East Cornwall.

The outreach teams have supported delivery of public health campaigns, such as Mpox vaccinations, Diphtheria vaccination and antibiotic offers to those in asylum accommodation. The team are currently working on a collaborated delivery to offer HPV vaccinations as part of an acceleration project for 16 – 25 year olds for 2025.

Alongside vaccinations, to make every contact count, the vaccination team collaborates with Devon County Council and Plymouth County Council Public health teams, to provide a proportion of NHS health checks in community hubs and mobile units. These identify risk factors for conditions such as heart disease and diabetes, health and wellbeing advice, blood pressure checks and smoking cessation.

During seasonal vaccinations, outreach clinics run in a variety of community settings, including halls, libraries, mobile vans, food banks, soup kitchens, places of worship, transport hubs, garden centres, farm shops, football stadiums and supermarkets.

Collaborative working is an essential part of the success of the vaccine delivery to harder to reach communities. The service works with over 50 charitable organisations including the larger, more recognised organisations, to small voluntary sector groups who are working directly with the communities. These include memory cafés, Devon Carer’s, food banks, Colab wellbeing hub in Exeter, multiple faith-based organisations across the county, British Red Cross, Shekinah, Age UK, Memory Matters, Improving Lives, Active Devon,  the Elder tree befriending service, Trevi House and the Salvation Army. 

The team work with charitable organisations to target specific communities, ensuring equitable access to vaccinations. Part of the service also provides vaccinations to those who are housebound or living in a care home. There are over 155 venues that the Royal Devon vaccination team use to deliver the vaccination service.

The outreach vaccination service is an integral part of a blended delivery of vaccinations, alongside GP practices and community pharmacies. The outreach vaccination teams provide a service, using multiple sources of data, including geographical, social and economic status, to plan and deliver vaccinations, ensuring targeted and equitable access, with an additional focus on areas of inequality.

The clinics are targeted to individual communities, for example extended open times and late evenings. The teams increase vaccine uptake and engagement through mobile clinics, home visits, and targeted outreach clinics, making these vaccinations accessible. The teams also provide information and engagement events, for those who are vaccine hesitant.

How do people find out where there nearest vaccination is?

The easiest way to find the nearest clinic is to call the vaccination teams directly, where one of the team will advise.

• East Devon – Exeter, 07729 300349
• North Devon – Barnstaple, 07385 934988
• West Devon – Plymouth, 07729300350

Alternatively, if patients have access they can check the vaccination calendar for their nearest clinic – Vaccination calendar