Emergency, urgent and critical care will be prioritised by the NHS this week as strike action by junior doctors across England will see major disruption of services, with thousands of patients facing postponements to routine care.
Industrial action by junior doctors part of the BMA and the HCSA began today (Monday 13 March) at all trusts in England for 72 hours – the longest continuous period of strike action in recent months.
During this time, the NHS will prioritise resources to protect emergency and critical care, maternity care and where possible prioritise patients...
Exeter opticians are reminding people about the eye-health services they provide on behalf of the NHS which can save unnecessary trips to the GP or hospital Emergency Department.
High street optometrists form part of primary care by being the first point of contact for a range of sudden onset eye conditions or concerns, in the same way that GPs cover broader aspects of health.
Staff at the Specsavers Exeter store can detect and manage a huge range of eye conditions, including red eye, dry eye and floaters in the vision. Help with more complex conditions will be discussed...
The South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) is again urging the public to use 999 appropriately during industrial action on Monday (23 January) and to call only if it is a life-threatening or life-altering emergency.
On days where there is strike action, patients should continue to call 999 if there is a medical or mental health emergency [when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk]. Ambulances will be able to respond in these situations, but this may only be where there is the most immediate risk to life.
People who have a learning disability and those who care for them are being reminded that it’s not too late for them to have a free flu vaccination and additional Covid-19 booster.
Preventing Covid-19 and flu is particularly important for people with learning disabilities, who are much more vulnerable to both viruses.
A series of three new films, launched by NHS Devon and Devon County Council highlight the importance of having both the vaccinations and annual health checks.
The films follow Damon , who has a learning disability and is needlephobic as he has his...
The South Western Ambulance Service is again urging the public to think carefully before dialling 999 during industrial action on Wednesday (11 January) and to only call if it is a life threatening or life altering emergency.
The Trust wishes to thank its people and NHS partners for their support during the previous industrial action, and to also thank the public for their support in using the service appropriately – it’s only with this support that the Trust was able to deliver the best possible care for patients.
While the NHS remains open to anyone that needs it,...
Diane Walker from a popular UK Staycation Travel Blog ( Staycationsintheuk.com ) would like to see the Government work with travel companies, councils, bus companies, hospital car parks, supermarkets, and entertainment companies to break the deadlock in nurses and paramedics pay disputes.
Staycations In The UK that offers ideas on places to stay in the UK and great days out for the family is shocked at how the nurses and paramedics have been treated before, during, and post COVID pandemic.
Diane walker said: “On Thursday 26th March 2020 until 28th May 2020, we clapped for...
Local people urged to choose the right service for their needs Devon’s acute hospitals and ambulance service are extremely busy, with people waiting a very long time in emergency departments to be seen and treated.
The local NHS, including South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, is appealing for people to choose the most appropriate service for their needs – to ensure people who need life-threatening and critical care can be treated as quickly as possible.
Speaking on behalf of Devon’s acute hospitals, Prof Mark Hamilton, Medical Director at University Hospitals...
The South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) is urgently appealing to the public to think carefully before dialling 999 due to the extreme demand it is currently facing following the four-day Christmas break.
At 11:30 on Wednesday 28 December there were 482 patients waiting for ambulances across the South West, with 106 patients awaiting handover at hospitals across the South West.
And SWASFT has today (Wednesday) declared a Critical Incident because the extreme pressures it is experiencing are affecting its ability to respond to patients.
Cases of winter illnesses like covid-19, flu and norovirus are rising in the South West and people are urged to take steps to prevent the spread
NHS Devon is reminding people to stay safe and well this winter by wearing a face mask in healthcare settings, washing their hands regularly and practicing social distancing whenever they can.
Darryn Allcorn, Chief Nurse at NHS Devon said: “We are seeing a worrying increase of flu, Covid-19 and norovirus cases in Devon this week and high numbers of patients being admitted to Devon’s hospitals with potentially infectious respiratory...
Winter is one of the busiest times of the year for the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) – and we need continuing support from the public.
Ambulances must be available for patients who are facing a life-threatening medical emergency. To help with this, we are asking for the public’s support to ensure the service is used correctly.
You can help by choosing the right service to get the care you need:
Use your own medicine cabinet for self-care for issues like grazed knees
