News

High levels of seasonal illness, including flu, and vomiting and diarrhoea bugs, mean ambulances, hospitals, GP surgeries and other NHS services can come under severe pressure at this time of year. People are being asked to help by continuing to choose the right service for their needs and by taking simple steps to help them […]

As the temperatures drop, it’s important we all play our part to stay safe, look after each other and ease pressure on our NHS in the South West. This is especially important for elderly residents across the South West, as well as people with pre-existing health conditions, who are being urged to take extra precautions […]

Flu cases have begun to steady but hospital cases still surpassed 3,000 in the week before Christmas, a slight fall on the week before, according to new figures published today. Thanks in part to NHS staff ramping up vaccination efforts with half a million more people protected against flu compared to the same period last […]

People in Devon are being asked to be plan ahead of the four-day weekend this Christmas by choosing the right services for their needs, ordering prescriptions in advance and getting vaccinated against winter viruses. As winter approaches and the Christmas period nears, NHS Devon is encouraging residents to take simple steps to stay well and […]

Patients in Devon are being urged to ‘unwrap’ the NHS App to manage their health over the festive period. With demand for NHS services rising over Christmas, the app offers a fast, convenient alternative to calling or visiting your GP practice for everyday tasks. Patients can use it to order repeat prescriptions, get advice on […]

The NHS in the South West is preparing for another round of industrial action by resident doctors, who are due to strike from 7am Wednesday 17 December until 7am on Monday 22 December. Plans are in place to maintain services as far as possible at near-normal levels, to minimise disruption for patients. The key advice […]

It’s not too late to have your free NHS flu vaccination to protect yourself and your loved ones this winter. Due to the current increase in the rates of flu and other respiratory infections, extra drop-in clinics are running for those eligible to get their free NHS flu vaccine and/or their seasonal COVID-19 booster vaccination.  […]

NHS bosses in the South West have issued a last chance call for people to get their flu jab to be protected ahead of the festive holidays, as flu hospitalisations in the region surge by three quarters (76%) in just one week. Latest data* shows the number of people in the South West in hospital […]

Today, Thursday 11th December 2025, DRSS have implemented a new telephone system. This upgrade is designed to enhance the overall experience for all service users. During this transition, you may notice some temporary changes while we make the necessary adjustments to optimise the system. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate […]

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 […]