News

World hypertension day is observed every year on 17 May. It aims to raise awareness about high blood pressure, promote prevention, detection, and control. Hypertension remains the leading preventable cause of premature death worldwide. An estimated 1.4 billion people live with hypertension globally. Hypertension significantly increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and […]

The Mental Health Foundation is encouraging people to take action to support good mental health this Mental Health Awareness Week (11-17 May). Whether you’re looking for a quick boost or something to help form long-term healthy habits, there are lots of actions you can take today to improve your mental health. A series of helpful […]

The Pharmacy First service, available in most local pharmacies, frees up GP appointments for patients who need them most and gives people quicker and more convenient access to safe and high-quality healthcare. Trained pharmacists can provide consultations, treatments and where necessary prescription medication for a range of conditions. Last year, Devon’s community pharmacies delivered 231,000 […]

April is Stress Awareness Month, an opportunity to pause and reflect on how stress affects our wellbeing. Stress is something lots of us experience from time to time. However, when it starts to impact our mood, sleep or relationships, it can be helpful to learn strategies for managing stress. TALKWORKS, Devon’s NHS Talking Therapies service, […]

PEOPLE across the South West will benefit from faster tests, checks and scans closer-to-home after the government today ...

World autism acceptance month aims to draw attention to the 700,000 plus people living with autism in the UK. What is Autism? Being autistic does not mean you have an illness or disease. It means your brain works in a different way from other people. It’s something you’re born with. Signs of autism might be […]

April is bowel cancer awareness month In the UK, someone is diagnosed with bowel cancer every 15 minutes. Macmillan Cancer Support provides information and bowel cancer awareness month. The bowel cancer screening programme now covers everyone aged 50 to 74, and you will automatically receive an NHS bowel screening kit (FIT kit) when you become eligible. […]

April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month, with World Parkinson’s Day on 11 April. This day is dedicated to increasing awareness of the condition, in which areas of the brain gradually deteriorate over time. Causes of Parkinsons disease Parkinson’s disease is caused by a loss of nerve cells in part of the brain called the substantia nigra. […]

From 1 April 2026, the RSV vaccine is now available for free on the NHS for adults aged 75 and over, adults living in a care home for older adults, and pregnant women. The RSV vaccine helps protect against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections. RSV is a common virus, and almost all children get an […]

Easter in Devon is one of the busiest times of the year as thousands of visitors arrive to enjoy the county’s beaches, countryside and attractions. As suitcases are packed and holiday plans finalised, the NHS in Devon is reminding both visitors and residents to plan ahead for their health too, helping ensure everyone can enjoy […]