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.
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...
Hundreds of students have been honoured for their years of hard work at winter graduation ceremonies at the University of Exeter.
More than 2,600 students, from 89 countries, graduated from 250 different prestigious courses. They were joined by 6,000 guests, there to wish them well.
Most of those graduating had studied MA and MSc and postgraduate diploma courses in a wide range of subjects. They have trained to be teachers, radiographers and healthcare workers.
Professor Lisa Roberts, University of Exeter Vice Chancellor and President, said: “We are delighted to...
More than half (55%) of UK drivers do not always check their tyre tread before a long journey, new research from National Highways reveals as its new autumn safety campaign is launched.
In addition, more than a fifth (21%) of those who take long journeys and have broken down on the motorway, think their breakdown could have been avoided if they had conducted proper tyre checks before setting off.
Last year, there were more than 51,500 tyre-related breakdowns on England’s motorways and major A-roads, an increase of 14% since 2022. During October last year there were 4,053...
100 ‘warm bags’ to keep winter chills at bay are being distributed to people in and around Exminster as a result of a partnership between Wales & West Utilities and Devon charity Westbank Community Health and Care (Westbank).
The bags are being distributed to people in the local community through Westbank’s recently-launched Warmwell at Home initiative. Each bag contains hand warmers, a thermometer, a pair of thermal socks, a travel mug, a hat and gloves, a hot water bottle and a large blanket.
Wales & West Utilities, the gas emergency and pipeline service,...
A community library in Exeter is opening its doors to residents as a warm hub after being awarded a grant to tackle fuel poverty.
The £2,000 grant for Heavitree PCC has come from National Grid Electricity Distribution’s £5 million Community Matters Fund which is supporting hundreds of groups across the South West, Midlands and South Wales.
Heavitree Friendly Library meets twice per month at St Michael's church in Heavitree, offering a free library service for the community as well as a social space for people to meet. Each session includes a story time for parents and...
As the Met Office predicts cold, arctic air will soon hit the UK, WaterSafe is advising households on how to prevent, and deal with, burst or frozen water pipes.
Research by WaterSafe, the national register of approved plumbers, shows 15 per cent of UK residents have had a burst pipe in winter, when freezing temperatures can cause pipes to split.
Additionally, the Association of British Insurers reports the average cost of a weather-related home insurance claim for burst pipes is a costly £9,300.
Julie Spinks, Director at WaterSafe, says prevention is key: “The...
It’s very common for exercise routines to be aborted as we drift into winter. The darker evenings, lower temperatures and wetter weather make sitting in a warm living room far more appealing. However, there’s an old fitness adage: summer bodies are built in the winter. How can we avoid panicked binge-fitness only a few weeks before our summer holiday in Spain? Here are some tips to help keep you active through the colder months.
More than just a bikini photo
Regular exercise will help you look lithe and toned in your bikini or board shorts, and that’s a perfectly good...
The current cold spell could lead to a risk of wintry showers and ice on higher ground tomorrow (Thursday 30 November) and Devon County Council is urging people to take extra care on Devon’s roads.
The Met Office has issued a Yellow Weather Warning for snow and ice which is in force for most of Devon from 3am tomorrow morning until 4pm in the afternoon.
There is a chance of sleet and snow, with the Met Office forecasting the possibility of up to 10cm of snow on Dartmoor, Exmoor and the Blackdown Hills, whereas other areas may get from 1cm-3cm.
Snark is now fully open at her berth at Piazza Terracina. The first three weeks have been a great success with over 100 happy diners enjoying our Moorish set dinners and brunches.
For the next two weeks they head to Italy with a four course warming autumnal menu of classic Italian dishes; preserved meats and vegetables, rich pastas, hearty stews and luscious deserts. Mellow Italian wines and English ale sold over the bar.
They also have a number of special winter festival meals planned over the next two months as well as some pop-up special dinners on Wednesday evenings...
