NHS

Derriford Hospital's Open Day "a massive success"

Derriford Hospital's first public Open Day in more than a decade has been hailed as a massive success.

More than 2,000 people went along to Plymouth's flagship NHS hospital on Saturday 28 September to find out for themselves what goes on behind the doors and managers say that the initial feedback has been "overwhelming positive".

The doors officially opened at 10am but visitors...

Devon switches on its new NHS 111 health service line

After months of delay, Devon switched on its new NHS 111 service for the county at 11am on Tuesday 3 September.

NHS 111 is a national initiative that is being rolled out across the country. It is a new three-digit dial telephone service being introduced to make it easier for patients to access local health services, when they have an urgent need.

After problems in other NHS...

Three new ultrasound scanners given to Derriford Hospital

Derriford Hospital has been acquired three new ultrasound scanners thanksto both a bequest and a generous donation by The George Appeal.

The scanners will provide a vital service in maintain the health of both the unborn baby and the mother during pregnancy.

The new equipment is replacing three units which were due for replacement by the Plymouth Hospitals Trust.

The...

Prime Minister announces £500 million to relieve pressures on A&E

With over 1 million more people visiting A&E compared to three years ago, last year's harsh winter put exceptional pressure on urgent and emergency wards.

The new funding will go to A&E departments identified as being under the most pressure and be targeted at 'pinch points' in local services.

The aim is for patients to be treated promptly, with fewer delays in A&E...

June celebrates spectacular 60 years of NHS service

Colleagues and Executive Directors were on hand to congratulate Healthcare Assistant June Foster who has notched up an incredible 60 years of service in the NHS.

Since 1953, starting at Freedom Fields, June has always worked with children and young people.

Talking about June’s achievement Chief Executive Ann James said: “An achievement like this deserves a very personal thank...

NHS funding for life-changing asthma medicine now mandatory

A significant milestone for patients with severe life-threatening asthma has been reached following a stipulation by The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) that NHS funding for the asthma medicine Xolair® (omalizumab) must now be made available to eligible patients.

NICE has determined that people with severe allergic asthma, who are on continuous or frequent oral...

Doctors in Devon urge people to be alert to symptoms of lung cancer

The NHS has launched a new ‘be clear on cancer’ lung cancer campaign and local doctors in Devon have urged people with symptoms that could suggest lung cancer is the underlying cause, to get it checked out.

The campaign, which will include adverts on TV, radio and newspapers, runs for the whole of July and into the first half of August.

It aims to raise awareness of the signs...

Devon GPs celebrate 65 years of the NHS

Doctors in Devon are celebrating the 65th birthday of a “national treasure” today – the NHS.

Since the NHS launched on 5 July 1948 it has continually developed and in April this year groups of GPs and clinicians were given the responsibility of buying most healthcare services, including acute hospitals and mental health services.

In Devon, the Northern, Eastern and Western...

Carers in the South West are suffering due to lack of support

New research from Carers Week of over 2,100 carers has revealed that carers are being woefully let down by a lack of support when they first take on a caring role. The findings from the report, Prepared to Care? show that support is not being made available to new carers with often devastating consequences.

Released to coincide with the launch of Carers Week 2013 (10-16 June), the...

Improvements to diagnosis of dementia in Devon shortlisted for national award

Devon’s NHS has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award thanks to improvements it has made to dementia care in the county.

The local NHS, which includes Devon, Plymouth and Torbay, will find out if it has won a Care Integration Award at a ceremony in London on Tuesday 9 July 2013.

The nomination is for the development of a dementia care pathway that has already...

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