News

Dear family member,

Our top priority is to help our patients get better and support them to leave hospital when the time is right, but we need your help to do this.

No one wants to be in hospital for longer than they need to be. There is growing recognition that a lack of physical a...

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 serv...

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...

If you have flu-like symptoms, have been unwell in the past 48 hours, or have been in contact with a person with flu-like symptoms in recent days please do not visit our hospitals.

We are seeing a significant rise in the number of patients presenting with influenza and are asking for your ...

We are experiencing very high numbers of patients being admitted with potentially infectious respiratory conditions. We continue to do everything that we can to try and minimise the impact of this and the risk to patients and colleagues but at this time we are not able to totally separate the car...

Members of both the Rotary Club of Barnstaple Link and the Rotary Club of Barnstaple have finally been able to see a piece of equipment they bought for the Emergency Department at North Devon District Hospital – two years after they originally donated it.

COVID-19 restrictions during 2020 ...

We are seeing a significant rise in the number of COVID-19, flu and other respiratory viruses cases. To help us keep our patients, colleagues and visitors safe, we are making a small number of important changes to inpatient visiting.

We understand how important visiting is for our patients...

Ambulance services will be taking industrial action on Wednesday, 21 and Wednesday, 28 December. The NHS in Devon is working hard to keep people safe during the planned strikes, while delivering the best care possible.

No-one should put off seeking urgent or emergency care during the strik...

Our minor injuries units and walk in centre are available if you have a medical problem that’s not critical or life-threatening, including for blood pressure checks or minor cuts and wounds.

You do not usually need an appointment to attend the minor injuries unit or walk in centre, and the...

The redesign of our Emergency Department (ED) at Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital (RD&E) in Wonford is now approaching its next phase to enable the joining of new and existing areas.

The RD&E’s ED currently sees 104,000 patients each year, an increase of 25% since major changes we...

Nearly 100 people representing the NHS, local government, and the Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector came together recently in Exeter to understand how they can better collaborate to benefit local people’s health and wellbeing at the second annual conference held by the Eas...

In light of the rising number of COVID-19, flu and other respiratory viruses, all visitors and patients, unless medically exempt, are required to wear a facemask in any area where clinical care is provided across the Royal Devon. 

This applies in our inpatient wards and clinical rooms and ...

People should continue to come forward for the care they need during industrial action, the NHS has said today.

Deputy chief nursing officer Charlotte McArdle said it is “vital” they come forward for emergency care during strikes.

The call follows messaging issued by the NHS last we...

Spending Christmas in hospital may be necessary for some but, for most, home is the best place to be.

Our top priority is to help you get better and support you to leave hospital when the time is right. You will only leave hospital when you no longer need hospital care and it is safe to do...

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is taking strike action at a number of NHS trusts, including the Royal Devon, on Thursday 15 and Tuesday 20 December 2022.

The industrial action is a national dispute between the Government and Trades Unions about terms and conditions.

The safety o...

Group A streptococcus (GAS) is a common bacteria. Lots of us carry it in our throats and on our skin and it doesn’t always result in illness. However, GAS does cause a number of infections, some mild and some more serious.

The most serious infections linked to GAS come from invasive group ...

People are being urged to have their flu and COVID-19 autumn booster vaccinations as soon as possible, as an increasing number of children and adults are being admitted to intensive care in the south-west with flu.

The number of people admitted to hospital with flu in England has risen...

With winter viruses such as flu, COVID-19 and Norovirus on the rise, we’re more likely to be feeling under the weather at this time of year.

While most illnesses can be safely treated at home, or with advice from your local pharmacy, if you do become very unwell and need urgent healthcare,...

We are delighted to welcome Professor Martin Marshall to the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust as a non-executive director.

Martin has been a GP for over 30 years, including 10 years as a GP partner in Exeter and most recently serving some of the most deprived communit...

A nursery run by the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust for its staff has been rated ‘Outstanding’ in all areas by Oftsted, the Government’s regulator.

Inspectors visited the First Steps Nursery, at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital in Barrack Road, Exeter, on Tuesday...

We are experiencing severe pressure across our services and our Wonford emergency department is exceptionally busy with people attending having to wait a long time to be seen.

Tracey Reeves, Director of Nursing – Eastern services at the Royal Devon said: “We are doing everything we can to ...

Tomorrow, Wednesday 23 November, marks the Royal College of Nursing’s Healthcare Support Worker (HCSW) celebration day, which shines a light on the invaluable contribution that our HCSWs make to their teams, patients, families and the carers they work with every day.

Healthcare support wor...

The work of NHS staff who have helped 615 people from across Devon to get back on their feet after hip and knee surgery has been recognised at the prestigious HSJ awards.

The South West Ambulatory Orthopaedic Centre (SWAOC), based at NHS Nightingale Hospital Exeter, was highly commended in...

Six hundred nurses have been attracted to work in Devon from overseas in the last 15 months – helping to fill vital frontline posts and saving the NHS around £3million in agency and bank costs.

The Devon International Recruitment Alliance works collaboratively across the county’s NHS hospi...

In line with the decreasing number of COVID-19 patients across our Trust and COVID cases in the community, universal masking in most clinical areas will be stepped down across the Royal Devon from today.

Facemasks will continue to be provided for those who wish to continue...

An exciting scheme to help young people with disabilities into employment and independence has now launched across the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust’s Eastern services.

Project SEARCH, which is a collaboration between the Royal Devon, Petroc, and Seetec Pluss emplo...

Devon County Council Chair, Cllr Ian Hall visited Greendale last week to meet our vaccination staff and volunteers, and to get his COVID-19 autumn booster.

He had this to say:

‘Maria and I wish to convey our wholehearted thanks to all those who are delivering this vital service to t...

Those who attend the events will be able to meet different teams and learn about the roles available and the benefits of working at the Royal Devon, including career development and progression. There will also be plenty of opportunities to ask questions.

Positions available on the day inc...

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is offering interviews “on the spot” to impressive candidates who attend their recruitment event in Okehampton on Saturday 29 October.

Those who attend the events will be able to meet different teams and learn about the roles avail...

Carolyn Mills, Chief Nursing Officer said: “'I am delighted to launch the Trusts Nursing, Midwifery, Allied Health Professions and Health Care Scientist (NMAHPHCS) Research Strategy.

This strategy has been developed in line with national strategic plans to support nurses and AHPs to lead, ...

In light of the rising number of COVID-19 cases across the country, to help us keep our patients, staff and visitors safe, we are asking all visitors and patients to please wear a facemask in any areas where clinical care is provided – this includes inpatient wards and clinical rooms in our acute...

On Wednesday 28 September we held a Members’ Event and our formal Annual Members’ Meeting (AMM).

This was a momentous occasion for us in many ways – it was our first face-to-face members event since 2019 and our first attempt at doing it in a hybrid way (simultaneously face-to-face and onl...

Update (16/12/22, 2pm):

The WIC will be closed on the following dates in December and January but open 8am – 8pm every other day:

• Monday 19 December
• Wednesday 21 December
• Sunday 25 December
• Tuesday 27 December
• Friday 30 Dece...

Devon Sexual Health is delighted to announce that Libraries Unlimited is supporting its C-Card scheme which gives young people aged 13-24 access to free condoms. Libraries Unlimited is now trialling four of its libraries as drop-in sites where existing C-Card holders can pick up condom packs.

Do you care for a loved one who is vulnerable to flu or COVID-19?  Would the person you care for be at risk if you were unwell?  If so, and you are aged over 16, you are eligible for free seasonal flu and Autumn booster COVID-19 vaccinations.

As a carer, whether paid or unpaid, you’re more...

More than £15m in government funding will support a university-NHS partnership in setting up the West Country’s first Biomedical Research Centre, to translate scientific discoveries into tangible benefits for patients.

The award, from the National Institute for Health and Care Research, wi...

Building work has started on the new Eye Hub at South Molton Community Hospital.

The former renal unit at the hospital will be redeveloped to create the new £1.25m facility.

The hub will provide diagnostic services and treatments for people with new eye problems and people managing ...

A new service, Seaton Hospice at Home, has launched across the Seaton area to provide end-of-life care in people's own homes.

Seaton Hospice at Home, a collaboration between the Royal Devon Universi...

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is offering jobs “on the spot” to impressive candidates who attend their recruitment events in Barnstaple and Exeter on Saturday 15 October.

Those who attend the events will be able to meet different teams and learn about the roles...

The NHS will be able to diagnose and potentially save the lives of thousands of severely ill children and babies, within days rather than weeks, thanks to a partnership between healthcare professionals and academics in Exeter.

A world-first national genetic testing service was developed by...

We are looking for people to take part in PLACE inspections in Northern Devon. Have you got a few hours spare to help us?

We have recently completed inspections at some of our hospitals in Exeter, Mid Devon and East Devon. We are carrying out our next PLACE inspections from 21-25 November ...

The outcomes of the 2021 National Cancer Patient Experience Survey show that patients across the Trust were well supported and informed throughout their experience from diagnoses to treatment.  The survey was completed by over 1,317 patients who attended North Devon District Hospital (NDDH) and t...

The number of patients in Devon’s hospitals with COVID-19 has risen substantially over the last month. Around 250 people in hospital have tested positive for the virus, roughly five times the number in early September.   

Higher COVID-19 rates add to the pressures that already exist in the...

Through the first course to be taught across the Peninsula in over a decade, seven Devon-based community nurses have qualified as district nurses, helping to support people to live more independently in their own homes.

On Friday 23 September, through a collaboration with Plymouth Universi...

The Trust closed Ilfracombe and Bideford MIUs at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020.

We understand that the temporary closure of Bideford and Ilfracombe MIUs causes concern and anxiety for local residents. We would like to reassure our towns and communities that the Trust is ...

People asked to, “help us help you.”

Devon’s health and social care system is under extreme pressure today and expected to be throughout this weekend, meaning people are facing longer than usual waits in our Emergency Departments.   Rising Covid...

Last year, more than 4,000 lives were saved and improved through organ donation, but there are still almost 10,000 people in the UK in need of a lifesaving transplant. This Organ Donation Week (26 September - 2 October), NHS Blood and Transplant is urging people to register their donation decisio...

Members of the public can now nominate themselves to stand as a Public Governor candidate for the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.

Royal Devon Governors provide a direct connection between the Trust, the communities we serve and our partners. Governors have a wide va...

We are looking for people to join our Trust in a special voluntary role. In September, members of the public can stand as a candidate for election as one of the Trust’s Governors.

Our Governors play a vitally important role by providing a direct connection between the Trust, the community ...

People in Devon, who are most vulnerable to flu and COVID-19, are being encouraged to book their autumn booster vaccines.

Having the COVID-19 autumn booster and seasonal flu vaccines will help to protect people from becoming seriously ill this winter, which in turn will reduce pressure on ...

Wednesday 28 September 2022, 5pm-7pm
In person at Sandy Park Exeter or virtually over Microsoft Teams

We’re pleased to announce we will be holding our Annual Members’ Meeting (AMM) on Wednesday 28 September 2022.

The meeting will be held at S...

Following the announcement that Monday 19 September will be a bank holiday to coincide with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s state funeral, we are working on the arrangements for our services and staff.

If you have an appointment with us for Monday 19 September or are booked for surgery, p...

We understand that many of our patients, visitors and staff across the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust will want to pay tribute to Her Majesty the Queen following the very sad news of her death.

The Royal Family have opened an online book of condolence where you can ...

Our top priority is to help you get better and support you to leave hospital when the time is right. You'll only leave hospital when you no longer need hospital care and it is safe to do so.

Once you're well enough, the best place for you to recover is in the comfort of your own home.

Registered C-Card holders aged 16-24 can now order condoms online and get them delivered to their home or a collection site.

C-Card Devon & Torbay is a local scheme open to all young people aged 13-24. Once registered, C-Card holders who are over the age of 16 can also order free condo...

We are looking for people to take part in PLACE inspections. Have you got a few hours spare to help us?

What is a PLACE inspection?

Patient-led assessments of the care environment (PLACE) inspections put the patient voice at the heart of assessing and improving the ...

If you’re feeling unwell this Bank Holiday weekend, remember your local pharmacist is on hand to help and can save you a long wait in your local emergency department.

Many people are unaware of the wide range of services available from their local pharmacist and spend time waiting unnecess...

Tuesday 9 August marked one month since the Royal Devon's Northern services went live with our new electronic patient record, Epic. This is the same system we have been using across our Eastern services since 2020.

It's been a month of learning new ways of working, as well as hard work and...

Trainee surgeons in gynaecology and general surgery across the South West are now benefitting from brand new portable surgical simulators that use Augmented Reality (AR) software to provide the most realistic training experience available, without working on real patients.

The Royal Devon ...

It’s been a year since services at the Budlake Outpatient Hub in Exeter Community Hospital (Whipton) were expanded, and this is already making a difference to our patients.

Since last summer, a number of medical and surgical outpatient services have been running at Budlake and have been pr...

With around five million people visiting Devon each summer, the NHS has worked to ensure there are additional services in some tourist hotspots to reduce pressure on our busy emergency departments.

Minor Injuries Units (MIU) and Urgent Treatment Centres (UTC) are located right across the c...

We’re celebrating one year of Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital’s Discharge Lounge, helping us to make space for new patients on our wards while making things more convenient and comfortable for patients who are ready to head home.

Situated near our Wonford site’s main entrance, it’s a tra...

One Northern Devon (OND) has been shortlisted for the Place-based Partnership award at this year’s HSJ Awards, recognising outstanding contribution to healthcare and earning the opportunity to showcase its achievements on a national platform.

OND is made up of partners from the public sect...

Each summer, data from our four emergency departments suggests that up to one quarter of patients are visitors to the county. 

Devon’s NHS is reminding visitors to the county that there are plenty of options available to them, should they get injured or poorly while on holiday or if they h...

Reflecting the reduced number of patients with COVID-19 across the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, we will be easing our visiting restrictions across our Eastern services (the RD&E Wonford and our community hospitals across Eastern Devon) from tomorrow.

There co...

Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust’s support for T Level students has won a prestigious employer award from Petroc, the North Devon further education college, and a mention in the Gatsby Report, a prestigious educational directory.

The Trust was awarded Employer of the ...

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has launched its strategy for 2022-27, which sets out who we are as a new Trust, what we want to achieve over the next five years and how we will get there.

Trust strategy is called Better Together, because we truly believe we are ...

We have been looking at ways to improve our recruitment process for people who are interested in working at the Royal Devon, and are excited to launch our new recruitment system, the Career Gateway.

Key features of the Career Gateway will make it easier for you to find and apply for a job ...

Devon was pleased to welcome NHS England’s chair, Sir Richard Meddings CBE, and fellow non-executive directors to the county today for a tour of some of its many services.

The visit was a chance to provide a realistic view of Devon’s challenges and opportunities, showcase the good work alr...

We are experiencing severe pressure across our Northern services, and our emergency department at NDDH is very busy with people attending the ED having to wait a long time to be seen.

It’s important to us that we are honest with our community about the ongoing challenges we are facing. We ...

A vision screening service for children aged four and five is being launched in North Devon.

Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is being commissioned to launch the new service in line with Public Health England guidance.

The service will be led by the Orthoptic d...

During the current high temperatures people are being asked to look out for family, friends and neighbours who are more vulnerable during hot weather.

Older people and people with long term conditions may need help to stay cool, particularly if they live alone. Young children are also vuln...

On 9 July 2022, our new electronic patient record, Epic, went live across Northern Devon. You can find out more here.

However, with change comes challenges. Many of our staff have been trained on ...

Royal Devon Governors play a vitally important role by providing a direct connection between the Trust, the community we serve and our partners.  We’re looking for people from all kinds of backgrounds to consider putting themselves forward for election. If you would like to help shape local healt...

Health services in Devon are currently extremely busy, with the high COVID-19 rates impacting on staffing and high temperatures in recent days leading more people to seek medical help.

At the end of last week there were six times as many people in Devon’s hospitals with COVID-19 than the b...

Earlier today, Saturday 9 July, we went live with our new electronic patient record, Epic, across Northern Devon.

Suzanne Tracey, Chief Executive Officer for the Royal Devon said: "This is a huge digital milestone for our Trust. Having gone live with Epic across our Eastern services in Oct...

Reflecting the increased number of patients with COVID-19 across the Royal Devon, we have taken the difficult decision to temporarily restrict visiting across our Eastern services (the RD&E Wonford and our community hospitals across Eastern Devon).

Please note that the...

In the early hours of Saturday 9 July 2022, the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust will roll out their new electronic patient record, Epic, across Northern Devon.

Epic launched across the Royal Devon’s Eastern services in October 2020 and going live across their Norther...

Members of the public can now nominate themselves to stand as candidates for election as a Public Governor of the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.

This year sees the first election to our Council of Governors since the Royal Devon was established in April 2022, follo...