NHS organisations in Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly are working together to improve hospital services for local people and staff.

The NHS has been experiencing unprecedented levels of demand for services across the country and Devon is no exception.

We have known for a long time that change is needed but we have not yet taken the necessary steps to make them.

In essence, there are more people requiring care, and not enough staff to support them. The pandemic has exacerbated these existing challenges and now means the risks to patients and staff have increased significantly.

NHS staff go above and beyond every day to treat and care for patients, but it is evident that services remain under pressure which negatively impacts on the experiences of both patients and staff.

We want to be there for people when they need us, but we need to understand the challenges that exist so that we can use our collective resources wisely and deliver the best outcomes for our local population.

What is involved?

We would like to invite you to a virtual focus group to talk about:

• Your experience of using urgent and emergency NHS hospital services
• The impact on you of the challenges facing NHS urgent and emergency hospital services
• Your priorities when you require urgent NHS hospital treatment
• What you think we do well and what we could do better?

The sessions will be held online and you will be fully supported to attend.

Health and care managers in partnership with Healthwatch Devon will be hosting these sessions.

What to do if you want to be part of the conversation?

• The Exeter focus group is being held on: Tuesday 25 July at 10.30am - 12pm
• The North Devon focus group is being held on: Thursday 27 July 10am - 11.30am

If you would like to take part in any of the groups, please contact info@hwdevon-plymouth-torbay.org

If you can’t make the dates above or would prefer to be involved in a different way, you can contact Healthwatch to let them know.

After you have registered your interest further information and all joining details will be sent to your email address.

Thank you for your interest in this engagement and we look forward to seeing you soon.