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 see people as quickly as possible and we ask that you please help us to help you. Choosing the right service when you are unwell or injured helps you to get the care you need as soon as possible, and it also reduces pressure on our emergency services, freeing them up to help those who need it most.

“We’re really grateful to our patients for understanding the pressures we’re under and we’d like to thank them for continuing to be polite, patient and respectful towards us – kindness makes such a difference.”

Please use the right services for your care needs:

• If you need urgent care that’s not life-threatening, please call 111 or seek support online. NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 
• If you have a minor ailment or need pain relief, please see your local pharmacist
• Our walk-in centre is in the city centre on Sidwell Street and is staffed by highly-trained nurse practitioners. It is currently closed on Mondays and Thursdays, but is open 8am-8pm the rest of the week. Click here for more information.
• Our Honiton minor injuries unit is here to help if your medical problem is not critical or life-threatening and is open 7 days a week, 8am-8pm. Click here for more information.
• Is your child unwell? The HANDi Paediatric app gives up-to-date advice about common childhood illnesses and how to treat them – to learn more, click here.
• If you have visitors with you, please let them know they can still contact their usual GP practice for a telephone consultation
• Download the NHS app to check your symptoms, book GP appointments and order repeat prescriptions. To find out more, click here.
• Call 999 and attend an Emergency Department in a medical emergency, when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.

For more information about getting the care you need, please click here.