Healthy Futures
August 2026
The sky’s the limit for daredevil John and his charity skydive.
Welcome, from Joe
Hello, I hope you’re having an enjoyable summer.
This month’s Healthy Futures reflects something I see every day across Torbay and South Devon: people working together to improve care and create healthier futures for our communities.
Inside this edition you can read about investment in our maternity services through the opening of The Cove, national recognition for the compassion shown by our bereavement midwives, the experiences shared by people receiving cancer care and the many ways our volunteers, fundraisers and supporters help make a difference.
I’m really proud of my colleagues, some of whom are highlighted in these stories as they underline our commitment to improving care today while planning for the future needs of local people.
We know people care deeply about healthcare services in Torbay and South Devon and want clear information about where investment is being made and how services may evolve over time. That’s why we’ve launched our Listening to our communities webpage, which brings together answers to many of the questions we’re asked most often.
Healthcare doesn’t stand still. We have a responsibility to plan ahead and think about how services continue to meet the needs of future generations. That planning is one of the reasons I remain optimistic about the future of healthcare in Torbay and South Devon. We have dedicated colleagues, supportive communities and a shared commitment to improving care for local people.
Thank you for your continued support of my colleagues and our NHS.
Joe
Our new birthing suite opens to enhance birth experience for women and families
Women and families who use our maternity services at Torbay Hospital can now benefit from a newly refurbished birthing suite designed to provide greater choice, improved accessibility and a calm, welcoming environment during labour and birth.
The Cove, a newly transformed space within the hospital’s maternity unit, includes a new birthing pool, a fully refurbished birthing room and for the first time, a dedicated accessible wet room. The investment will help ensure more women can access water-based options during labour and birth while supporting a positive and personalised birth experience.
The project forms part of ongoing improvements to our maternity services and reflect our commitment to providing safe, compassionate and inclusive care that meets the diverse needs of local communities.
The addition of the accessible wet room is a significant enhancement, helping to improve access for women with disabilities and ensuring maternity facilities are designed with a wider range of needs in mind.
The name The Cove was chosen following engagement with women, families and the local Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership (MNVP). Inspired by the area’s coastline, the name reflects the calm and welcoming atmosphere the team wanted to create for women and their families at an important moment in their lives.
Our Chief Nurse Nicola says: “Every woman deserves to feel supported, respected and comfortable during labour and birth. The environment in which people give birth can make a real difference to their experience, so we’re delighted to open The Cove and offer women and families an improved space designed around their needs.”
“This investment is about more than refurbishing a room. It’s about creating an environment that supports choice, promotes wellbeing and helps us provide care that meets the different needs of women and families across our communities.
“We’re particularly pleased to have introduced an accessible wet room alongside the new birthing pool, helping ensure more women can benefit from the options available during labour and birth. The project reflects our commitment to continually improving maternity services and the experience of every woman and family who comes into our care.”
The Cove project has been delivered while maternity teams continued to provide care for women and families across Torbay and South Devon and complements recent investment and improvement in maternity triage facilities at Torbay Hospital.
The new birthing pool has already welcomed its first babies into the world, with women and families now having the choice to use the new facilities as part of their birth experience.
Big-hearted Fay is shortlisted for a national award
We understand the deep trauma losing a baby has on a family and our bereavement midwives provide compassionate care to people when they need us the most.
We’re incredibly proud that Fay Martin, one of our bereavement midwives, has been shortlisted for the Elaine Thorp Award for Bereavement Care 2026, a prestigious national award presented by baby loss charity Sands. Fay has been recognised for her commitment to supporting families through pregnancy loss and the death of a baby.
The Elaine Thorp Award for Bereavement Care celebrates the vital work of midwives, nurses and other healthcare professionals who provide exceptional care and support to bereaved parents during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
Fay was nominated by a bereaved mum Rachael for her incredible support during and after the birth of her twins. Rachael said, “These moments, though deeply painful, are ones I will always cherish, and they were only possible because of her kindness and guidance.
“She supported us through the most devastating decisions and moments of our lives with dignity, honesty, and respect, ensuring our twin boys, Robin and Rory, were always spoken about, treated as individuals, and remembered with care. From the earliest days in fetal medicine through to our termination for medical reasons. I truly do not believe I would have been able to get through that period without her.”
Fay said: “Families will remember every detail of the time spent with their baby. Being part of that memory is a privilege and it’s so important that we do everything we can during this period to meet the needs they didn’t know they have.
“Holding the space and listening, I think are the ways to try and understand what each family need. Providing gentle reassurance that their emotions and feelings are valid and normal under these hugely difficult circumstances. This nomination shows the way that these relationships develop while families navigate baby loss and grief. It is one of the many reasons that I am lucky to say I love my job.”
Fay’s shortlisting is a testament to the compassion, kindness and dedication she brings to her role every day. Supporting families through loss requires not only professional expertise but also extraordinary empathy, and this national recognition reflects the profound difference Fay makes to the people she cares for.
The winner will be announced an award ceremony in the Houses of Parliament in London in September.
Patients praise compassionate cancer care
Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming and difficult, but we are committed to making sure we’re supporting people with compassion and kindness and providing all the information they need during their treatment and beyond.
We’re incredibly proud that the people received their cancer care from us last year have rated their experience among the best in the country.
The latest National Cancer Patient Experience Survey, commissioned by NHS England, found that our cancer services performed above the expected national standard in every area measured, with more than 20 aspects of care scoring significantly higher than expected compared with similar organisations across England.
The survey received responses from 493 patients treated by our services, giving us a response rate of 60%, compared with the national average of 48%. Patients rated their overall care 9.1 out of 10, reflecting the high-quality, compassionate support they receive from our teams every day.
Patients shared positive feedback about how informed and supported they felt from receiving their diagnosis and throughout their treatment. Nearly all patients (96%) said they received all the information they needed before diagnostic tests, while 95% said they had a named point of contact within their care team. Almost nine in ten patients found that person easy to contact and 97% said the advice they received was helpful.
Patients also recognised the personalised care they received. Ninety-seven per cent said someone helped them create a care plan, while 99% said that plan was reviewed and kept up to date. In addition, 95% said staff provided them with information about support services available to them.
Perhaps most importantly, patients highlighted the kindness and compassion shown by colleagues across our services. Ninety-two per cent said they were treated with respect and dignity, while 87% felt able to discuss their worries and fears with staff during outpatient treatment.
Our Chief Nurse Nicola McMinn, said: “We are delighted that our patients continue to tell us they receive such high-quality cancer care and support. A cancer diagnosis can be one of the most challenging times in a person’s life, so it is incredibly rewarding to see patients recognise the compassion, professionalism and dedication shown by our teams every day.”
“These results reflect the commitment of colleagues across our cancer services and the wider organisation, who work tirelessly to ensure people feel informed, supported and involved in decisions about their care.
“We are committed to learning from our patients and using their feedback to continually improve.”
Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their experiences. You can read our full results at National Cancer Patient Experience Survey.
Listening to our communities
People across Torbay and South Devon care deeply about local health services. They want to understand how healthcare is changing, where investment is being made and what future plans may mean for local people.
To help answer some of the questions we hear most often, we have launched a new Listening to our communities webpage. It brings together information on topics that regularly arise through our Board meetings in public, correspondence, conversations with governors and community engagement activity.
The aim is simple: to make it easier for people to find the latest information directly from us.
The page explains how decisions about healthcare are made, the difference between planning for the future and formal proposals for change, and provides links to Board papers and other published information for people who want to explore topics in more detail.
People can also ask questions through our Board meetings in public, speak to our governors or get in touch with us directly. We may not always have all the answers immediately, but we are committed to being open about what we know, what we do not yet know and how decisions are made.
The new webpage is one of the ways we are helping people stay informed about local healthcare and ensuring that community questions are heard and addressed. It will continue to be updated as new information becomes available and new questions emerge.
Visit our Listening to our communities webpage to find out more.
Help for a healthier you under one roof
Get your blood pressure checked, find out how to quit smoking and where to get help for your mental health at our free community health and wellbeing event in Paignton next month.
We’re working with Healthwatch to bring together NHS teams, community organisations and residents for an afternoon of information, support and conversation. Visitors will be able to access a range of health and wellbeing advice and support, including stop smoking services, blood pressure checks and NHS Health Checks, information about cancer screening programmes, mental health support and advice for carers.
The event will take place at Paignton Library from 2pm to 4pm on Wednesday 30 September.
People attending can also meet NHS staff, community organisations and Trust governors, learn more about services available across Torbay and South Devon and find out more about the work of their local NHS. Trust governors will also be hosting an informal drop-in session during the afternoon for anyone who would like to share feedback, ask questions or learn more about the role of governors.
The library café will remain open throughout the afternoon.
Our Annual Members’ Meeting (AMM) will also take place from 3pm to 3.45pm. You can attend in person or watch online. Subject to room capacity, a separate viewing room will be available in the library for anyone who is unable to be accommodated in the main meeting room.
People can request a link to watch the Annual Members’ Meeting online. Please contact the Foundation Trust Office on tsdft.foundationtrust@nhs.net call 01803 655406 or visit http://tsdft.uk/amm
Please note the meeting link will be sent out 24 hours in advance of the meeting.
You can also submit a question for the AMM by emailing tsdft.communicationsteam@nhs.net by 5pm on Monday 28 September.
Dr Kevin Dixon, Chair of Healthwatch in Devon, Plymouth and Torbay, said: “We’re pleased to support this event, which is a valuable opportunity for people to access practical health and wellbeing advice, meet local services and share what matters to them. Holding conversations like this in community spaces such as Paignton Library and Paignton Community Hub helps make it easier for people to have their say, especially those who may not usually attend formal NHS meetings.
“We would encourage residents across Torbay and South Devon to come along, ask questions and help shape how care closer to home develops in their communities.”
Visit http://tsdft.uk/amm for more details about our event.
Share your thoughts about care where you live
Alongside the event, we are also hosting a series of small-group neighbourhood conversations from midday to 3pm. These discussions form part of an early listening and learning phase of work to help us understand people’s experiences of health, care and community support, what matters most to them, and what helps people stay healthy, independent and connected within their communities.
Each conversation will last around 45 to 60 minutes and will use a fictional case study to prompt discussion. These are early listening conversations, not a consultation on a set of proposals or a fixed plan. We’ll ask you to share your thoughts, ideas and experiences about what works already, what could be improved and what support people need to live well in their communities.
The discussions will focus on six themes:
- frailty and falls
- cardiovascular health
- diabetes
- end of life care
- respiratory health
- children and young people with long-term health conditions
Places for the neighbourhood conversations must be booked in advance and will not be available as drop-in sessions on the day. Each discussion group will be intentionally small to help create meaningful conversations and ensure everyone has the opportunity to contribute. We are looking for people with lived experience across the six themes, including patients, carers, family members, volunteers and members of the community.
To register your interest in taking part, please email tsdft.communicationsteam@nhs.net by 5pm on Friday 18 September stating which discussion group you would like to attend and giving a brief explanation about why that theme interests you. Places will be allocated to achieve a broad range of experiences and perspectives across each group.
Our Chair, Dr Martin Beaman said: “This event is a great opportunity for local people to access practical health information and support, meet the teams and organisations working in their communities, and learn more about the services available across Torbay and South Devon.
“We are also keen to hear from people with a wide range of experiences, whether as patients, carers, family members, volunteers or members of the community. Listening to people’s experiences and understanding what matters most to them will help inform our thinking as we continue to develop our neighbourhood approach alongside our partners.”
We’re investing in the future of health and care research
When we think about the future of healthcare, it’s easy to focus on new buildings, technology or equipment, but some of our most important investments are in our people and their ideas.
That’s why we’re delighted to announce that we have secured £400,000 of research funding from the Torbay Medical Research Fund to help develop the next generation of clinical researchers across Torbay and South Devon.
The funding will support three pre-doctoral and three doctoral fellowships for our people who are working in nursing, midwifery, allied health professions, pharmacy and psychology during the next three years. The first cohort will start in April 2027.
This is more than just an investment in research, it’s an investment in our workforce, helping our people to develop new skills, pursue academic careers and generate evidence that can improve care for patients and communities across our region.
Established in 1970, the Torbay Medical Research Fund was founded by local medical practitioners who believed that investing in research meant investing in the future health of local people. More than 50 years later, that vision continues to make a difference.
We are proud to be the only organisation in the South West offering this level of opportunity to colleagues from such a wide range of professional backgrounds. These fellowships will help strengthen our growing research culture and ensure that research remains firmly embedded in day-to-day clinical practice.
Research is one of the key ways we improve services, develop new approaches to care and attract talented people to work and build their careers with us. By supporting colleagues to become research leaders of the future, we are creating opportunities that will benefit patients for years to come.
This funding represents an exciting step forward in our ambition to invest in our people, invest in research and invest in the future of health and care across Torbay and South Devon.
National funding secured at Torbay to support clinical trials
Cancer patients will be able to receive their medication quickly and safely following investment in a specialised machine which prevents the transfer of germs during drug preparation.
The machine, known as a negative pressure isolator, is used in the production of high-risk medications which includes ready-to-administer injectable medicines such as chemotherapy and other specialist treatment. Isolators ensure that medication is prepared in a tightly controlled environment – including novel drugs used in clinical trials.
Following a successful bid for £88k to the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), the new isolator will provide additional space for drug preparation and improved access to medication for all patients, both research and non-research.
Louise Paatz, Accountable Pharmacist for Aseptic Services said: “I’m delighted that colleagues from our research and development team have been able to procure this important equipment. It means we can continue to support safe service delivery and maintain access to research and new therapies which in turn will benefit our patients. It’s going to make a real difference.”
As part of the pharmacy investment, Research and Development colleagues have also funded two new posts whose time will be split between research support and standard care. This additional capacity will improve set-up times for new trials, ensure patient safety and allow other team members to focus on delivering treatment.
Dr Fiona Roberts, Research and Development Director said: “Research forms an essential part of the NHS. It’s a government high-priority area and a key enabler in our new organisational strategy.
“As a successful research active organisation not only do we offer our local population the opportunity to access new and novel treatments, but we can access other NIHR investment opportunities. This brings in new additional external funding to improve our infrastructure such as this isolator unit in pharmacy aseptic services, creating much needed additional capacity and capability for both trials and standard of care work.”
Celebrating our amazing volunteers
We recently cut the ribbon and officially unveiled our Volunteer Wall of Fame at Torbay Hospital. The wall is just one of the ways we recognise and celebrate the incredible contribution our volunteers make to patients, visitors and colleagues every day.
Proudly displayed are our current Volunteer of the Year winner and finalists, alongside information about volunteering opportunities and the latest volunteering news.
Volunteer of the Year 2026 finalist Keith Reeves, Torbay Hospital Radio presenter and chairman, joined winner Sam Mead, Way Finder and Administrative Transporter, to cut the ribbon and officially declare the wall open.
A huge thank you to Torbay and South Devon NHS Charity and our 2026 Volunteer Awards sponsor, MW Benney Ltd. Without their support, this new wall would not have been possible.
If you’re visiting Torbay Hospital, you’ll find the wall on Level 2, next to the Volunteering Helpdesk and Outpatients Reception.
Still hitting the right notes after eight years
A favourite song can transport us back to a special moment in our lives, sparking memories, starting conversations and bringing people together. For those who are living alone, receiving long-term care or adjusting to a new environment, those connections can be more important than ever.
Across Torbay and South Devon, a group of dedicated volunteers is helping people feel less isolated and more connected through a simple combination of music, conversation and shared memories.
Based at Totnes Hospital, Life Care Radio reaches people receiving long-term care both in care settings and in their own homes. Earlier this year, it celebrated eight years of live broadcasting, made possible by a dedicated team of volunteers who give their time to help people feel connected to their communities and to one another.
Volunteer Sian describes herself as a “song collector” and visits the lunch club, run by Totnes Caring at Quayside Extra Care, every other Monday to chat with residents and collect song requests and dedications.
Sian says: “I’m a real people person and I love music; volunteering gives me the opportunity to combine these two passions. It’s so rewarding being able to help others, some of whom are on their own.”
The conversations sparked by favourite songs often unlock cherished memories and create opportunities for people to share experiences with others.
“Seeing someone’s reaction when they remember a song is amazing, especially if they struggle to recall the name of an artist or a song title,” said Sian. “I feel really moved by it.”
The project began in 2013 when a group of local people explored how hospital radio could be adapted to support people in care settings. Following support from the National Lottery and the offer of studio space at Totnes Hospital, the service went live in 2018 and has continued to grow ever since.
Presenter Cathie Burgess, who has spent most of her life involved in broadcasting, believes music has a unique ability to bring people together.
“It’s such a privilege being able to bring people of different generations together through music,” she said. “Music is for everyone. It helps people connect with each other through shared memories and experiences.”
Listeners often tell the team that hearing song requests and personal stories encourages conversations among residents, helping people get to know one another and creating new friendships.
While music may be the starting point, the real impact is helping people feel seen, heard and connected, proving that sometimes the simplest conversations can make the biggest difference.
Care to join us?
Cathie and the team are working to encourage as many people as possible across different groups to consider joining them as a volunteer. From local schools and colleges to universities and voluntary groups – age is not important, although you do need to be over the age of 16 to formally volunteer.
Cathie said: “The skills you learn as a volunteer can help you with so many things and there’s no minimum commitment. If you believe in the power of music to bring people together and have some time to spare, joining Life Care Radio could be the answer.”
To find out more, please contact the team at: Get Involved | Life Care Radio
Fun fact
‘Elsie’ is the radio’s mascot and is named after Cathie’s great grandma who she used to visit in a nursing home with her grandparents. ‘L’ and ‘C’ are the letters you hear when you say the name ‘Elsie’ – and Elsie is also egg-shaped – representing new life.
Legacy gift creates lasting benefits for patients at Torbay Hospital
A generous gift left in a will to our Torbay and South Devon NHS Charity is helping improve the experience of patients attending appointments at Torbay Hospital’s Heart and Lung department, demonstrating the lasting difference people can make to healthcare services.
The legacy was left to the charity by Kenneth Zaple, whose generosity has funded improvements to the department’s pacemaker room, creating a calmer and more welcoming environment for patients and their families.
Many people attending the clinic are coming for important checks and procedures and can understandably feel anxious about their appointments. The refurbishment has helped transform the space, making it feel less clinical and more comfortable for those using the service.
As part of the project, colleagues from the department worked with the charity to enhance the room, including the installation of artwork chosen to support a positive patient experience.
Luisa Cleverdon, CRM Lead Physiologist in the Heart and Lung Department at Torbay Hospital, said: “Many people attending the pacemaker clinic feel understandably anxious about their appointments. The difference this refurbishment has made has been remarkable. The room feels calmer, more welcoming and much less clinical. We’ve had really positive feedback from both patients and colleagues.”
The project highlights the important role that charitable donations and gifts in wills play in supporting improvements that go beyond what NHS funding alone can provide.
Becky Chown, our charity Fundraising Manager says: “We are incredibly grateful to Mr Zaple for his generosity. Gifts left in wills help us fund projects that can make a real difference to patients, families and colleagues, often in ways that NHS funding alone cannot.
“This is a wonderful example of how a legacy gift can have a lasting impact. Long after someone has gone, their generosity can continue supporting local people and helping improve healthcare environments and services for future generations.”
This year marks the 30th anniversary of our Torbay and South Devon NHS Charity. For three decades, the charity has supported patients, families, communities and NHS colleagues by funding equipment, projects and improvements that enhance care and wellbeing across hospitals and community services.
You can learn more about leaving a gift in your will on our charity website Leaving a gift in your Will – Torbay and South Devon NHS Charity.
“I felt it was a real privilege to be involved and to donate a piece of artwork to one of the spaces in the hospital and to know that people are benefiting from it.”
Artist, Niamh Gerraghty-Morris
Taking the plunge: John’s incredible leap for our NHS Charity
At 74, John Payne has proved it’s never too late to do something extraordinary.
John recently completed a skydive to raise money for our Torbay and South Devon NHS Charity, conquering his fears and raising an amazing £3,500, with donations still coming in.
For John, the challenge was about much more than adrenaline. It was a deeply personal way of saying thank you to the teams at Torbay Hospital who cared for both him and his late wife Julie during some of the most difficult years of their lives.
He says: “I did this because I’ve never been very brave or taken risks and I’m getting to the age where I wanted to do something which felt dangerous,”
John and Julie’s connection with the NHS began in 2013, when Julie was diagnosed with bowel cancer and underwent major surgery to remove a large tumour. When the cancer returned the following year, she began chemotherapy treatment on the Ricky Grant cancer unit.
After a positive 2016, when the couple enjoyed holidays together, including a special trip to the Italian Lakes with their family, their lives were turned upside down once again when, in January 2017, Julie was told her cancer had returned, and shortly afterwards John was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
Both received treatment on Ricky Grant Unit at the same time and John received his final treatment in August 2017. Although his cancer treatment had been successful, what should have been a day of celebration turned into tragedy when Julie’s condition suddenly deteriorated. The couple spent a few precious hours together on Ricky Grant before Julie was transferred to a different ward, where she died the following morning with John at her side.
John underwent further treatment and was eventually declared in remission, but in 2022, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer and is currently receiving hormone treatment on Ricky Grant Unit to help keep the cancer under control.
Despite everything life has thrown at him, John remains active, playing plenty of golf and serving as Stover Seniors’ Captain, and when the opportunity came to jump out of a plane, he embraced it.
He says: “We both received such excellent care on Ricky Grant and I wanted to do something which thanked everyone who cared for us. Julie would think I’m completely mad for doing this, but I was thinking of her the whole way down, as well as what the hell am I doing?
“I have just about recovered from the skydive, it was quite an experience. A mixture of being terrified and great relief when I landed safely. It was great when the parachute opened but the free fall was terrifying. I am delighted to have raised so much money for the charity.”
Becky Chown, our charity Fundraising Manager, said: “We are so grateful to John for taking on this incredible challenge to support our charity. The funds he’s raised will make such a difference to the people we support and enabling us to provide the very best care possible.”
You can support John’s fundraising efforts by visiting his JustGiving page. Every pound raised helps us continue supporting patients and staff across Torbay and South Devon.
Click on images to view gallery
Lace up your trainers and Join Team Torbay
Have you felt inspired by John’s amazing daredevil sky dive and want to tick something of your bucket list for a good cause? There’s still time to secure your place in this year’s Torbay Half Marathon or 10K and run for a cause that makes a real difference across Torbay and South Devon.
The Torbay Half Marathon and 10K is one of the highlights of the local sporting calendar and a fantastic opportunity for our community to come together, celebrate everything that makes Torbay special, and support the Torbay and South Devon NHS Charity.
We are inviting staff, patients, volunteers, families and local supporters to join Team Torbay and take on the challenge while raising vital funds for projects that go above and beyond NHS provision.
Places are still available for both the Half Marathon and 10K. In return for a subsidised entry fee of just £20, we ask participants to pledge to raise £100 for the charity. Every pound raised helps support initiatives that enhance patient care and improve staff wellbeing that make a positive difference across Torbay and South Devon.
As part of Team Torbay, you’ll receive:
- a Torbay and South Devon NHS Charity running t-shirt or vest
- fundraising support from the charity team
- the opportunity to be part of a fantastic team of local runners supporting NHS services
- the pride of helping to make a difference in our local community
Last year’s event saw Team Torbay runners proudly cross the finish line wearing charity colours, raising thousands of pounds to support NHS patients and staff. This year, we are looking forward to building an even bigger team and showing what our community can achieve together.
The event is a chance not only to challenge yourself physically but also to showcase the very best of Torbay. With stunning coastal scenery, enthusiastic spectators and an incredible atmosphere, it promises to be a memorable day for runners of all abilities.
Places are selling fast and are expected to sell out before the 01 September deadline, so don’t miss your opportunity to be part of Team Torbay.
For more information or to secure your place, please contact the charity team at tsdft.charity@nhs.net or visit Events – Torbay and South Devon NHS Charity.
There are lots of ways you can support Torbay and South Devon NHS Charity and help make a difference for patients, families and staff across our hospitals and community services. Whether you’re looking to take on a personal challenge, organise a fundraising event, make a donation or support one of our campaigns, every contribution helps fund projects and enhancements that go beyond NHS funding and make healthcare experiences even better.
To find out more about how you can get involved, visit: charity.torbayandsouthdevon.nhs.uk
Small steps, big difference: helping patients to get up, get dressed and get moving
Getting better is about more than medicine alone. Sometimes, the small everyday activities many of us take for granted can make a big difference to recovery.
During this year’s Get Up, Get Dressed, Get Moving Week, our hospital colleagues came together to help patients maintain their independence, confidence and mobility. Despite the exceptionally hot weather, teams embraced the campaign with enthusiasm, creativity and compassion, supporting patients to move safely and remain active throughout their recovery.
The campaign focuses on a simple but powerful message: spending long periods in bed or remaining in pyjamas can affect physical strength, confidence and wellbeing. Encouraging patients to get dressed, sit out of bed, walk short distances and take part in everyday activities can help improve recovery and maintain independence.
As part of the week, staff took part in balance and grip-strength challenges, while some even wore pyjamas to work to better understand the experience of being a patient.
Dr Rhoda Allison, our Deputy Chief Allied Health Professional, said wearing pyjamas helped her appreciate how vulnerable patients can feel.
During visits to wards and community hospitals, she saw first-hand how staff were encouraging patients to be dressed, active and involved in daily routines. She also highlighted the important role families and friends play in supporting recovery, describing it as wonderful to see so many visitors helping loved ones stay engaged and motivated.
Natalie Herring, Deputy Chief Nurse, said the experience reinforced how reduced mobility can affect confidence and recovery.
She said it was inspiring to see teams across clinical areas promoting dignity, independence and improved outcomes. From supporting someone to get dressed in the morning to encouraging a walk to a chair or participation in an activity, every interaction can have a positive impact.
The week also highlighted the importance of movements we often overlook, such as standing up from a chair, fastening buttons, climbing stairs or walking short distances. These everyday activities help maintain muscle strength, balance and confidence, enabling people to stay active and independent for longer.
The success of the campaign was a reminder that recovery is about people as well as treatment. By helping patients get up, get dressed and get moving, our staff are supporting not only better recovery, but also greater independence, wellbeing and quality of life.
Enjoy the rest of the summer safely and know where to get health advice
As many of us continue to enjoy the summer holidays, and with friends and relatives planning visits to our beautiful county before schools return in early September, our NHS is still here to help you to keep safe and well.
The recent hot weather has been welcome for many, but high temperatures can have a serious impact on health, particularly for young children, older people, pregnant women, and those living with long-term conditions.
Hot weather can lead to dehydration, overheating and exhaustion, and can make existing health conditions worse. People living with heart disease, lung conditions, diabetes, kidney problems or mental health conditions may be particularly vulnerable. Some medications can also affect how the body responds to heat.
If you have a long-term condition, remember to:
- keep an eye on your symptoms and seek advice if they worsen
- make sure you have enough medication and know how heat may affect it
- drink plenty of fluids and stay cool where possible
People living with dementia may be less aware of the effects of heat or forget to drink regularly, so family members and carers can play an important role by offering reminders and support.
Top tips for staying safe in the heat
- avoid the hottest part of the day, between 11am and 3pm
- drink plenty of fluids and limit alcohol
- wear sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses outdoors
- keep homes cool by closing curtains or blinds during the day
- check on older relatives, neighbours and friends
- exercise or walk dogs during cooler morning or evening hours
- learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke
Help us help you stay well
Self-care
Hangover, Cough, Cold, Grazes, Small cuts, Sore throat.
Self-care is the best choice to treat minor illnesses and injuries.
A large range of common illnesses and injuries can be treated at home simply with over-the-counter medicines and plenty of rest.
Pharmacy
Diarrhoea, Earache, Painful cough, Stings, Bites, Rashes, Teething, Sticky eye.
Pharmacists advise and treat a range of symptoms. This can avoid unnecessary trips to your GP, UTC or ED and save time.
No appointment is needed and most pharmacies have private consulting areas.
GP
Arthritis, Asthma, Back pain, Vomiting, Stomach ache.
GPs, nurses and other primary care staff have an excellent understanding of general health issues and can deal with a whole range of health problems.
Urgent care
Minor scalds and burns, Sprains, Strains, Suspected broken bones, Itchy rashes.
Our urgent treatment centre provides services for a range of conditions.
ED / 999
Severe bleeding, Breathing difficulties, Severe chest pain, Loss of consciousness.
Our Emergency Department or 999 is best used in an emergancy for serious or life-threatening situations.
Self-care
For minor issues like sunburn, hay fever, mild dehydration, or heat rash—rest, stay hydrated, use sun protection, and try over-the-counter remedies.
Pharmacy
Pharmacists can help with a range of minor illnesses and give expert advice—no appointment needed!
GP or NHS 111
If you have a new or worsening health concern, contact your GP practice first, or call NHS 111 (online or by phone) if it can’t wait until they reopen for support and guidance.
Urgent care
For urgent but non-life-threatening issues like minor burns, sprains, or insect bites visit our minor injuries units or our urgent treatment centre – always call ahead and book an appointment if you can: Book an appointment: Minor Injuries Units and Urgent Treatment Centre
Emergency
In life-threatening emergencies, go to your nearest Emergency Department or call 999 immediately.
Better health, better work, brighter futures: WorkWell launches in Devon
A new support programme has launched across Devon to help people whose physical or mental health is making work difficult.
WorkWell offers free, personalised support for anyone aged 16 and over who is struggling to stay in work, return after an absence or find employment because of a health condition. This could include managing a long-term condition, recovering from illness or injury, experiencing stress or anxiety, or finding it difficult to balance health and work.
The service provides one-to-one support from a dedicated WorkWell coach, who takes time to understand each person’s circumstances and develop a tailored plan to help them achieve their goals.
Coaches can support people to explore workplace adjustments, access health and wellbeing services, build confidence, improve work-life balance and connect with local community resources. The programme also works with employers and healthcare professionals to help create healthier, more supportive workplaces.
As part of the scheme, WorkWell is developing a network of Employer Champions across Devon to promote good workplace wellbeing, share best practice and encourage open conversations about health and work.
Accessing support is simple. Individuals can refer themselves online, while referrals can also be made by GPs, healthcare professionals, employers, Jobcentre Plus work coaches and other support organisations. Once a referral is received, a WorkWell coach will make contact within 72 hours.
Funded by the Department for Work and Pensions and NHS England, WorkWell is free for both individuals and employers. Support is delivered through local partner organisations, ensuring people can access practical help close to home.
To find out more visit: WorkWell Devon – NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly
Explore your future with free NHS virtual work experience
Students across the South West have received their exam results, and as they take a break from studying, we’re encouraging young people to take the next step in exploring their future career options through our free virtual work experience platform, Springpod.
Whether students are preparing for university, considering apprenticeships, or still deciding what path to take, Springpod offers an accessible and flexible way to discover the wide range of opportunities available within the NHS. With more than 350 different roles within the NHS, Springpod helps young people gain a better understanding of both clinical and non-clinical careers through real-life insights from those already working in healthcare.
The nationally recognised platform is available to anyone aged 13 and older and can be accessed from anywhere in the UK, and they can explore engaging career modules, quizzes, videos, staff testimonials and live webinars to learn about career pathways and discover more about NHS professions.
Since launching, Springpod has helped more than 10,755 young people gain valuable work experience and career insights.
Stephanie Robey, our Volunteering and Employability Manager said: “Work experience can be transformational for young people. It gives them the opportunity to explore careers they may never have considered, build confidence and gain a genuine understanding of what different roles involve.
“You do not need to have your future mapped out straight away, and platforms like Springpod allow you to discover your interests at your own pace. We are proud to offer a flexible and inclusive programme that helps young people make informed decisions and see the wide range of rewarding careers available within the NHS.”
Traditional work experience placements are also available for people aged 16 and older. Springpod is free to join and can be completed at a time that suits individual learners throughout the summer holidays and beyond. Visit https://torbayandsouthdevon-nhs.springpod.com for more details and to sign up.
Healthwatch
Healthwatch inDevon, Plymouth and Torbay has published its quarterly impact and activity report, covering April–June 2026. It summarises what people told Healthwatch how it acted on their feedback and how this evidence is influencing local services and decision-making.
Key points include:
- it recorded 247 pieces of health and social care feedback, with GP, dental and hospital services the most commonly raised areas.
- Healthwatch referred or escalated 105 complaints and concerns to the organisations able to act.
- it made 12 formal submissions or requests to NHS, council, hospice, commissioning and regulatory organisations.
- Healthwatch published its Annual Report and Digital Healthcare Access report, highlighting the scale of our work and ongoing barriers created by multiple digital systems.
- its evidence helped clarify NHS earwax treatment routes, raised GP travel barriers affecting families and supported accessibility improvements at local hospitals.
Could you be a lifesaver?
Every day, blood donations help save and improve lives across the country. Right now, NHS Blood and Transplant is asking more people to come forward and donate, particularly people who are O negative and B negative.
If you’re eligible to give blood, please consider booking an appointment. A single donation can help multiple patients and support people receiving urgent treatment, undergoing surgery or living with long-term health conditions.
If you’ve never donated before, now could be the perfect time to find out more. Donating blood is a simple act that can make a real difference to someone in need.
To check whether you’re eligible and find an appointment near you, visit www.blood.co.uk
Thank you to everyone who already gives blood and helps ensure lifesaving supplies are available when patients need them most.
Find out about fostering
If you are interested in becoming a Foster Carer and want to find out more, you can come for a coffee and an informal chat with a member of Torbay Council’s Fostering team.
Councillor Nick Bye, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services for Torbay, said: “Providing a safe and loving foster or adoptive home, is one of the best gifts you can give to a cared for child, but many of our local Foster Carers have also described fostering as a privilege.
“We are particularly looking for short breaks Foster Carers in Torbay, as well as respite or stay over Fostering, though we need all types of Foster Carers.
“Local Foster Carers will get a range of support from our Children’s Services, recently rated Good for the second time in a row by Ofsted. We were also recently awarded our Child Friendly Certificate of Commitment by UNICEF UK.
“We are committed to doing the best for our children here in Torbay and really want to hear from you if you are thinking about Fostering. Please do come and have a chat to a member of our Fostering team at one of our events.”
- Saturday 22 August, 10am to 6pm: Torre Abbey Summer Fair, Torre Abbey, The King’s Drive, Torquay TQ2 5JE.
- Sunday 23 August, 10am to 6pm: Lions Club Family Fun Day, Youngs Park, 18, Youngs Park Road, Goodrington, TQ4 6BU.
- Sunday 29 August, 10am to 4pm: Green Top Market, The Banjo, Princess Gardens, Torquay, TQ2 5EZ
Why Foster with Torbay?
If you Foster with Torbay you will get access to:
- extensive support and training
- a dedicated social worker
- mentoring from an experienced Foster Carer
- support phone line
- access to a support network including local Foster Carers Forum
- events for you and your family throughout the year from a summer barbecue to Christmas party and the Train of Lights.
- free beach hut access and other benefits such as free passes for Paignton Zoo and free tickets for home games at Torquay United, plus much more.
If you can’t attend but are interested in Fostering you can still contact the Fostering service on 01803 207845, email fostering@torbay.gov.uk or complete an enquiry form via our website at www.torbay.gov.uk/fostering
Devon residents invited to shape the future of Neighbourhood health in Devon
People across Devon are invited to help shape the future of health and care as the NHS in Devon launches a new programme to help deliver care that is closer to home, more joined up and focussed on keeping people healthy.
Residents can take part in a survey, go along to an event, or join a new Devon People Panel, among other opportunities, to make sure their voice, previous experiences and opinions are heard.
Dr Chris Reid, Chief Place and Transformation Officer for NHS Devon and NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, said: “Continuing to deliver care in the same way is not sustainable. Health and care services across Devon are facing unprecedented pressure. Demand for NHS services continues to grow and hospitals are caring for increasing numbers of people whose needs could often be met closer to home. We want to hear what the people of Devon think. Let’s talk neighbourhood health.
“There are no immediate service changes proposed and no decisions made. Safety, quality and access to care remain our guiding principles. But we really want to listen first to the people of Devon.”
Get involved:
All activities are open to residents, patients, and carers.
Complete the Neighbourhood Health Survey, open until 02 October 2026. Anyone unable to complete the survey online can call Healthwatch (0800 520 0640) to complete it over the phone.
Come along to a Neighbourhood Health engagement days during September and October in Exeter, Barnstaple, Paignton, Plymouth or Tavistock. Read more about our community engagement work or register for the event online.
Join the lived experience group (stroke, diabetes, heart, lung, skin, bladder, kidneys, urinary, respiratory conditions, frailty and serious face, mouth and jaw conditions) or the Devon People Panel.
Sign up for official updates.
Visit Let’s talk Neighbourhood health for more information.
Become a member
Would you like to find out more about what we do?
Would you like to have a say in the future development of services we provide?
Why not become a member?
Find out more on our website: Become a member.
Read our previous Healthy Futures editions.
