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Torbay hospital event to explore power of patient choice in healthcare

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
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Torbay hospital event to explore power of patient choice in healthcare

The importance of involving people in decisions about their care will be discussed at a free event at Torbay Hospital next month.

Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon Raju Ramesh is an advocate of shared decision making, which involves clinicians and patients working together to make important decisions about healthcare, balanced against the patient’s personal goals and preferences.

On Tuesday 28 April Mr Ramesh, who works at Torbay Hospital, will host Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust’s Medicine for Members’ event, sharing his experience of embedding patient choice at the heart of how he provides care in a career which has spanned nearly 40 years.  

Mr Ramesh says: “Actively involving people in decisions about their care ensures they become partners in their treatment, rather than passive recipients. This approach asks patients, “What matters to you?” rather than “What is the matter with you?”

Shared decision making empowers people and increases engagement with their care, and evidence shows that when people participate in discussions about treatment options and care preferences, they are more likely to stick with the agreed plan and be less likely to regret decisions.

“Translating complex clinical pathways into clear, patient-facing information enables genuine shared decision-making and helps people to choose treatments that align with their values, expectations and stages of disease. When patients understand their choices, they make better decisions and move from being passive recipients to informed partners in their treatment journey.”

There will also be an opportunity to ask Raju questions about shared decision making, although he cannot answer queries about individuals and their care.

The event takes place from 5pm – 6pm in TREC, Torbay Hospital and will also be live-streamed, which you can join by clicking on this link: Medicine for Members April event.

It’s free to attend, but please email tsdft.foundationtrust@nhs.net to confirm your attendance if you are planning to join in person.

Medicine for Members is a free health talk covering a different topic and area of health each session. Hosted by Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust’s clinical professionals, information is provided on specific conditions, treatments and available support services.

Governors will also be available to meet informally with any guests who wish to sign up to Foundation Trust Membership. Governors represent the interests of members, the public and our staff and they are really interested in meeting with you to hear your views on our organisation and our services.

Thousands join Plymouth’s new weekly food waste collection scheme

Plymouth City Council
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Thousands join Plymouth’s new weekly food waste collection scheme

We’d like to say a huge thank you to residents who took part in the first week of Plymouth’s brand new weekly food waste collections.

Thousands of households across parts of Plymstock, including Elburton, Hooe, Oreston and Turnchapel, as well as in Devonport, Keyham, Plympton, Southway, Tamerton Foliot and Whitleigh helped us get the service off to a really encouraging start.

As with all new things, there’s still some learning and fine tuning happening behind the scenes, but crews have reported brilliant participation across the areas visited so far.

Councillor Tom Briars-Delve, Cabinet Member for the Environment and Climate Change, said: “I want to say a huge, personal thank you to everyone in phase one who has put out their food waste this week.

“We’re still learning but it’s really great to see the number of people across communities who have been getting involved in this project.

“If you live in the first phase and you haven’t had achance to put your food waste caddy out, remember that the service is weekly and it’s not too late to start next week.”

As we move into week two, a couple of useful reminders:

  • Food waste is collected on the same day as your other waste, but by a separate vehicle, so if your caddy hasn’t been emptied at the same time as your bin, please leave it out
  • If for whatever reason we missed your food waste collection then sincere apologies. Please do log it so we can monitor rounds and continue improving the service as it beds in.

In the meantime, most questions can be answered at www.plymouth.gov.uk/foodwaste

New guidance aims to protect historic shipwrecks off Devon coast

Devon and Cornwall Police
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New guidance aims to protect historic shipwrecks off Devon coast

Devon & Cornwall Police’s Rural Affairs Sergeant, Julian Fry, has contributed his experience and expertise to new guidance making it easier for law enforcement agencies to detect and respond to heritage crime at sea. The new guidance was launched by Historic England and the University of Plymouth.

The new Common Enforcement Manual for Heritage Crime at Sea is a maritime crime-fighting aid produced by Historic England in partnership with the University of Plymouth’s school of law, humanities and social sciences.

The guidance includes comprehensive legal advice and protocols for the observation, investigation and interception of vessels suspected of being involved in criminal activity, and outlines necessary communication procedures between relevant organisations.

There are 57 nationally important protected shipwrecks around the coast of England, 21 of which are located off Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Wrecks lying on the seabed present very obvious challenges for those monitoring them, so if crime or suspicious activity is detected on a protected wreck it is crucial that those tasked with maritime enforcement are able to act swiftly.

While most divers abide by the law, an unscrupulous minority have removed material or failed to follow legal requirements, resulting in irreparable damage to several historic shipwreck sites.

Rural Affairs Officer, Sergeant Julian Fry is the Heritage Crime Tactical Lead for Devon & Cornwall Police, and National Police Tactical Lead for Operation Birdie which targets the illegal salvage or disturbance of protected wrecks.

Sgt Fry provided information for the policing section of the manual and attended the official launch of the Common Enforcement Manual for Heritage Crime at Sea, which took place at Historic England Head Office in London on 19 February.

He said, “The new Common Enforcement Manual will be a game-changer. It provides clear and easy-to-use guidance that will help to ensure our maritime heritage sites are properly protected.

“Last year, the HMS Coronation, which went down off Rame Head, Cornwall in 1691 – and was added to the Protection of Wrecks Act in 1978 – was subject to potential damage after a series of lobster pots were found on the wreck in Cornwall.

“Preservation of nationally important heritage sites is essential and this pioneering manual which brings together into one place the knowledge, skills and experience of those involved with enforcement in the maritime heritage crime sector will help us to extend the protection for underwater heritage sites for years to come.

“The guide will be shared with Police, Coastguard, Border Force, Ministry of Defence and other key partners; outlining powers available to them to safeguard maritime heritage, as well as steps they can take to enforce protection laws.”

Historic England hopes that this pioneering ‘one-stop-resource’ for maritime heritage crime will enable law enforcement agencies to act quickly in response to suspected heritage crime incidents.

Mark Harrison, Historic England’s Head of Heritage Crime, said: “Responding to heritage crime at sea requires swift action, clear procedures and the secure preservation of evidence.

“By strengthening awareness and coordination among the law enforcement agencies patrolling England’s waters, we are enhancing our collective ability to identify offenders, secure crime scenes, and protect historic wreck sites. This sends a clear message that criminal activity will not be tolerated.”

The manual was developed by Associate Professor of Law Jason Lowther and Visiting Professor Mike Williams, from Plymouth University’s School of Law, Humanities and Social Sciences, along with Beccy Austin, a senior consultant working for MSDS Marine.

They added: “The Common Enforcement Manual is an unprecedented piece of joined-up action. It has active support from key agencies including the police, government and fisheries bodies and marks a major milestone in the protection of our rich underwater cultural heritage.”

All protected wreck sites are mapped and highlighted on navigational charts, they are also on the National Heritage List for England (NHLE) which can be accessed here: https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/

For more information about heritage and rural crime, visit: What is rural crime? | Devon & Cornwall Police

If you witness suspicious activity or something doesn’t look right, please report it to police: Report a crime | Devon & Cornwall Police

Safeguards agreed as future of Matford offices site in Exeter debated

Devon County Council
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Safeguards agreed as future of Matford offices site in Exeter debated

Devon County Council’s Cabinet has agreed to ensure that safeguards are in place to protect the future use of the Matford Offices site at County Hall, Exeter.

Councillors supported a motion on Wednesday, 11 March, recognising that the site has already been declared surplus, while committing to further work to explore development options that align with the Council’s strategic priorities and aspirations.

As part of the decision, a report will return to Cabinet setting out potential development options, alongside proposals for future guarantees on how the site could be used. These could include legal covenants and contractual obligations to ensure any development meets the authority’s strategic priorities and have a high environmental specification.

The Matford site, formerly used as council offices, includes public open space. Previous proposals highlighted the opportunity to use the site to support the Council’s priorities, including addressing Devon’s shortage of affordable, good‑quality housing, while safeguarding trees, a green corridor between the site and Matford Lane, and key walking routes.

Deputy Leader Councillor Paul Arnott thanked residents and stakeholders for their input and stressed the importance of safeguards in the process and said: “Thank you to all who have contributed to this debate and to members of the public for their representations,” he said.

“Many of us came into local politics to prevent poor outcomes in planning in local government.

“As well as the process agreed to here, we have a backstop in place. Exeter City Council, as the planning authority, will have the ability to place any conditions that they feel are necessary on any future development, or of course to say no.”

Fury as Tiverton and Minehead miss out on £20m regeneration fund

Devon Today
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Fury as Tiverton and Minehead miss out on £20m regeneration fund

The Government has been accused of leaving Tiverton and Minehead “out in the cold” by Conservative campaigner James Wright after a Freedom of Information (FOI) request revealed that the area was passed over for a major £20 million investment fund without a single local person being consulted.

The Pride in Place programme, a multi-billion-pound initiative aimed at rejuvenating the UK’s towns, expanded its reach in late 2025 to include 169 new locations. However, the new Tiverton and Minehead constituency was missing from the list, prompting local campaigners to demand answers as to why the area was ignored.

In a formal response to the FOI request, the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) admitted it had “no recorded representations or correspondence” from anyone in Tiverton or Minehead during the design of the funding phase. More controversially, the Department refused to release the scores that determined which towns got the cash and which did not.

The response also confirmed that the Government did not perform any impact assessments on why specific places, like Tiverton and Minehead, were excluded, stating the process was “undertaken entirely through quantitative assessment”.

James Wright, a local farmer and campaigner who spearheaded the investigation, said the findings prove that rural communities are being governed by “faceless spreadsheets.”

“Government by spreadsheet is leaving areas like ours behind” Mr. Wright said. “Imagine the impact in towns like Minehead, Tiverton, Watchet or Wiveliscombe this money would have had? “

“It a rigged game. While we are told to wait, billions are being funnelled into urban areas where the Labour is more worried about the vote. We don’t want secret scores; we need the investment we were promised for our high streets and communities.”

The “Pride in Place” funding is designed to support areas suffering from high deprivation and weak social infrastructure. While towns like Bridgwater and parts of Plymouth have secured 10-year investment deals worth up to £20 million, Tiverton and Minehead remain ineligible for the current round of support.

The Government maintains that its methodology identifies the “most in need” neighbourhoods using national data. However, critics argue this approach systematically overlooks the unique challenges of rural poverty and the “hidden” deprivation found in market and coastal towns.

East Devon countryside team launches packed programme of spring events

East Devon District Council
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East Devon countryside team launches packed programme of spring events
East Devon District Council’s Countryside team are celebrating a vibrant start to Spring, launching a packed programme of events and stepping up preparations for the busy bird‑breeding season.
Despite a challenging winter of heavy rains, flooding, and storm‑damaged trees, the team’s enthusiasm for getting “Spring Ready” has never wavered.
They are delighted to unveil a diverse events programme featuring much‑loved favourites such as Willow Weaving, the return of Guided Bat and Nightjar Walks, and Spring Crafts sessions which are already close to being sell-outs.
Families can also enjoy the ever‑popular Spring Nature Trail at Seaton Wetlands, offering a fun and engaging way to explore the outdoors.
Seasonal highlights that are set to draw crowds once again, include the Seaton Wetlands Mother’s Day Cream Tea; an event which proved a major success last year and the bustling annual Cake and Tea Bluebell Afternoon at Holyford Woods Local Nature Reserve.
Alongside community events, vital conservation work is well underway in anticipation of Spring bird migration and breeding. The team has been clearing out Kestrel and Sand Martin nest boxes, ensuring safe and welcoming spaces for returning birds. Over the winter, the artificial cliff nesting site received essential maintenance to ensure it is ready for what is hoped to be another excellent breeding year.
With nearly 90 breeding pairs successfully raising more than 500 chicks last spring, the team is looking forward to another remarkable season for this charismatic species.
Councillor Richard Jefferies, Portfolio Holder for Environment – Nature & Climate, said “It’s wonderful to see such energy and preparation going into the start of Spring. The Countryside Team’s work not only supports our valuable wildlife during the crucial breeding season but also strengthens the connection our communities have with the natural spaces around them. Events like these bring people together, encourage wellbeing, and showcase the incredible landscapes we are fortunate to have here in East Devon.
We’re delighted to see so many opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy, learn, and appreciate the importance of conserving these special habitats for future generations.”
Countryside Manager, James Chubb, added: “Spring is always one of the most exciting times of the year for the Countryside Team. Our events programme is packed with opportunities for people of all ages to connect with nature, and we’re thrilled to welcome visitors back for another vibrant season. Equally important is the work happening behind the scenes.
From preparing and maintaining specialist habitats like the Sand Martin cliff or creating water vole lawns on the bankside of ponds, these efforts ensure that our wildlife gets the best possible start to the breeding season. The results speak for themselves each year, and we’re hopeful that this spring will be our most successful yet.” Members of the public are invited to explore 
East Devon Countryside’s full Spring Events Programme by visiting the Wild East Devon website. This season is also the perfect time to experience the award‑winning Seaton Wetlands nature reserve, where visitors can enjoy live nest‑camera footage at the Discovery Hut and unwind in the peaceful surroundings with a refreshing drink.

Exeter play areas boosted by £1.2m investment across the city

Exeter City Council
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Exeter play areas boosted by £1.2m investment across the city

More than £1 million has been invested in improving facilities at the city’s play areas over the last six years, new figures have revealed. 

The city council funds a rolling programme of repairs and improvements for play areas right across the city. 

Between 2019 and 2025, more than 60 sites in Exeter have undergone improvements as part of the programme. 

The figures show: 

  • A total of £1.2m total investment in play across the city since 2019 
  • £557,000 has been spent on item replacements, repairs and minor refurbishments 
  • £611,000 has been delivered through the Play Area Capital Programme for new installations and improvements  
  • 63 sites have received improvements to equipment in the last six years  
  • £41,000 has been spent maintaining the St Thomas Splash Pad 

Among the major improvements that took place last year was Exwick Station Road play area. 

Funding is already in place to continue the programme over the next two years for improvements at a number of sites across the city. 

And further funding has been set aside to support future enhancement of the Heavitree paddling pool and play area. 

The city council is responsible for maining more than 80 play facilities in the city. 

Cllr Ruth Williams, Lead Councillor for City Development, said: “These play areas are really important to our residents.  

“They provide great entertainment for children and are perfect for healthy, outdoor activities for a range of ages. 

“They are also much-loved by parents because they provide free and fun play equipment close to where families live.” 

Cllr Williams said she welcomed the investment the council has made in improving play equipment and facilities over recent years. 

She said: “We have brilliant parks and green spaces in Exeter which are home to some fantastic play equipment. There are also a large number of smaller play areas right across the city which are maintained by the council. They are part of what makes Exeter special. 

“Our rolling programme of repairs and improvements helps to ensure that the city’s play areas will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.” 

Exeter has more than 250 acres of public open space. Together with the valley parks, public open space makes up 9.5% of the total area of the city. 

Exeter parks and open spaces provide some of the most widely used social and recreational facilities for residents and visitors. 

Police drug dogs visit South Devon schools to teach pupils about policing

Devon and Cornwall Police
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Police drug dogs visit South Devon schools to teach pupils about policing

Staff and students at secondary schools in Newton Abbot and Ashburton had two special canine visitors this week and learned more about police dogs and their work in the community.   

Passive drugs dogs Jasper and Skye, along with their handlers and the Ashburton & Chudleigh Neighbourhood Policing Team, visited Newton Abbot College, Coombeshead Academy, Teign School, South Dartmoor Community College and South Devon University Technical College.  

The visits, which took place on Monday 9 March, were purely educational, giving students the chance to see the dogs in action and learn about the important role the canines play in keeping our residents of all ages safe.


PC Jo Gilbrook explained: “We want to reassure parents this was about sharing knowledge and not a targeted search operation. Schools have their own behaviour policies meaning that staff can search students bags, if required. Our aim this week was simply to engage with young people, build understanding around policing, and showcase the important work of our police dogs. 

“A big thank you to the staff and students who welcomed us into their schools, it was a pleasure to meet them.”   

Drugs dogs across Devon & Cornwall Police Force area assist officers in specialist operations. One of the initiatives they take part in are Pubs Against Drugs (PAD) operations which happen take place across licensed premises to make checks and keep customers safe.

For updates from the local policing teams please follow Ashburton & Chudleigh Police on Facebook. 

Senior police officer takes new role leading neighbourhood teams

Devon and Cornwall Police
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Senior police officer takes new role leading neighbourhood teams

A senior officer with 20 years’ experience in a policing has returned to neighbourhood policing; setting new priorities and leading local teams in North Devon.

Last month, Inspector Joey Lester stepped into her new role as neighbourhood policing Inspector for South Molton, Lynton, Ilfracombe and Braunton and will be using a variety of policing tactics – including increased proactive patrols, utilising plain-clothed officers, working with partner organisations and empowering communities through education – to tackle new policing priorities set for the area.

Insp. Lester’s priorities have been carefully outlines to respond to the needs of communities in North Devon, and include:

  • Addressing anti-social behaviour and persistent low-level offending in town centres.
  • Tackling the supply, misuse and possession of drugs and controlled substances
  • Reducing violence against women and girls
  • Building stronger relationships with rural communities to tackle rural crime
  • Working with the Road Casualty Reduction team and Vision Zero South West to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on roads in North Devon
  • Increasing police visibility and public engagement events in areas without an accessible public enquiry office

Insp. Joey Lester said, “I believe strong relationships with our communities are key in achieving successful outcomes and I know the previous Inspector – Rich Preston – worked tirelessly to build strong relationships between police and people living in North Devon. This is something I admire and am determined to continue.”

Joey joined Devon & Cornwall Police in 2006, as a Special Constable. After three years volunteering her time to make a difference in her community, Joey joined as a Police Officer and has spent time in many roles, including response, investigation, neighbourhood policing, specialist operations, and learning and development.

In most recent years, Insp. Lester worked as an Emergency Response Inspector covering North, East, West and Mid-Devon, including Exeter, and she continues to carry out her secondary role as a Public Order Public Safety Commander; responsible for organising the police response to planned public events and spontaneous disorder.

Joey is passionate about policing and is committed to reducing crime and anti-social behaviour, bringing offenders to justice and safeguarding vulnerable people in the North Devon community.

Inspector Lester continued, “Having spent time in many different areas of policing, I have built a strong understanding of policing and the challenges we face, and have adjusted our policing priorities to ensure policing is not only visible, but genuinely connected to the people it serves.

“We have three new Police Community Support Officers joining the teams in Ilfracombe, Lynton and South Molton which will help to provide a more visible policing presence and optimise opportunities to engage with people living locally.

Inspector Lester concluded, “When you see officers out on patrol, please stop and have a chat with them; tell them what’s going well and if there’s anything we might need to be aware of.  

“We are committed to keeping our communities safe and ask that any concerns are reported to us. As always, please call 999 in an emergency. Otherwise, information can be shared with us by filling in a form on our website or calling 101.”

For the latest updates and crime prevention advice, follow your local team on Facebook.

Police seize 58 potentially lethal weapons during firearms amnesty

Devon and Cornwall Police
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Police seize 58 potentially lethal weapons during firearms amnesty

Police Firearms Amnesty success: potentially lethal weapons taken out of circulation

A total of 58 top venting blank‑firer (TVBF) guns were handed in to police stations across Devon and Cornwall, during a Firearms Amnesty which took place across the counties throughout February.

The amnesty period was designed to enable those who purchased one of the models legally for their intended use to dispose of them safely. It also prevents potentially lethal weapons falling into the hands of criminals who may seek to convert them and pose a risk to the public.

Possession of one of the guns could now result in a prison sentence of 10 years.

Chief Inspector Rob Curtis of Devon & Cornwall Police said, “We’re delighted to see that 58 guns have been taken out of circulation, making our communities safer. This demonstrates the public’s commitment to reducing the risks associated with imitation firearms.

“We urge anyone who is concerned about any weapons in their communities to report to us.

“A single report could prove vital in solving serious crimes, removing illegally-held lethal weapons, or potentially saving a life.”

Anyone with information regarding illegal firearms activity should contact police as a matter of urgency. Reports can be made here: www.dc.police.uk/tua

Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contact 100% anonymously via 0800 555 111.

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