Healthwatch Devon

04/09/2026

If you, a family member or a friend has either used or been affected by this service change, we would like to hear about your experience. Your voice matters and we encourage you to share your stories with us.

You can fill out our Have Your Say form at: www.hwdpt.org/have-your-say

You can also visit the Trust's website for the latest information, FAQs and details of the support available: https://loom.ly/3b9xrnk

03/09/2026

We have set up special appointments so you can talk about travel costs, transport and accommodation support in more detail.

Please speak to your community midwife if you would welcome one of these appointments.

More info https://www.royaldevon.nhs.uk/maternity-and-obstetrics/nddh-birth-services-temporary-changes/information-pack-for-women-birthing-people-and-families-in-northern-devon/

Devon Maternity & Neonatal Voices Partnership North Devon Maternity Services Royal Devon Maternity Hospital Exeter

03/09/2026

'Let’s Talk Neighbourhood Health' is a new opportunity to share what matters to you and help shape the future of local health and care services.

Find out more and have your say: https://onedevon.org.uk/neighbourhood-health-engagement/

02/09/2026

Latest update from RDUH regarding planned re-opening of Maternity services.

Delivering on our commitment to reopen birthing services at North Devon District Hospital we are able to confirm, subject to meeting essential safety criteria, a proposed reopening date of Tuesday 29 September.

A final review of staffing and safety criteria will take place two weeks before and we will confirm whether the reopening will take place.

The current temporary suspension remains in place. Women and birthing people should continue to follow their current personalised birth plans and continue to contact maternity triage on 01392 406616 early if they think they may be in labour or have urgent concerns.

Visit our website for more information: www.royaldevon.nhs.uk/news/planning-underway-to-reopen-birthing-services-at-north-devon-district-hospital-from-29-september

01/09/2026

NDDH maternity services update

The latest information about the temporary suspension of births at North Devon District Hospital has now been updated, including two new videos answering some of the questions being asked by women, birthing people and families.

Visit the Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Foundation Trust website to view the latest information and videos:
royaldevon.nhs.uk/maternity-and-obstetrics/nddh-birth-services-temporary-changes/

If you’ve been affected by the changes, please share your experience with us. Your views can help us understand the impact on local people and make sure their voices are heard.

Visit: www.hwdpt.org/share/your/views

27/08/2026

What matters most to you when using local health and care services?

NHS Devon has launched its Let’s Talk Neighbourhood Health engagement and wants to hear about people’s experiences, priorities and ideas.

You can take part through a short survey or attend one of the engagement days in your local area.

Healthwatch is supporting people to take part independently.

Find out more and have your say: https://bit.ly/3U9V68z

Your local events will take place on:
• Monday 28th September at Exeter Community Centre
• Monday 19th October at Roundswell Community Centre, Barnstaple

To book a place now, visit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NHSNeighbourhoodWorkshop

26/08/2026

What matters most to you when using local health and care services?

NHS Devon has launched its Let’s Talk Neighbourhood Health engagement and wants to hear about people’s experiences, priorities and ideas.

You can take part through a short survey or attend one of five engagement days across Devon, Plymouth and Torbay.

Healthwatch is supporting people to take part independently.

Find out more and have your say: https://bit.ly/3U9V68z

25/08/2026

We want to hear about your experience of leaving hospital

Have you or someone you care for stayed overnight in an NHS hospital in Devon or Plymouth in the last 12 months?

We're asking people aged 16+ to share their experiences of leaving hospital, particularly where discharge was delayed or difficult.

Your feedback will help us understand what’s working well and where people may need better support when leaving hospital.

We’re particularly keen to hear from men, whose experiences can be underrepresented in surveys like this.

Complete our short survey: https://loom.ly/k29t_dE

The survey closes 9 October 2026.

Need help completing it? Call us free on 0800 520 0640 and we can support you over the phone.

25/08/2026

Update on Maternity Services at North Devon District Hospital

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has published its latest update on the temporary suspension of birth services at North Devon District Hospital.

The update includes information on recruitment and plans to safely reopen the service, current maternity arrangements, support available to women and birthing people, and travel and accommodation assistance.

The Trust is also continuing to gather feedback and hear from women, birthing people and families about their experiences.

Have you been affected by the temporary changes to maternity services in North Devon?

We want to hear about your experiences, including what has worked well, what could have been better and what impact the changes have had on you or your family.

Your feedback can help Healthwatch Devon understand people's experiences of local health and care services.

You can share your experience with us via our website: www.hwdpt.org/have-your-say

20/08/2026

Share your experience of leaving hospital

Have you or someone you care for stayed overnight in an NHS hospital in the last 12 months?

We’re asking people in Devon and Plymouth to tell us about their experience of leaving hospital.

Did you feel ready to leave? Was the right support, equipment, medication or follow-up in place? Or did you have to stay longer than expected?

We particularly want to hear from men, whose experiences are often underrepresented in surveys like this.

Your feedback will help us understand what’s working, what needs to improve and how people can be better supported when leaving hospital.

Survey link: https://loom.ly/k29t_dE

The survey is open to anyone aged 16+ who stayed overnight in an NHS hospital and experienced a delayed or difficult discharge in the last 12 months.

A carer, relative or friend can also complete the survey about someone they supported.

The survey closes 9 October 2026.

Need help completing it? Call Healthwatch free on 0800 520 0640 and we can support you over the phone.