Unfortunately, numbers at the monthly meeting of our Crediton and Area Branch of Devon Senior Voice have decreased significantly this year. However, the quality of our speakers has most certainly not, and we continue to have high profile names from the health service coming to talk to us. They come with first-hand knowledge of how the system works and are willing to answer in-depth, varied questions about service provision for the over 50s.
This month we were privileged to be joined by Vikki Cochran who is employed by the South Devon and Torbay Clinical Commissioning Group. In her role as commissioning manager, Vikki is responsible for mental health services covering the whole of Devon. Her very interesting and informative talk, lasting over an hour, covered topics such as the Sustainability and Transformation Partnership (STP), Health and Well-Being Co-ordinators, Social Prescribing and the importance of the, often overlooked, connection between mental and physical health. Chair, Carole Towler, warmly thanked Ms Cochran and invited her to stay for some light refreshments before returning to South Devon.
Next month we are, again, delighted to have another very high profile speaker. Professor Em Wilkinson-Brice, is deputy CEO of the RD&E Hospital, as well as the Chief Nurse. It’s a real coup to have someone of her stature talking to our small local group, and branch Chair, Carole Towler, urges as many members as possible to attend the meeting. A question members are keen to get some clarity on is, ‘What services are there (or will there be) to fill the gaps left by the removal of inpatient beds in the community hospitals across Devon?”. Prof Wilkinson-Brice’s talk will take place on Wednesday October 10th at our new monthly venue: Resident’s Lounge, Clifford Gardens (Housing and Care 21), Jockey Hill, between 2pm and 4pm. All are welcome and there will be light refreshments available. Entrance is free, but donations towards room hire etc. would be gratefully received. For further information, please call Carole Towler on 01392 851600.