PATIENT SURVEY RATES DEVON DOCTORS AS AMONGST BEST IN BRITAIN - 💊🏥

Report by Duncan Williams @PulmansWeekly

Devon's General Practitioners (GPs) have achieved an impressive accolade, ranking second in GP satisfaction according to the recently published National GP Patient Survey by NHS England.

The survey results indicate that nearly 8 out of 10 people express contentment with their local medical practices, making it one of the highest satisfaction rates in the country. Although there has been a slight decrease in overall satisfaction rates compared to the previous year, Devon still outperforms many other regions, with 78% of patients describing their experience with their GP practice as good.

An overwhelming 93% of patients surveyed reported that their needs were effectively addressed during their last GP appointment, and a significant proportion, almost 72%, had the opportunity for a face-to-face consultation in Devon.

The GP Patient Survey (GPPS) is conducted throughout England, offering valuable insights into patients' experiences with their GP practices. In Devon, a commendable response of over 14,300 individuals provided valuable feedback about their interactions with healthcare services. The survey, administered by Ipsos on behalf of NHS England, covers various topics, including local GP services.

Furthermore, there has been a notable increase in the number of healthcare professionals working in general practice in Devon compared to pre-pandemic times. This includes a diverse range of clinical roles such as clinical pharmacists, paramedics, and advanced nurse practitioners.

The nationally published GP appointment data (GPAD) showcases Devon's commitment to patient accessibility. Almost 50% of appointments are scheduled within one working day of patients reaching out to their practice, consistently exceeding the set targets.

Dr Nigel Acheson, Chief Medical Officer at NHS Devon, said: "We have excellent primary care services in Devon, and I am pleased to see we are well above national average for GP satisfaction across Devon.

"Our Devon GP practices have performed incredibly well considering the extreme challenges they continue to face. The current demand for GP appointments is way above that seen at pre-pandemic levels, and there has been significant growth in the appointments that are now offered to patients."

Overall, Devon's strong performance in the National GP Patient Survey underscores the efforts made to deliver satisfactory healthcare services to its residents. The dedication of its healthcare professionals and their focus on patient satisfaction have contributed to the region's success in healthcare provision.

WHY THE SOUTH WEST OF ENGLAND OFFERS SOMETHING SPECIAL FOR THE SERIOUS ANGLER - 🐟🐠🐠

A report by our Fishing Correspondent 

Freshwater fishing is a popular pastime in the South West of England, offering anglers the chance to catch a variety of fish species in the region's beautiful rivers and lakes. With its stunning scenery and diverse aquatic habitats, the South West is the perfect destination for those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy a peaceful day on the water.

One of the most popular freshwater fishing destinations in the South West is the River Exe. This majestic river flows from Exmoor through the heart of Devon and into the Exe Estuary, providing anglers with a wide range of fishing opportunities. The River Exe is home to a variety of fish species, including brown trout, salmon, grayling, and coarse fish such as roach, dace, and chub. The river Axe, running through the sublime Axe Valley, is another Devon river well worth exploring. In fact, our news group founder famously wrote his best known work, George Pulman's 'Book of the Axe' to highlight the charms of this exceptional stretch of water. Anglers can fish both these aforementioned rivers using a variety of methods, including fly fishing, bait fishing, and lure fishing.

Another popular freshwater fishing spot in the South West is the Chew Valley Lake, located in the picturesque Chew Valley in Somerset. The lake is well-known for its large trout and pike population, which attract anglers from all over the country. The lake is also home to other species such as perch, roach, and bream. Anglers can fish from the shore or from a boat, and there are several fishing platforms available for disabled anglers.

For those seeking another spot which can offer a memorable fishing experience, the River Tamar is a great destination. This tranquil river forms the border between Devon and Cornwall and provides anglers with the opportunity to catch brown trout and sea trout. The river is surrounded by beautiful countryside and offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

In addition to these popular fishing spots, the South West is also home to numerous other small streams and rivers, which can offer a unique fishing experience. These smaller waterways are often home to wild brown trout and can be fished using fly fishing or bait fishing.

However, it is important to note that fishing regulations vary depending on the location and species of fish being caught. Anglers should always consult local fishing regulations and obtain the necessary permits before embarking on a fishing trip.

Overall, freshwater fishing in the South West offers anglers the chance to escape to some of the most beautiful and peaceful locations in the country while also enjoying the thrill of catching a variety of fish species. Whether you are a seasoned angler or a beginner, the South West has something to offer everyone.

Pulman's Award sponsors online learning

We have always been so much more than just a community media brand... During the age of the internet, particularly during covid lock-downs, we have been delighted to introduce more people to online learning.

GEORGE PULMAN - VICTORIAN MEDIA MAN

- Remembering a rural publishing pioneer who was also a committed Christian.

Many West Country communities know the name George Pulman well. He is considered something of a Victorian media mogul who founded Pulman's Weekly News way back in 1857.

His media brands continued to be a prolific news source for over 150 years throughout the prime agricultural counties of Devon, Dorset and Somerset.

Pulman's news was always renowned for its reliability and trustworthiness. What was published by Pulman's journalists could be considered as being true.

What people may not know is that George Pulman was also a lifelong committed Christian who worshipped regularly at his local town church in Axminster, Devon.

To help rouse local attendance, George would enthusiastically play the church organ on a Sunday morning. There he went on to meet and marry his young wife, who was likewise drawn to become a regular member of the same Axminster congregation.

Throughout his life he believed in the importance of building community: through Church, rural life and local news. He always upheld values of truth and helped give voice to many West Country causes and concerns that might otherwise have been cast aside and forgotten.

Journalism was a task that required the utmost responsibility and was a profession treated with great respect.

So in today's era of fake news and political propaganda, perhaps it is time to remember the values of one of the news media's earliest pioneers.

A man of faith who built a regional media empire in the wake of the industrial revolution which lasted through multiple generations.

The 'Pulman's Award' and bursary continues to uphold the same values of George Pulman and is open for nominations throughout the year.

George Philip Rigney Pulman: 1819 - 1880

Tribunal rules job loss workers are entitled to £250k

Reported by Hamish Marshall for BBC Spotlight

Hamish Marshall 

Two dozen workers in Devon and Dorset have won their case to get an estimated £250,000 they're owed - nine months after losing their jobs.

"The View From" series of newspapers, which included Axminster, Lyme Regis and Weymouth, was closed and then sold by Cornish businessman Peter Masters in January.

An employment tribunal has ruled new owner Duncan Williams is now responsible for the staff wages, notice and redundancy payments.

A hearing will be held next year to decide how much each worker - including journalists and sales executives - is entitled to.

The government will foot the bill if Mr Williams declares himself bankrupt.

He has told the BBC he intends to appeal the decision.

George Philip Rigney Pulman

The Pulman's Weekly News and Advertiser series were founded in England in 1857 by Axminster born George Pulman. (His name is often mistakenly confused with the American railroad pioneer.)

The Pulman's series are important records of a prolific Victorian era press group that went on to span multiple decades and bridge three consecutive centuries.

Over the years the Pulman's titles expanded across East Devon, West Dorset and South Somerset and were published by a succession of newspaper owners.

In 2012 the papers morphed into the Pulman's View From series, covering predominantly the same areas as before and, in keeping with the times, developed an online presence.

In 2018, following a decade of repeat financial problems, administrations and closures, the titles were bought out through a crowdfunding initiative.

----

"We are very pleased to announce the launch of the new 'Pulman's Award', a prize and trophy* given to West Country individuals, or groups, who encourage the spirit of good communication, educational endeavour or community service that our founder, George P. R. Pulman embodied."

Duncan Williams, on behalf of
Pulman's Weekly News Group

More about George Philip Rigney Pulman

*Sponsorship opportunities and nominations now open.

Crowdfunding bid launched to save axed weekly news series

A media and marketing director has launched a bid to revive a series of weekly newspapers which shut last week with the loss of around 20 jobs.

Duncan Williams, left, has started a crowdfunding campaign following the closure of the ‘View From’ series – which serve towns in Dorset, Devon and Somerset.

The series has ceased publication, resulting in around 20 redundancies, less than six months after the titles were bought by Truro City Football Club chairman Peter Masters in July last year.

The purchase followed his buyout of the Liskeard-based Sunday Independent earlier in 2017.

Duncan is a commercial development consultant with News Group Ltd, and runs Dorset-based marketing service the Poole Post.

He is aiming to raise £85,000 by 3 March to buy the ‘View From’ titles and take them into community ownership.

In a pitch to potential investors on his crowdfunding page, Duncan said: “This is very sad news indeed for Dorset and the south. Local newspapers are the voice of our communities. In this era of ‘fake news’, brands that have over a 100 years of reporting creditably should not be lost. We now have a whole county dominated by American owned media giant Newsquest.

“In addition to Dorset, View News faithfully covered stories in the counties of Somerset and Devon for many years. Highlighting local interest stories and helping to profile small businesses in these areas, View News and Pulman’s Weekly News are trusted and respected brands. Too good to lose.

“We are proposing new community ownership business model. And in doing so we aim to prove to the city banks, venture capitalists and advertising agencies that regional communities value their local media.

“It offers a chance for local people to have a real stake in and to share their views and voices as part of their own local media group.”

The newspapers affected by last week’s closures are the View From titles based in Beaminster, Bridport, Dorchester, Lyme Regis, Weymouth, Seaton, Honiton and South Somerset, and the Pulman’s Weekly News which is based in Axminster.

A spokesman for the Independent said last week: “Having acquired the titles out of administration in July of last year we agreed to continue publishing the loss-making titles for six months in a bid to give continued employment for the staff.

“But in the light of continued falling revenues, we have reluctantly decided that the titles are no longer sustainable.”

Report by David Sharman for Holdthefrontpage.co.uk