THE way in which public health in Devon is delivered and organised will change significantly in the next two weeks, as responsibility for the health of the county's communities is handed back to the local authority for the first time in 39 years.

The move comes as part of a number of changes to the management of the health service, introduced by the government in its bid to 'liberate the NHS'.

As of April 1, Devon County Council is required to deliver services that improve the health of the county's population, prevent ill-health and reduce current inequalities that exist from region to region.

This includes stop smoking advice, drug and alcohol services, sexual health clinics and providing advice and intelligence to health commissioners. Devon has also set up a HealthWatch, part of a national network of organisations that can look into complaints and scrutinise the performance of local health and social care providers.

For the full report, and a round up of the area news and sport, please see this week's edition of the 'Post'.