AN informative talk by Dr Stephen Miller entitled “the NHS chaos theory” was enjoyed by members of the Crediton Branch of the University of the Third Age (U31) at their July meeting.

Dr Miller, who used to run a one-person practice in North Devon and is now a locum at a local surgery, gave an outline of what life was like before the NHS.

He then went on to explain how the NHS functions at present with the three NHS bodies which can be broadly divided into three different groups: Commissioners, Providers and Regulators.

Dr Miller responded to a wide range of questions including the emotive debate about the closure of local hospitals.

The next open meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 15 and includes a talk by Jenny Bennett entitled “The River Exe over time”.

Looking ahead, on September 19, Professor Ian Barclay will talk on “Why did they invent that?”).

Meetings are held in the Boniface Centre with doors open at 9.30am for a 10.15am start.

For more information please visit the website ( U3asites.org.uk/crediton ) or telephone David Agasee (chair) on 01363 775698.