News and reports

Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do at Healthwatch East Sussex. Our volunteers give people a voice in health and social care by raising the profile of issues that matter to patients and service users, playing a crucial role in improving local health and social care services.

Today (3rd June) marks the start of Volunteers Week and we would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to our volunteers! They represent their communities and are passionate about ensuring patient, public, and community voices are heard and listened to.

This year’s Learning Disability Week (17th-23rd May), run by MENCAP, focuses on the theme ‘Do you See Me?’, to highlight the importance for people with learning disabilities being heard, seen and valued.

Join us at our 2024 Annual Event to hear about our work and to share your experiences. With local peoples feedback, Healthwatch will continue to champion patient voice and help improve health and social care services for everyone.

Young Healthwatch looks at the healthcare issues that directly effect young people. We aim to ensure that young people’s thoughts, ideas and experiences are listened to and acted upon by decision makers, to make things better for young people across the county.

The Government has launched a consultation on the NHS Constitution, which sets out your rights as an NHS patient. Read why it’s important to have your say. The NHS Constitution sets out your rights as a patient of NHS services. It also includes the commitments the NHS aims to achieve so you get high-quality care.

On Wednesday 12th June, our host organisation East Sussex Community Voice (ESCV) are hosting an Open Office at their new office space in Eastbourne. The event is open to the public, community groups and local organisations. Drop in to find out more about ESCV, and how you can get involved in the work they do.

In October 2023, Young Healthwatch East Sussex (HWES) undertook an ‘Enter and View’ review of the Paediatric Department at The Conquest Hospital in Hastings, operated by East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust (ESHT).

This years Mental Health Awareness Week 2024, hosted by the Mental Health Foundation, is all about getting out and about and finding time for the things you most enjoy. This year, it takes place from May 13–19, and the theme is ‘Movement’.

What is a Physician Associate? A physician associate might work in a GP surgery or be based in a hospital, but most work in GP practices. They support doctors in the diagnosis and management of patients.

In April 2024, the three local Healthwatch in Sussex sought experiences of the Memory Assessment Service (MAS).

The Memory Assessment Service undertakes assessments of memory problems (including diagnosis of dementia) via a thorough review of cognition and effects on functioning.

This year, Dying Matters awareness week (6th-12th May), run by Hospice UK, encourages us to have honest conversations about death and dying by focusing on the theme ‘The Way We Talk About Dying Matters.’ Honest, timely conversations about death and dying between families, carers and health professionals, ensure you or loved ones receive the right end of life care and support.