News and reports

Do you want to make a difference? NHS Sussex are looking to recruit volunteers from a diverse range of backgrounds to support them to put people and communities at the heart of NHS Services. There are two types of volunteer roles available and you can give as much or as little time as you have available.

This report provides an overview of the themes that the three Healthwatch in Sussex (Brighton &Hove, East Sussex and West Sussex) heard between June and September 2023, and the responses received from our health and care partners. A document summarising our recent publications is also provided.

As we head into the colder months, we know many residents will be worrying about staying warm at home. Rises in energy prices are a big concern, especially for those who already find it hard to heat their home and are on a low income.

NHS England (London and South East regions) is holding a consultation about very specialist cancer treatment services for children living in Brighton and Hove, East Sussex, Kent, Medway, south London, and most of Surrey.

Did you know you can choose which hospital you go to when referred for a test, diagnosis, or treatment? Find out how.

During engagement with people and communities, we have heard that it can be a struggle to know how to access pharmacies and prescriptions outside of usual business hours, including during weekends and on bank holidays. We have drawn together some information to help you find a pharmacy near you, including those open outside of 9am to 5pm.

We regularly review the experiences you told us through public events, surveys, Feedback Centre and Information & Signposting enquiries.

Healthwatch uses your feedback with health and care decision-makers to seek a positive difference, and this document sets out the issues you raised and any changes you have helped us to deliver during October 2023.

Healthwatch in Sussex (a collaboration between Healthwatch Brighton and Hove, Healthwatch East Sussex, and Healthwatch West Sussex) were commissioned by the Outpatient Transformation Team at NHS Sussex to run workshops in April/May 2023 with the purpose of gaining participant views on new initiatives aimed at improving the Outpatient experience.

Following successful engagement activity last year, Healthwatch East Sussex again undertook a Summer Road Show in 2023.

We engaged with people at public and community events across East Sussex so we could hear their health and care experiences.

Our host organisation, East Sussex Community Voice (ESCV) are recruiting a Senior Engagement Officer; this role will drive forward a strategic and diverse approach to engagement across our diverse activities, including Healthwatch.

NHS social prescribing link workers can connect you to the right community groups and services to help support you.

Do you or a loved one need help with social care? Read the article below to find out answers to key questions about who can access adult social care, what support it may offer and how to pay for it.