News and reports

In June 2024, Healthwatch sought experiences of eConsult which is a free online platform that allows you to get help and advice from your NHS GP practice. You can use it to let a GP know about any symptoms, ask a question or follow up about something, either for your own health or on behalf of someone you care for.

In May 2024, Healthwatch in Sussex sought experiences of being seen by a Physician’s Associate.

A Physician Associate supports doctors in the diagnosis and management of patients. A detailed explanation of a Physician Associate is available on the NHS website.

We are delighted to share ‘The value of listening’, our Annual Report for 2023-24. It highlights how we have listened to the voices of the public, patients and partners and used people’s feedback, experiences and preferences to help shape health and social care in East Sussex, and across Sussex.

Healthwatch routinely carries out short surveys to gather the views of people about health and social care services. This month we’re keen to understand your experiences of using pharmacy services.

From Monday 1st July, operating hours for The Beacon Practice (a branch practice of Victoria Medical Centre) will be as follows:

Are you a carer? If you provide unpaid care for a friend or family member who, due to illness, disability, or another problem, cannot cope without support, you may be entitled to help.

Men’s Health Awareness Week 2024, hosted by the Men’s Health Forum, aims to encourage men to speak up and share their stories. Starting June 10th and ending on June 16th (Father’s Day), Men’s Health Awareness Week allows fathers, brothers, sons, and male friends to open up to one another, shedding light on the health difficulties that men face and removing the stigma around seeking help.

Healthwatch in Sussex as the local independent watchdog for health and care would like to hear about your most recent experience of eConsult, including what works well and where it could be improved, through our short six question poll.

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 May 2024.

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.