News and reports

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.

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.

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.

Following two inspections in June 2023, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) has lowered its rating for Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust’s child and adolescent mental health (CAMHS) ward at Chalkhill, from ‘Good’ to ‘Requires Improvement’. The overall rating for Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust remains good.

Healthwatch East Sussex has heard about the impact of increases in the cost of living on people’s wellbeing and their access to health and care services. We have drawn together information on the various schemes that offer reduced costs and support for those most in need.

What is independent advocacy? An independent advocate can support and empower you to speak up for yourself, or to speak up on someone’s behalf.

Have you sought help or advice about an ear wax problem in the last two years? If so, Healthwatch East Sussex as the local independent watchdog for health and care, would like to hear about your experience, including: