News and reports

In our June newsletter we ran a poll asking people to share their experiences of using NHS Digital Platforms, including NHS 111 Online, the NHS App, My Health and Care Record and eConsult. We heard from people who were not aware of these platforms, some who were aware but not used them and others that wanted further information about them.

The Brighton and Sussex Health Research Partnership (HRP), established in 2022 by Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS), is an exciting initiative bringing together academic and National Health Service (NHS) partners across Sussex.

In May/June 2023, Healthwatch volunteers and staff reviewed a draft website for one of the three practices that make up Bexhill Primary Care Network [PCN].

Healthwatch East Sussex (HWES) has today published a report summarising the experiences we heard and the common issues and barriers affecting access to health and care services for asylum seekers in Eastbourne.

From Friday 29th September 2023, patients will no longer be able to order repeat prescriptions using the NHS Sussex Prescription Ordering (POD) telephone and text messaging service. NHS Sussex identified this follows a review of the availability of these services across the whole of Sussex and aims to ensure that this level of care is provided by the most appropriate service and to address duplication with many other prescription services.

Each year, IPSOS MORI the independent polling specialists, undertake a survey to find out how people feel about their GP practice, and the results of the GP Patient Survey for the last 12 months have recently been released.

A new report published today by MPs into dental care has called for urgent reform so more people can access an NHS dentist. The Health and Social Care Committee describes evidence of pain and distress due to being unable to see an NHS dentist as ‘totally unacceptable in the 21st century’.

Our colleagues at Sussex Health and Care have asked that we share the following message:

Each quarter we draw together public and patient experiences of health and care shared with us via enquiries to our Information & Signposting service, reviews on our Feedback Centre, public events and through our community and professional networks.

This document is a summary of the things we have heard about health and care, the issues we are monitoring and the actions we are taking.

We are delighted to share ‘Together we’re making health and social care better’, our Annual Report for 2022-23.

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.

The NHS in Sussex is urging those who need urgent medical care that’s not an emergency to support the NHS by using the right services for their needs over the planned industrial action by Junior Doctors. It is expected that Junior Doctors will take strike action for 72 hours from 7:00am on Wednesday 14 June until 7:00am on Saturday 17 June.

The NHS in Sussex is asking people to take care in the hot weather, and reminding everyone where they can get the right treatment for heat related health problems. Health services across Sussex are reporting high levels of demand this week with an increased number of people seeking medical help because of the heat.