News and reports

A Carer's Card is a form of identification that recognises and supports unpaid carers. It can be used to prove carer status in various settings and in emergency situations, and to access discounts.

People are being urged to access the right care when they need it, as health and care teams in Sussex prepare for upcoming industrial action by resident doctors.

This quarterly report 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 from April – June 2025.

Are you a carer?

It’s estimated that 1 in 5 adults in the UK are carers. However, many people who look after someone do not see themselves as family carers. 

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.

NHS Sussex are encouraging people across Sussex to visit their local pharmacy first for help with minor health concerns, as part of a national NHS initiative aimed at improving access to care and reducing pressure on GP surgeries.

If you struggle with everyday tasks, due to a disability or a health condition you may be able to get support in the form of home adaptations or equipment to help you to use or move around your home.

Earlier this week, Healthwatch East Sussex staff attended the East Sussex Health and Wellbeing Board to present our 2024-25 Annual Report ‘Unlocking The Power of People Driven Care’ and the findings from our 2024-25 Listening Tour.

Over the weekend (12th and 13th of July) members of the Healthwatch East Sussex team attended the Eastbourne 999 event on Western Lawns, which was an opportunity for us to listen to the views and experiences of members of the public and find out what they thought of local health and care.

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.

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 June 2025.

This guide is to help you find and use NHS dental services in East Sussex.

This includes:
• Finding a dentist delivering NHS treatment accepting patients
• Getting help with an urgent dental need
• Accessing emergency dental treatment

This guide is designed to help you understand:

• The treatment NHS dentistry does and does not provide
• The charges for NHS dental services
• Who is eligible for ‘free’ NHS dental treatment