News and reports

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.

The Sussex Dental Helpline is available to help people access the dental care they need, as quickly and conveniently as possible.

In 2022-23, our Information and Signposting service responded to 467 enquiries and supported the public, patients and others to access, navigate and feedback on services.

Our Feedback Centre received 145 reviews from people sharing their experiences of health and care.

NHS Sussex Integrated Care Board (ICB) commissioned Healthwatch East Sussex (HWES) to carry out a pilot project to obtain feedback from residents in care homes about their access to healthcare and support services, with a particular emphasis on the Enhanced Health in Care Home scheme. This summary report identifies the key findings, recommendations and next steps.

We champion public and patient voice in health and care, we listen to people’s views and make sure they are heard by the people in charge. Volunteer with us and make a real difference. We want to ensure all voices are heard and communities are represented.