News and reports

If you live in Sussex we would like to find out about how satisfied you feel about your local NHS health services. Healthwatch in Sussex (Brighton & Hove, East Sussex and West Sussex) are the local independent watchdog for health and care.

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 March 2025.

Throughout March and April we will be visiting locations around Hastings and hear from local people about their experience of health and care.

In December 2024 Seven Healthwatch staff and 11 Volunteers undertook a Mystery Shopping exercise to identify the access channels currently available to patients at East Sussex GPs.

In January and February 2025 Healthwatch East Sussex undertook ‘Enter and View’ visits to 10 residential homes in East Sussex, talking to residents and staff about their experience of the ‘discharge to assess’ pathway.

East Sussex County Council has appointed a new independent advocacy provider. An advocate supports someone to understand their rights and options and express their views and wishes.

As of the 25th March 2025 people across Sussex are able to pre-book their spring COVID-19 vaccinations.

From the 1st of April 2025, EMED Group will be delivering the non-emergency patient transport service (NEPTS) for eligible patients living in Sussex.

At Healthwatch East Sussex, our volunteers are at the heart of what we do. Whether you have a few hours or want to get more involved, we have a role that fits your interests and schedule. Our volunteers help improve local health and social care services by highlighting issues that matter to patients and service users, making sure their voices are heard by decision-makers.

From September to December 2024, Healthwatch talked to people in Lewes and the Havens about primary care, social isolation, social determinants of health, and what supports their wellbeing.

Healthwatch East Sussex is inviting children aged 8-11 and their parents/guardians to take part in an interactive focus group about paediatric care. This is a fantastic opportunity to ensure children’s voices are heard and help shape NHS services.

The Healthwatch Impact Awards recognise outstanding examples of people sharing their experiences to improve care for their community. Up against 17 other shortlisted projects from across England, Healthwatch in Sussex took home top honours for our work gathering feedback on Non Emergency Patient Transport Services (NEPTS).