News and reports

This week is Dying Matters Awareness Week, which runs from 5 to 11 May, and this year focuses on the theme: “The Culture of Dying Matters.”

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 April 2025.

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 January – March 2025.

Healthwatch in Sussex want to better understand the challenges carers face when accessing health and wellbeing services for their own health, and what support could improve their experience.

Sussex residents who are feeling anxious, stressed or struggling with loneliness or depression can now access support from a qualified mental health professional by text.

Following an unannounced inspection, and subsequent urgent action by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the provider who runs Sidley Medical Practice is not able to carry out regulated activities at the practice for the next three months*.

In March 2025, Healthwatch in Sussex sought people’s experiences of vaccinations and received 566 responses to our poll.

We are collaborating with NHS Sussex to hear from girls (aged 14 years or older) and women about their experiences of local health services in the last 12 months.

If you’re living with cancer, finding the right support can make a big difference. That’s why the Surrey and Sussex Cancer Alliance, in partnership with Cancer Care Map, has launched a new online directory.

With the Easter Bank Holiday approaching, make sure you’re prepared! It’s important to order any repeat medications in advance this bank holiday weekend, as your GP surgery may be closed and pharmacy opening hours may differ.

From the 1st April the NHS started its 2025 spring COVID-19 booster vaccination programme. The COVID-19 vaccines are offered seasonally because viruses change, and protection fades over time

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.