1. Access to GP appointments across Sussex – Public Opinion

    Report -

    This Healthwatch in Sussex report assessed people’s views about accessing GP appointments.

  2. Rising health and living costs: steps you can take

    Blog -

    New data from Healthwatch England reveals an increase in people avoiding vital care due to rising costs, and highlights how the cost-of-living crisis is creating barriers to accessing necessary healthcare.

  3. Urgent and Emergency Care Recovery Plan

    Advice and Information -

    What to look out for

  4. Heads Up - February 2023

    Blog -

    Keeping you up to date with health and social care news

  5. Improving Lives Together: NHS Sussex's ambition for a healthier future

    News -

    NHS in Sussex sets out strategic and operational priorities.

  6. Healthwatch GP Access Survey 2023

    News -

    Healthwatch in Sussex heard from 851 people across Sussex about their GP access following the COVID crisis. 56% of these people delayed making a GP appointment, even though they needed to do so

  7. Are you interested in helping the NHS to improve the Outpatient experience?

    Advice and Information -

    Join the Sussex Outpatient transformation team and other local people to help transform the Outpatient experience.

  8. University Hospital Sussex Trust Membership

    Advice and Information -

    Support your local hospital and become a trust member for free

  9. Head's Up - March 2023

    Blog -

    Keeping you up to date with health and social care news

  10. Spotlight on: Social Prescribing Link Worker in Horsham

    Report -

    Kim Trickey is the Social Link worker and works to support the patients of the Horsham Central Primary Care Network.

  11. Changes to NHS prescription charges

    Advice and Information -

    Health Ministers have announced that from April, NHS prescription charges will rise.

  12. People’s Experiences of long COVID in Sussex

    News -

    Long COVID is a legacy of the COVID virus for many people in Sussex, impacting on their day-to-day lives, as well as their physical and mental wellbeing.

  13. Head's Up - May 2023

    Blog -

    Keeping you up to date with health and social care news

  14. NHS Assembly

    News -

    NHS@75 – an invitation to have your say.

  15. CQC downgrades local NHS Trust but care remains “outstanding”

    News -

    On Friday 12th May, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) published its long-awaited report into University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (UHSx).

  16. Spotlight report: My Care Matters

    Report -

    My Care Matters is a not-for-profit social enterprise with a mission to improve the experience of care in any care setting for people with communication challenges.

  17. Cost of living - a barrier to healthcare for the most vulnerable

    News -

    The cost of living is having a detrimental impact on people's decisions about their healthcare. But if you are disabled, on means-tested benefits or aged 18-24, you're more likely to avoid vital health services due to the fear of extra costs.

  18. Where to get help in the hot weather

    Advice and Information -

    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. Find out where to get help

  19. Primary care complaints are changing

    News -

    From 1 July, primary care complaints function will be changing. Find out what these changes will mean.

  20. Impact & Performance Report: July – September 2022 (Q2)

    Report -

    Here is a summary of the breadth and depth of our work from July – September 2022, issues/concerns and our forward plan for the next 3 months.

  21. Impact & Performance Report: October - December 2022 (Q3)

    Report -

    Here is a summary of the breadth and depth of our work from October - December 2022, issues/concerns and our forward plan for the next 3 months

  22. Impact & Performance Report: January - March 2023 (Q4)

    Report -

    Here is a summary of the breadth and depth of our work from January - March 2023, issues/concerns and our forward plan for the next 3 months.

  23. Healthwatch West Sussex Annual Report for 2022-23

    Report -

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

  24. Breast Cancer Screening Survey

    News -

    We want to understand the reasons’ women do not take up the Breast Cancer Screening invitation to influence a positive change.

  25. GP Patient Survey 2023

    News -

    The latest GP Patient Survey results have been published.

  26. Top 10 ways to get the most out of your next dental appointment

    Advice and Information -

    Take a look at Healthwatch Englands tips to help you prepare for your appointment and make sure you understand your treatment and how much it will cost.

  27. NHS Digital Health Check to be launched next spring

    News -

    This could mean an extra one million checks are undertaken over four years, while at the same time, easing pressure on GPs.

  28. The NHS Sussex Prescription Ordering Direct (POD) service is closing

    Advice and Information -

    From 29th September 2023, patients will not be able to order repeat prescriptions using the NHS Sussex POD telephone service. Responsibility for repeat prescriptions is being taken over by individual GP practices.

  29. Delays to NHS care: Understanding the impact

    News -

    Healthwatch England has warned that people are currently experiencing multiple cancellations or postponements of care and that this has a has a significant impact on their lives and symptoms, while further increasing health inequalities.

  30. British Sign Language first aid resources now available from St John Ambulance

    Blog -

    St John Ambulance has set up the CPR Community Network to ensure that everyone has access to basic life support training in person, online or by using their Resource Hub to give you the confidence to respond in an emergency

  31. Have your say - Easy Read

    Advice and Information -

    Download an Easy Read version of our 'Have your say' form.

  32. How do the public and NHS staff feel about virtual wards?

    Blog -

    The report is looking at how people feel about virtual wards.

  33. Expert panel says government behind on improving pharmacy services

    Blog -

    Pharmacy services are yet to reach their full potential for patients, according to an expert panel’s report for a committee of MPs.

  34. Heads Up - August 2023

    Blog -

    Keeping you up to date with health and social care news

  35. Your Voice. Your Decision

    Advice and Information -

    A lasting power of attorney (LPA) gives you a voice and protects your decisions. They are helpful for everyone over the age of 18. This legal document makes it easier for the people you trust to support you when you need it most.

  36. NHS to roll out flu vaccines for children from September

    News -

    Millions of children in England will be offered a flu vaccine from September, as the NHS steps up its life-saving vaccination programme to protect the country against deadly viruses ahead of winter.

  37. Dementia services across Sussex

    Blog -

    Finding out about people's experiences of dementia-related services and support in Sussex.

  38. Find out if you're eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine

    Advice and Information -

    NHS England is moving forward the timetable for the autumn COVID-19 and flu vaccine rollouts.

  39. Third of people in England lack confidence they can access critical NHS services

    News -

    Healthwatch England new research shows worryingly low public confidence in being able to access NHS services. A third of adults in England lack confidence that they can access timely care, including GP services, mental health support and hospital care.

  40. Adur and Worthing LCN Mental Health Survey

    News -

    Healthwatch West Sussex, Adur and Worthing Local Community Network, Pathfinder and West Sussex MIND are working collaboratively to learn from local people in the Adur and Worthing area what support and services might help you to support you or your families emotional, mental, and physical health.

  41. Heads Up - September 2023

    Blog -

    Keeping you up to date with health and social care news

  42. NHS to introduce Martha's rule for hospital patients

    Response -

    Healthwatch England have welcomed the introduction of Martha's rule for hospital patients.

  43. National suicide strategy sets out plan to cut deaths in at-risk groups

    News -

    The government has published a new national strategy.

  44. CQC publishes results of national hospital inpatient survey

    News -

    Inpatient care has worsened since 2020, according to the latest national experience survey by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

  45. Spotlight report: Horsham Fibromyalgia Support Group

    Report -

    Horsham Fibromyalgia Support Group is run by volunteers, many of whom live with Fibromyalgia.

  46. Jargon buster website includes common terms used in the health and care sector

    Blog -

    What’s the difference between an integrated care board and an integrated care partnership? What do we really mean when we talk about patient and public involvement?

  47. Experiences of long COVID in Sussex Report

    Report -

    Our research was focused on better understanding the scale and nature of long COVID locally so we could inform the provision of appropriate and effective support for those with the condition.

  48. What is menopause and what are the signs?

    Blog -

    With more than thirty recognised symptoms of menopause and growing awareness of the impact on day-to-day life, knowing what to look out for and what support is available can help you.