News and reports

In December 2024, Healthwatch in Sussex sought experiences of bowel, breast and cervical cancer screening from people across Sussex.

Making a complaint is a right enshrined in the NHS Constitution. Yet, Healthwatch England research found a number of barriers that prevented people from making a complaint about their healthcare.

Between July and September 2024, we asked people to share their experiences of changes in the cost of living and any effects these may have on their wellbeing.

Between July and September 2024, we asked people to share their experiences of changes in the cost of living and any effects these may have on their wellbeing.

The Independent Youth Panel is an online space where young people can access surveys, polls and information, as well as share their own questions and ideas.

In August 2024 Healthwatch East Sussex spoke to a small group of patients who had recently received care from ESHT’s Urgent Community Response (UCR) team. We asked them what they felt worked well with the service, and where they felt improvements could be made.

We want to hear about your experience of accessing NHS dental services in this six-question poll.

From 6th January 2025, complaints about NHS primary care services in East Sussex such as GPs, dentists, opticians, and pharmacies will no longer be managed by the South East Complaints Hub (SECH) hosted by Frimley Integrated Care Board (ICB).

These complaints will now be handled directly by the NHS Sussex Complaints Team.

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 December 2024.

Between September and November 2024, Healthwatch East Sussex attended three student events across the county. We engaged with over 365 young people and received more than 140 pieces of feedback from students about their experiences of health and social care services.

In November 2024, Healthwatch in Sussex sought experiences of adult social care services in the last 12 months, or from their relatives, carers or friends.

Many health and care services change their working hours over the Christmas and New Year period.

We have drawn together some key information to help you navigate which services are open when, and how to get help and support if you need it.

We wish you a safe, happy and peaceful Christmas and New Year.

The Healthwatch East Sussex Team