Local watchdog supports findings in the latest CQC report

Healthwatch East Sussex (HWES)  is really pleased with the further improvements that have been made by East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust as published today by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The report follows their latest inspection in March 2018 and on behalf of patients, their families and local people it is great to see that although overall the rating remains the same, several areas of service delivery have been rated as outstanding.

We are also delighted that the reports acknowledges the work and contributions made by Healthwatch East Sussex in supporting the Trust to improve. Particular mentions were given to:

• positive relationship the Trust and Healthwatch share
• innovative and effective work with Healthwatch leading to changes in care practice and provision
• our work together had won a national award for the improvements in care brought about by the two organisations working together
• along with other stakeholders, how very well engaged with the Trust that Healthwatch are, allowing for service redesign that better meets the needs of local people
• collaborative activities such as Healthwatch 24 hour observation of care delivered in Eastbourne and Hastings hospitals which included the emergency department and a night time unannounced observation to engage with and obtain feedback from hard to reach groups.

This, coming in Volunteers Week 2018, is so rewarding for our dedicated team of volunteers who have been involved in these activities. They are not only supporting the Trust in its commitment to improve the quality of its services for local people, but also evidencing how local people can bring about change and make a real difference.

John Routledge, Director added

“ This is excellent news for the people of East Sussex! We know there are many challenges to local health and social care services, especially financial, which the report alludes to. However, it’s very encouraging to see evidence of outstanding practice emerging and being reported. It is also great news for the staff and volunteers involved. There is always more to do but this progress is a credit to the commitment of all staff at the Trust and it is right that their hard work is recognised, not only by the CQC but by other agencies such as NHS Improvement and Healthwatch itself”

HWES will continue to work with Trust on the areas identified in the report for further improvement in the coming months. If you would like to find out how you could get involved as a Healthwatch volunteer, please get in touch for more information using the contact details below. You can also read HWES reports on these activities by visiting our website www.healthwatcheastsussex.co.uk/ourwork