‘You Said – We Did’ – December 2023

Our activity in December

You Said:

We heard from an individual concerned they were not eligible for the shingles vaccination on the NHS, despite receiving Flu and COVID-19 vaccinations due to low immunity.

We Did:

We contacted NHS Sussex to clarify eligibility criteria and whether GPs have any flexibility to offer vaccination to those outside of these but at increased risk. NHS Sussex confirmed GPs have no flexibility outside the eligibility criteria.

You Said:

We heard from a person who had a negative experience of visiting a dentist, highlighting poor communication, lack of accessibility and a failure to respond to a complaint.

We Did:

We recorded the feedback and highlighted the options available. With their consent, we referred the enquirer to The Advocacy People for Independent Health Complaints Advocacy (IHCA) and gave them a copy of our Complaints Guide.

You Said:

We heard from someone with complex health needs and limited mobility who was anxious about their ability to access health services or the ability of services to deliver services to their home.

We Did:

We spoke to NHS Sussex who arranged for the practice manager at their GP surgery to contact the enquirer and explore support options. We also explained options around social care and health complaints if concerns escalated.

You Said:

We heard from the friend of someone with neurodivergence who was extremely anxious about required dental treatment, both in terms of potential cost and the process.

We Did:

We shared a copy of our Dentistry Guide so they could be clear on what is covered by NHS treatment. We also shared details of the Sussex Dental Helpline so they could clarify NHS options for root canal costs and sedation.

Tell us your experiences of local health and care services

We always want to hear the experiences of local people when they use health and care services.

You can share your experience by leaving a review on our Feedback Centre at any time and tell us how things were for you. What was good and what could be improved?

You can also share your experience or seek further support with health and care enquiries from our Information & Signposting service via:

Email: Enquiries@healthwatcheastsussex.co.uk

Telephone: 0333 101 4007 Monday – Friday (10am-2pm)