Welcome to our July newsletter
This month our newsletter includes:
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The conference theme at the Healthwatch East Sussex annual event in July was ‘Towards the New Normal’, reflecting upon how health and care has changed over the course of the COVID pandemic.
How many of the changes seen in people’s behaviour and the way services are delivered will result in long term change?
At the event, we heard a fascinating presentation from Samantha Williams from East Sussex County Council on which changes might result in a new normal and which changes will go down in history as short lives where people revert to old habits again. An example of long-term change accelerated by COVID and likely to persist is the increase in services being offered digitally, not only in health and care but in the way we do our regular shopping online as well.
But what about changes in hand washing, mask wearing and ventilating indoor spaces – will we just go back to how we were or will this now become a more normal part of everyday life? For those people who suffered from anxiety being trapped indoors and separated from friends and family, will they now readjust to going out and socialising again or will some of us have deeper, longer lasting impacts.
Part of the work of Healthwatch over the coming year will be to better understand these changes in behaviour and how they impact upon our health and wellbeing. If you or someone you know has a story to share on how COVID impacted upon your health and wellbeing and changed your behaviour or perceptions, we’d love to hear your story.
You can call us on 0333 101 4007 or email: enquiries@healthwatcheastsussex.org.uk
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Healthwatch Poll:
Healthwatch East Sussex has been monitoring people's experiences of accessing their GP surgery, to understand whether your needs are being met.
Please tell us about your recent experience(s) of contacting your GP surgery.
We'll share the results in our next newsletter.
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Results for our June Poll
Last month, we asked you about your experiences since the recent cost of living crisis began (January 2022). We were interested to see how this may have affected people and their behaviour, especially its impact on health and wellbeing.
We heard...
Almost half of respondents (48.2%) said that they felt anxious about the future more often and nearly a one-in-five experienced feelings of missing out (18.5%), with one-in-seven feeling lonely.
A third of respondents (37.0%) said that they experienced good quality sleep less often, and also engaged in less physical activity.
Four out of ten people (40.7%) were ordering fast food or takeaways less often, but two out of ten (22.2%) were also eating fruit and vegetables less frequently.
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NHS organisations in Sussex reintroduce mandatory mask wearing for all staff and patients.
As of Wednesday 07 July NHS organisations in Sussex have reintroduced mask wearing all clinical health services.
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As cases of COVID-19 increase across the country, NHS organisations In Sussex are asking people wear a mask in healthcare settings to protect themselves and others.
Before visiting health and care services we advise you to check whether you need to wear a mask before you travel, and if in doubt go prepared with one.
For more information on which services this affects please click here.
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Healthwatch East Sussex Annual Report 2021-22
We are delighted to share our Annual Report 'Champioing what matters to you' which provides a snapshot of our achievements during 2021-22, and our work in ensuring that your voice and experience shapes health and social care in East Sussex.
To read the full report, please visit our website here.
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Find out how your GP surgery performed over the last 12 months: The GP Patient Survey 2022
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Each year, IPSOS MORI the independent polling specialists, undertake a survey to find out how people feel about their GP practice, and the results of the GP Patient Survey for the last 12 months have recently been released.
The survey includes questions about a range of issues, such as how easy or hard it is to make an appointment at your practice, satisfaction with opening hours, the quality of care received from your GP and practice nurses, amongst other things.
How did my GP surgery perform?
You can find out how your surgery performed over the last 12 months and in previous years, as well as how it compared to others, by clicking here.
Tell Us about your experiences of GPs
Our Healthwatch East Sussex Feedback Centre allows you to leave reviews about GP services you may have used, as well as any other health and care services.
It only takes a few minutes to share your experiences with us, so do tell us what was good, bad or indifferent.
You can also get in touch to tell us how this was for you by contacting us.
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A new text messaging service for people in Sussex experiencing a challenging time with their emotional wellbeing or mental health
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The NHS and SHOUT have launched a mental health text support service in Sussex.
If you are feeling low or struggling to cope, text SUSSEX to 85258 for free, confidential
support at any time of day or night.
This service is anonymous and won't show up on your phone bill.
To read more about how about how the service works click here.
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Healthwatch East Sussex Annual Event 2022: 'Towards the new normal'
On the 14th July 2022, Healthwatch East Sussex hosted our 2022 Annual Event at Uckfield Civic Centre.
As our first ‘in person’ annual event since 2019 it was great to see approximately 50 people in attendance, from members of the public and our colleagues from statutory and voluntary organisations.
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For more information about the event including the event programme and copies of the presentations from our speakers here.
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Young Healthwatch – Share your Feedback Guide
Young Healthwatch staff and volunteers have put together a pack to guide young people aged 16-18 through the Healthwatch East Sussex Feedback Centre.
This is aimed at supporting young people to leave feedback and reviews on health and care services that they use, so that providers can understand their experiences.
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The guide includes information on:
- the process of leaving a review
- answering questions about the process
- as well as exploring other's experiences.
To read our Feedback Centre Pack, please click here.
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Everyone aged 50 and over will be among those offered a COVID booster and flu jab this autumn
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On the 15th July, the government announced that everyone aged 50 and over will be among those offered a COVID-19 booster and a flu jab this autumn under plans to increase protection against respiratory viruses ahead of winter.
This followed advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) which has now published its final recommendations for this autumn’s programme.
For more information click here.
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