Welcome to our October newsletter
Please do share your experiences with us, so we can work with policy makers, commissioners and service providers to improve services based upon what you say.
This month our newsletter includes:
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I was hoping not to write about the pandemic this month, but the increases in infections and deaths has changed my mind.
The current position of relying so heavily on the vaccination programme for protection looks increasingly less viable.
We have now fallen behind several European countries in getting first and second dose vaccines to the adult population.
The science suggests that boosters and inoculating children is not as effective at controlling poor outcomes from COVID.
So what’s plan B?
So far the government has resisted calls from NHS professionals and others to increase restrictions such as:
- Communicating clearly and urgently to the public that the level of risk has increased, and that they need to behave more cautiously
- Introducing mandatory Covid passports in certain settings
- Making face coverings compulsory again
- Advising people to work from home
But how long will they be able to hold back?
The impact on wider health and care services is critical, hospitals and doctors in East Sussex are already extremely busy and things get worse in the winter.
It’s not all doom and gloom, new ways of working are bringing benefits to the public, including wider access to remote and digital services.
Collaboration and partnership working between health and care organisations has increased, with less bureaucracy and speedier decision making.
Healthwatch East Sussex is working with partners across health and care to support initiatives that help restore and improve services.
At the same time, we continue to be the watchdog for East Sussex residents, making sure public concerns are heard by commissioners and providers.
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What you told us about health and care services during Quarter 2
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Between July and September 36 reviews of health and care services were left on our website-based Feedback Centre.
We heard most about GPs, Hospitals and Pharmacies.
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GPs - you told us:
- Treatment was often well explained and carried out, with good follow-up provided.
- Access to practices was challenging, both in getting through on the phone and due to the limited availability of appointments.
- You had some concerns were raised about a lack of face-to-face appointments, not being given confirmed appointment times and a lack of GP continuity.
Hospitals - you told us:
- You wished to praise staff in the Emergency Departments that had been visited, especially for their attitudes and care.
- The attitudes and care of ambulance staff was very positive.
- Concerns were raised about staff listening to concerns about medication, the appointment booking process and the ability of family to contact patients on wards.
Pharmacies - you told us:
- Services had been very positive and well received by some reviewers.
- Issues included delays in receiving prescribed medications, problems getting through on the phone and incorrect medication being supplied.
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Update on Health and Care Services
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Tell Us Your Experiences of Dentistry in East Sussex
Dentistry was the third most common service that you contacted us about during 2020-21.
We want to hear more about your experiences of dentistry through our short survey:
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/EastSussexDentistry2021
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Tell us:
- What has been positive and what you feel could be improved
- Have services met your needs?
- Do you have any outstanding concerns or issues?
- Is there anything you still need help or support with?
Your answers will help us understand public and patient opinion, which we will share with health and care providers and decision-makers.
Hard copies are available and support in completion is available via:
enquiries@healthwatcheastsussex.co.uk or call 0333 101 4007
The closing date is midnight on 30th November 2021.
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Register now for our 'One Year On - Staying Connected Care Home Webinar"
Tuesday 9th November, 4.30pm - 6pm
Healthwatch in Sussex is inviting relatives, friends and carers of care home residents, local carers organisations and health and care professionals to a special event marking one year on from since our first webinar:
Staying Connected’ which took place on 10th November 2020 - read the report here.
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In a year that has been incredibly difficult for our care home communities:
- what does the future look like beyond COVID-19?
- Is another ‘Care Home’ crisis looming as mandatory vaccinations come into force?
- Are you still experiencing visiting restrictions?
Join us to find out more, hear from our panellists and share your own views and experiences.
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Eastbourne vaccination service offering booster walk ins
Anyone who is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination can now get the one they need without an appointment at Sovereign Harbour Community Centre in Eastbourne.
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The centre, which is open from 8.30-4.30pm seven days a week, is ready to welcome people who need either their first, second or booster jab, according to the following criteria:
- First dose – anyone aged 16 or over who needs their first jab
- Second dose – anyone aged 16 and over who needs their second dose, must be 8 weeks after their first dose
- Autumn booster – must be six months after second dose, those eligible are:
- People aged 50 and over
- People who live and work in care homes
- Frontline health and social care workers
- People aged 16 and over with a health condition that puts them at risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19
- Carers aged 16 and over
- People aged 16 and over who live with someone who is more likely to get infections
A team from South Downs Health and Care GP Federation is contacting local people registered with GP practices. However, anyone eligible can also just walk in between 8.30am-4.30pm.
Sovereign Harbour Community Centre is located at The Crumbles, Pevensey Bay Road, Eastbourne BN23 6JH. Free parking is available and there are good public transport links.
Other walk in sessions are available for 1st and 2nd doses - see the latest list for this week.
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Young People and COVID-19 Vaccinations – Latest Update
COVID-19 vaccines are available for children and young people aged 12-17 years old.
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Aged 12-15 years?
The COVID-19 vaccination programme in schools has now started. Each school will be offered a visit to provide the vaccination for 12 to 15 year old students. Parental, guardian or carer consent will be sought by vaccination healthcare staff prior to vaccination in line with existing school vaccination programmes.
Every parent, guardian or carer will receive a letter with the details of this session for your school, the consent process, and next steps.
The flu vaccination programme in schools will be running alongside the COVID-19 programme, with vaccines administered separately.
Aged 16 to 17 years and 9 months?
If you are aged 16 or over, you may be able to access the vaccine at a walk-in COVID-19 vaccination session. You can check if a site is available near you.
Further information about COVID-19 vaccinations for 12 to 17 year olds and a list of FAQs are available from the Sussex Health and Care Partnership website, including information about consent.
Aged over 17 years and within 3 months of your 18th birthday?
You can book online, call 119 to book your vaccination appointments or access walk-in COVID-19 vaccination sessions.
Read more
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NHS launches a new campaign to challenge abuse against GP practices
Sussex health leaders are asking for the public’s continued support of GP practices – whilst sending a strong message that abuse of any kind will not be tolerated
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It comes after an increase in reports from GP practices across our communities of the abuse and threats being experienced by their teams.
Examples include reception teams receiving death threats, online abuse against individual members of staff, and vandalism and broken property at surgeries.
Advice for patients:
• If your illness is minor, try to manage your symptoms yourself for a day or two. Visit nhs.uk for helpful information and your local pharmacy is a great first port of call.
• If your illness is not going away, or you are worried about your symptoms, contact your GP surgery.
• If you’re ill or injured and are unsure where to turn, click www.111.nhs.uk or call 111. The 111 phone service can book you into local NHS services if needed
Find out more about the campaign
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Please share what makes you feel connected
Strong relationships and connected communities are essential foundations for tackling loneliness and developing overall community wellbeing.
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Local authorities in East Sussex, the NHS, the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VSCE) sector and others are working together – with the help of Collaborate CIC – to understand how to better support connected communities. To do this we’d like to hear from as many residents as possible.
They have developed a survey to help us understand what connection means to you. Your responses will help them to find better ways of tackling loneliness based on real experiences of living in East Sussex. If you complete the survey you could win one of two £50 shopping vouchers in a prize draw!
The survey will be open until 7th November 2021 and can be accessed online here: https://bit.ly/ESconnectionsurvey
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ESCC - Keeping your services on the road
We know that many drivers in East Sussex may have been affected by the national problem with fuel distribution. Of course, this can also affect staff providing public services in the county, including health and care workers.
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At present, all East Sussex County Council services are running largely as usual – they’ll do everything possible to keep it that way. In a few cases , they may contact you to postpone or re-arrange appointments this week.
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Holding Space Parent Support Sessions
Holding Space, who support parents, carers, children and young people who are struggling with their mental health, have relaunched their parent support sessions.
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Their “Walk & Talk” sessions run fortnightly and monthly face-face coffee mornings started on the 16th September
To find out more, click here
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Are you interested in becoming the South East Regional Adult Critical Care Patient and Public Voice representative?
NHS England and Improvement Specialised Commissioning are looking to recruit a Patient and Public Voice (PPV) representative from the Kent, Surrey and Sussex area to work with their South East regional adult critical care programme team.
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The team are looking for an individual to attend and contribute to their four regular programme meetings, which represent their critical care patients and wider community.
The closing date for applications is Friday 29th October.
More details about the role can be found here
You can download an application form here
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Explore the latest collection of Wealden walks
Wealden Walks are a collection of self-guided walks available throughout the district.
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They have recently been tried, tested and improved to help explorers of every age discover Wealden’s hidden gems. A new set of walks was launched last month.
A description and historical significance of the walk, along with the route details and a map of the walk can be viewed and downloaded from the Healthy Wealden website www.healthywealden.co.uk/walks.
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