Welcome to our February newsletter
This month our newsletter includes:
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As we head into the new financial new year, we have lots of planning underway here at Healthwatch East Sussex to finalise our work plans and projects for the coming year.
Your feedback is vital in helping to shape the focus our work so please do continue to share it with us.
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Remember, you can always share your experiences with us at any time via our Feedback Centre or by contacting our Information and Signposting Service.
We’ve finalised our 2023 Rye Listening Tour report which will be published on our Reports Hubs shortly, so please do keep an eye on the website.
Also look out for us at the East Sussex Health and Wellbeing Board on the 5th March where we will be presenting the Listening Tour report and our key findings and recommendations.
Veronica Kirwan
Executive Director
East Sussex Community Voice, delivering Healthwatch in East Sussex
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January 2024 Poll Results: Your experiences of 'Patient Knows Best'
In our January 2024 newsletter we asked about experiences of using the ‘Patients Knows Best’ platform to access My Health and Care Record.
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We heard:
• Just over half (54.17%) of respondents had used ‘Patient Knows Best’ for more than 12 months.
• Test results were the feature most identified as very useful/useful (80.8%), followed by Sharing clinical documents (61.5%).
• The least used parts of platform were messaging with health professionals, resources (advice and information), and appointment management.
• Nearly half of people (42.3%) felt the platform made their experiences of managing their health and care easier/better, but 15.4% felt it made it worse.
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Work starts on a new mental health hospital in Bexhill
On Tuesday 30th January work started on the site of a new mental health hospital in Bexhill. The 54-bed hospital on Mount View Street, Bexhill, was also officially named Combe Valley – chosen by staff and service users.
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Combe Valley Hospital has been developed by Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (SPFT) alongside NHS Sussex, the Integrated Care Board for Sussex, supported by input from local service users and staff.
Opening its doors during 2025, the new hospital will provide care for people who may be experiencing serious mental health problems, emotional crisis, or severe distress which cannot be treated in the community.
The facilities will replace outdated dormitory accommodation at the Department of Psychiatry – currently based at Eastbourne District General Hospital.
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What is measles and who can get the vaccine?
Measles vaccination rates are at a ten-year low, but cases are rising nationwide.
Measles is a highly contagious infection caused by the measles virus.
Most children recover from measles without complications, but in some, it can be more severe and lead to admission to hospital.
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More information about the symptoms of measles, can be found on the NHS website.
The NHS advises that children receive two doses of the measles vaccine (also known as the MMR vaccine) to protect them against Measles, Mumps and Rubella.
The vaccine is given in two doses: the first dose when the child is one year old and the second when they are three years and four months old. Both doses are needed for the best protection.
If you need to get your child’s MMR vaccine or check if your child is fully protected, contact your local GP practice.
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East Sussex Community Voice launches new website
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Our host organisation East Sussex Community Voice have launched their new website.
The new website is now easier to navigate and details the range of projects and programnes they deliver, including Healthwatch East Sussex.
Visit the new site to find out more about the team and how they can help with your project.
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Join the millions using the NHS App
The NHS App is a simple and secure way to access a range of NHS services and information on your smartphone or tablet.
Millions of people are already using the NHS App to manage their health.
Whether viewing your GP health record, ordering repeat prescriptions, or nominating your preferred pharmacy – the NHS App hosts a range of features that can help you to access NHS services and information.
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For more information, including how to download the NHS App, please visit the link below.
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Pharmacies begin treating people for common conditions
From the 31st January 2024, people can visit their local pharmacy for help with seven minor conditions, which would previously have required a GP appointment. This scheme is known as Pharmacy First.
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Pharmacists will be able to assess and treat patients for seven conditions without the need for an appointment or prescription:
- Sinusitis (for patients aged 12 years and over only)
- Sore throat (aged 5+)
- Earache (aged 1 year-17)
- Infected insect bite (aged 1 year+)
- Impetigo (aged 18 years+)
- Shingles (aged 18 years+)
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (women aged 16 to 64)
If you have symptoms that suggest you may have one of these conditions, you can now walk into a pharmacy and be offered a consultation with the pharmacist.
More than 7 in 10 community pharmacies in the South East (over 1,000 in total) will be offering the initiative, with the health service making it easier and more convenient for people to access care.
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Contact East Sussex County Council using British Sign Language (BSL)
Residents are now able to contact the council instantly through a video interpreter to access help and support using SignLive BSL.
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SignLive lets you have a three-way video call with the council and a qualified BSL interpreter.
It is free to call East Sussex County Council using SignLive, you just need wifi or mobile data to make the video call.
SignLive can be accessed via: a desktop computer or laptop with a webcam, microphone and speakers, or via an app on your smartphone or tablet.
The first time you use SignLive you will need to complete a quick registration. This will keep your account secure and allow the team to call you back if needed.
BSL users are also able to use the service for in-person interpretation at reception points at County Hall in Lewes, St Mary’s House in Eastbourne and Cavendish House in Hastings.
For more information including how to use SignLive and register your account please use the link below.
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