Two East Sussex beaches have been designated as voluntary smoke free spaces.

East Sussex County Council worked in partnership with Rother District Council to launch the first smoke free beaches in England.

Since ‘No Smoking Day’ on March 12, Bexhill beach from the De La Warr pavilion to the Coronation Bandstand on East Parade and all of Camber Sands beach are now designated smoke free.

Visitors are being asked to support the initiative by choosing not to smoke on these beaches, helping to protect children and young people as well as the environment from the harmful effects of smoking.

Learn more about the smoke free beach scheme.

The new non-emergency patient transport service for Sussex launched on 1 April. EMED Patient Care will now be delivering the service.

Eligible people and healthcare professionals can book transport by calling the new dedicated number: 0300 777 4444. You can also find general service information, answers to frequently asked questions, and leaflets at www.emedgroup.co.uk/sussex.

The service has been shaped by the latest national guidance as well as extensive engagement with people who use current services, clinicians, Healthwatch in Sussex, and our acute, mental health and community hospital trusts.

Read about the range of benefits offered by the new service.

People across Sussex can now book their spring COVID-19 vaccinations. If you’re eligible, you can book via the NHS website, by downloading the NHS App, or by calling 119 for free if you can’t get online.

COVID-19 can be a serious or life-threatening illness so getting vaccinated is an important part of protecting yourself if you’re at increased risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19. The COVID-19 vaccines are offered seasonally because viruses change and protection fades over time, so please take the opportunity to top up your protection if you’re eligible.

Visit the NHS Sussex vaccinations web page.

Working in health and social care is incredibly rewarding, and full of opportunities. There’s a huge range of potential professions to choose from, from the more well-known nursing and medical roles to therapy jobs, scientific roles, and careers in social work and care, to name a few.

Recently a project in Hastings has been encouraging primary school children in year 5 to consider future careers in health and social care, particularly children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Continue reading →

How do you use your pharmacy? How often do you go? Is it easy to access?

If you’ve used a pharmacy in the past 12 months, we’d like to hear about your experience in a short survey: have your say on pharmacy services in East Sussex.

Results from the survey will inform a new Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA), which is used to plan pharmacy services across the county for the next three years.

The survey will give us a better idea of where services need improving and where people find them hard to access.

The PNA is published every three years by the East Sussex Health and Wellbeing Board (HWB) – a partnership of East Sussex County Council and organisations from across Sussex.

The NHS Sussex Integrated Care Board will use the PNA to decide if new pharmacies need to be created in areas where accessing current services is difficult.

You can ask for a printed copy of the survey by calling 07701 395075 or emailing communitysurvey@eastsussex.gov.uk. You can also pick up a copy in your local library.

Sussex Health and Care has launched the third phase of its campaign to promote the importance of people with a severe mental illness – including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder – having an annual physical health check.

People with a severe mental illness are at greater risk of physical ill health, and an annual physical health check can help to identify any potential issues or conditions that might need further investigation or treatment. For example, heart disease, breathing conditions and some cancers.

Fiona* from Sussex has bipolar disorder, which puts her at higher risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity. Early action can help to stop these issues becoming more serious – so it was important she attended an annual physical health check at her GP practice.

At her initial appointment, Fiona’s heart rate, blood pressure and weight were measured; a small blood sample taken; and she was able to discuss her lifestyle and any help she needed. She was able to share that she had recently given up alcohol and described feeling better for making the change. Following the check, Fiona was referred to the Southdown health and wellbeing service for support with her diet and nutrition, but also help with debt and finances.

How to access the health check

People, or their families/carers, can contact their GP surgery and request a physical health check.

A team of Access Facilitators work across Sussex to help support people to attend their health checks. They can help with things like appointment reminder texts, setting up a longer appointment, or one at a specific time in the day that works best. They can also help with arranging for a carer, friend, or peer support worker to attend alongside the individual, a quiet place to wait, or something else.

Sussex Access Facilitator Jonny, said: “I always try to create a safe and relaxed environment to help the patient to feel at ease and answer any questions they have.”

Find out more about physical health checks.

*Fiona’s name has been changed to protect her identity

East Sussex health and social care staff and volunteers have been  learning about the range of advice and support available for local people this winter, like help to stay warm at home.

Over 260 people attended a series of five events to make sure they have the latest information on what services and support are available to local people over the colder months, and beyond. This will help staff and volunteers give information and advice to people who need it. Continue reading →