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 →

Attendance Allowance helps with extra costs if someone has a long-term physical or mental condition or disability.

If you have reached State Pension age and need help with personal care, and support, it could also be spent on other types of help in the home, or on equipment to help you stay independent. For example, towards bills, getting meals delivered, or to cover the cost of taxis.

Attendance Allowance can be received if someone has reached State Pension age and the following apply:

• They have a physical disability (including sensory disability, for example, blindness), a mental disability (including learning difficulties), or a health condition

• Their disability or health condition is severe enough for them to need help caring for themselves or someone to supervise them, for their own or someone else’s safety

• They have needed that help for at least six months

You can apply for Attendance Allowance online or by post. For more information and how to claim, visit Attendance Allowance: Overview – GOV.UK or call the Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122

A new campaign has launched in Sussex to encourage people to look after their mental wellbeing over the winter months and seek support when needed.

The ‘How Are You Really Feeling?’ campaign, which runs from Tuesday 10 December 2024 to Sunday 12 January 2025, is designed to raise awareness of the range of services and resources available in Sussex to support people with their mental wellbeing over the Christmas and new year period. It also aims to make mental health a positive part of everyday conversation by encouraging everyone to regularly check-in with themselves and those around them. Continue reading →

An innovative new musculoskeletal (MSK) service is set to start for local people this month.

Many people live with musculoskeletal conditions, which can affect your joints, bones and muscles, and sometimes associated tissues such as your nerves. They can range from minor injuries to long-term conditions.

The new service will see a fully integrated MSK pathway across primary, community and secondary care for orthopaedics, pain and rheumatology, and include services such as physiotherapy, diagnostics, and surgical treatment. It will focus on improving access, experience, and outcomes for local people. Service providers will work together to make sure people receive a consistent experience, feel supported throughout the whole pathway, and get the best treatment first time.

Learn more about the new musculoskeletal service in Sussex.

Many GPs and pharmacies close over the Christmas and New Year bank holidays, so make sure you’ve ordered your repeat prescriptions in plenty of time to avoid running out of your medication.

You can order your repeat prescription through the NHS App or your GP’s online service if they have one. If you don’t have access to these, you can simply order through your GP practice, or your local pharmacy if your GP has set this up.

Avoid unnecessary festive stress by planning ahead and making sure your medicine cabinet is stocked up.

How to order a repeat prescription – NHS