Using information given to them by their GP, patients in East Sussex can now book or change their appointment online for most first outpatient hospital or clinic appointments.

Dr David Warden, Hastings and Rother CCG Chair says; “The Manage Your Referral website lets you book your own appointments on a convenient date and time and, if there is a choice, at your preferred hospital or clinic. It’s easy to do and safe.” Visit the ESBT website to learn more. 

Ready, Steady, Go! is a new service working with children and their families in East Sussex to help them achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Each programme of Ready, Steady, Go! involves eight, one-hour sessions for children aged 4-11, their parents/carers and other members of the family.

The sessions focus on healthy eating and physical activity but also cover a range of other topics which can impact on a child’s weight, such as sleep and screen time.

The programme will take place at different venues throughout the year, with the first groups beginning at the end of September 2018.

An increase in sepsis screening has led to speedier treatment and a reduction in mortality rates at ESBT Alliance partner East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust (ESHT). These important improvements are helping to save lives.

Read our full article to learn more about; the symptoms of sepsis, top tips to prevent sepsis, how local people can share their personal experience of sepsis, and where to access an Easy Read leaflet on sepsis symptoms.

The Eastbourne Midwifery Unit were pleased to welcome their 1500th baby recently. Lara Walker was born to proud parents Sandra and Terry Walker, weighing in at 7lbs 13oz.

Sandra Walker said: “The treatment we received in the midwifery unit was absolutely fantastic. I didn’t realise I could have my baby at Eastbourne, but was so glad I did. My midwife Lorna was great, as was all the staff we encountered. Lara’s birth was a calm and brilliant experience thanks to everyone on the midwifery unit.”  

A recent increase in births reflects growing confidence in the unit and the excellent birthing experience provided to women and their families.

13 pharmacies across East Sussex will now be offering an NHS Health Check Service.

These pharmacies have been selected to increase access to NHS Health Checks in areas where less people are having checks who could have one.

While nearly 90,000 people in East Sussex had their NHS Health Check over the last 5 years, nearly half (48%) of those who could have had the check didn’t take up their offer.

Find out more about the NHS Health Check and how to access one.

Safe Space is available on Saturday nights from 10pm-4am from a centrally-located Hastings café. It's role is to act as a refuge for vulnerable young people, provide first aid and to offer help and support to any young person who needs it. The service is run by volunteers and also signposts to other health and social services within Hastings.

In recognition of their valuable work, the project has been nominated for a Health Services Journal Award.