Patients visiting their GP in East Sussex will be offered better access to specialist health services, as part of the NHS Long Term Plan.

Surgeries and practices across East Sussex will come together to form teams offering patients more convenient access to treatment and support from physios, therapists and other professionals.

By giving more people access to different types of care, the new Primary Care Networks (PCNs) will free up family doctors’ time to devote more time and attention to the sickest patients.

Learn more about Primary Care Networks.

It’s almost time for the Older People’s Day celebrations to begin and there are a huge range of events taking place across the county throughout September and October.

This year’s events include afternoon tea, day trips, tea dances, film screenings and so much more.

You can find out what’s happening by picking up the ‘Let’s Celebrate!’ booklet from various locations across the county, including libraries and council offices, or view an online copy here.

Two of our East Sussex Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) and East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust (ESHT) have had their recent financial progress recognised by NHS Improvement and NHS England, as the Trust was removed from special measures for financial reasons and the commissioners were removed from legal directions.

Both the Chief Executive of the CCGs and the Chief Executive of ESHT highlighted the hard work and commitment of staff and the role that joined up working had played in the improvements.

Find out what's improved.

Despite the recent heat wave, it’s not too soon to plan ahead for winter

Given the recent soaring temperatures, it certainly doesn’t seem like the time to be worrying about winter. However, spending the cooler months in a cold, damp home can have a huge impact on our physical and mental health.

That’s why the East Sussex Warm Home Check service is encouraging people to plan ahead and think about preparing their home for winter.

As part of the service, East Sussex County Council has been awarded funding from National Grid’s Warm Homes Fund which is enabling the installation of at least 100 new gas central heating systems free of charge to vulnerable residents, such as older people or families on low incomes.

Read more about the Warm Home Check Service and how to get in touch.

Healthwatch East Sussex has published a report describing what 648 people said matters most to them about the NHS in Sussex.

Healthwatch East Sussex spoke to local people via a survey, focus groups and local events, and the report reflects public opinion on priorities for the NHS in Sussex.

These conversations took place at a time when plans are being drawn up by local health and care partners in response to the NHS Long Term Plan.

Find out what people said.