Author | Lightnews

Reposted by Healthwatch Brighton and Hove

Healthwatch England @healthwatchengland.bsky.social · 4d

Unsure what to expect from your healthcare? Healthwatch is here for you. Your friendly, local team are still here and happy to help. Get in touch today - https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/your-local-healthwatch/list

1 4

Healthwatch Brighton and Hove @healthwatchbh.bsky.social · 5d

Read our October newsletter here: buff.ly/ooLpwI5 ⭐

We're talking seasonal top tips, our current NEPTS survey, and a Spotlight piece with @age-uk.bsky.social West Sussex, Brighton & Hove about their men's meet-up groups. Let us know what you think!

#HealthwatchMatters #Healthwatch

Healthwatch Brighton and Hove @healthwatchbh.bsky.social · 10d

Men in Sussex are invited to attend Age UK WSBH's men's meet-up, every first Monday of the month. This is an opportunity for men to socialise, share experiences, and improve their wellbeing, with free tea, coffee and soft drinks provided.
Learn more: buff.ly/Qwxp4kV

#Healthwatch #AgeingWell #AgeUK

A flyer for Age UK West Sussex Brighton and Hove's men's meet-up. Find more information by contacting: information@ageukwsbh.org.uk or call: 0800 019 1310

Healthwatch Brighton and Hove @healthwatchbh.bsky.social · 13d

Read the Healthwatch in Sussex poll results about recent changes to GP practices: buff.ly/JOoi7g7 🌟

We sought people’s experiences of using technology to access health services, as well as questions around who you are being treated by in GP surgeries.

#Healthwatch #IndependentVoice

1

Healthwatch Brighton and Hove @healthwatchbh.bsky.social · 17d

If you've ever thought about quitting smoking, now is the time as millions of other people take on the Stoptober challenge. It’s never too late to quit. 💪

You can find more information, including guides and tips, here: buff.ly/tpchpGL

#Stoptober #QuitSmoking #Healthwatch

Healthwatch Brighton and Hove @healthwatchbh.bsky.social · 26d

Do you, or someone you support, use Sussex's Non-Emergency Patient Transport Services? Healthwatch in Sussex (us with our friends at Healthwatch West & East Sussex) want to hear what you think.

Share your views: buff.ly/bCSMc9b 🌟

#Healthwatch #IndependentPatientVoice #PatientTransport #NEPTS

A graphic in shades of blue, pink and green with a photo of an ambulance worker talking to a service user. The text asks if you use patient transport services and invites you to take part in a survey, sharing your experiences.

Healthwatch Brighton and Hove @healthwatchbh.bsky.social · 27d

Find details of local clinics and information on booking vaccination appointments for COVID-19 this autumn, here: buff.ly/b1lk3R2

#Healthwatch #COVID19 #Vaccination

COVID-19 vaccination schedule in Brighton and Hove.

Healthwatch Brighton and Hove @healthwatchbh.bsky.social · Oct 2

If you need urgent dental treatment, you can contact the Sussex Dental Helpline to access the care you need on 03001 231 663, or call NHS 111

Information is available via @sussex-kls.bsky.social here: buff.ly/OvLiXb6
You can also find more here: buff.ly/sAhujbC

#Healthwatch #NHSdentist #NHS

Healthwatch Brighton and Hove @healthwatchbh.bsky.social · Sep 29

Why is independence in health and care so important? It means that we can act when people feel they are not being listened to, or are not getting answers.

Learn more: buff.ly/Qor1IAN

#SaveYourVoice #HealthwatchMatters #IndependentVoice #IndependentPatientVoice #Healthwatch

A quote from a member of the public in reference to plans to close Healthwatch: “Bad news for everyone to lose a service that can advocate, challenge and represent for the most vulnerable of us.”

1

Healthwatch Brighton and Hove @healthwatchbh.bsky.social · Sep 25

Check out our September newsletter: buff.ly/pM1szPt

This month we've covered all sorts, from Ageing Well Festival to our project work with @healthwatchengland.bsky.social, plus local GP news and tips for finding an NHS dentist.

#HealthwatchMatters #IndependentPatientVoice #Healthwatch

Healthwatch Brighton and Hove @healthwatchbh.bsky.social · Sep 22

We believe that independent representation for patients in health and social care is essential. Learn more: buff.ly/Qor1IAN

#SaveYourVoice #HealthwatchMatters #IndependentVoice #IndependentPatientVoice #Healthwatch

A quote from a member of the public in reference to plans to close Healthwatch: “There are specific powers that Healthwatch have that can help shine a light on issues and concerns in the health and care sector. What will happen to fill this vacuum?”

Healthwatch Brighton and Hove @healthwatchbh.bsky.social · Sep 15

At a time when patient trust in the NHS is sadly at an all-time low, instead of dismantling independence, we believe the government should be strengthening it to ensure that patients have a stronger voice. Read more: buff.ly/Qor1IAN

#SaveYourVoice #HealthwatchMatters #IndependentVoice #Healthwatch

A quote from a member of the public in reference to plans to close Healthwatch: “You have been vital to improving access to healthcare locally and your role, independence and track record in placing patients at the heart of your work will not be easily replaced.”

1 1

Healthwatch Brighton and Hove @healthwatchbh.bsky.social · Sep 12

Children, pregnant women, and all other eligible individuals are being called to receive their annual winter flu and Covid-19 vaccinations. The NHS Booking System is now open, with appointments starting from 01/10/25.

Learn more: buff.ly/gjTNsP5

#Healthwatch #WinterFlu #Vaccinations

Flu vaccines now available for children and pregnant women | Healthwatch Brightonandhove

Children and pregnant women are first in line to receive their annual flu vaccination, as the NHS autumn vaccine roll out begins this week.

buff.ly

Healthwatch Brighton and Hove @healthwatchbh.bsky.social · Sep 10

This #WorldSuicidePreventionDay, the International Association for Suicide Prevention has even more translated resources available, and access to help: buff.ly/BGe9LSt

You can also find services to support your mental health here: buff.ly/haTFJmd

#WSPD #WSPD2025 #Healthwatch

A purple graphic of a text bubble for World Suicide Prevention Day. The text says, "Changing the narrative on suicide - 10th September".

1 1

Healthwatch Brighton and Hove @healthwatchbh.bsky.social · Sep 8

We've heard from many people who are concerned that there will no longer be local, independent health and care services - something which has existed for over 50 years.

Read more: buff.ly/Qor1IAN

#SaveYourVoice #HealthwatchMatters #IndependentVoice #IndependentPatientVoice #Healthwatch

A quote from a member of the public in reference to plans to close Healthwatch: “The service is an important part of the checks and balances for social care and health services. Your organisation’s record of influence is considerable.”

2

Healthwatch Brighton and Hove @healthwatchbh.bsky.social · Sep 4

How satisfied are you with your treatment by, and access to, your GP? Let us know your views on recent changes to GP surgeries via our latest Healthwatch in Sussex poll: buff.ly/1vc6pmD

Poll closes: 30/09/25. Thanks for taking part!

#Healthwatch #IndependentVoice #IndependentPatientVoice

Healthwatch Brighton and Hove @healthwatchbh.bsky.social · Sep 2

It's #ChildhoodCancerAwarenessMonth and a time to access support and share information. @wchildcancer.bsky.social offers ways to get involved, and Macmillan Horizon Centre (opposite the Sussex Cancer Centre) provides info and services for people affected by cancer across Sussex.
#Healthwatch

Yellow ribbon crossed to symbolise child cancer awareness month.

1

Healthwatch Brighton and Hove @healthwatchbh.bsky.social · Aug 28

This newsletter includes a spotlight on @mariecurieuk.bsky.social's Community Companions service, news from @sussexpartnership.bsky.social, and our petition for government to review its decision to abolish independent services.

Read more here: buff.ly/478mrwF Thank you!
#SaveYourVoice #Healthwatch

2

Healthwatch Brighton and Hove @healthwatchbh.bsky.social · Aug 20

Katy, Bharti, Vanessa, and Jo were out on an Enter & View visit yesterday. They went to the Kidney Unit at Royal Sussex County Hospital to speak to patients and learn more about their experiences. Thanks to @sussex-kls.bsky.social for having us!

#Healthwatch #NHSSussex #PatientVoice

Four people in Healthwatch t-shirts with clipboards standing outside a sign for the Sussex Kidney Unit.

Reposted by Healthwatch Brighton and Hove

Healthwatch England @healthwatchengland.bsky.social · Aug 14

When you are discharged from hospital there are processes in place to ensure you continue to get the care you need. Find out more about what to expect on our website - www.healthwatch.co.uk/advice-and-i...

2 1

Healthwatch Brighton and Hove @healthwatchbh.bsky.social · Aug 18

Stay up to date by checking your local pharmacy's opening times for the August Bank Holiday. You can find times and a handy map with the relevant information here: buff.ly/qlHgu5F

#Healthwatch #Sussex #Bankholiday

Sussex pharmacy opening times for the August Bank Holiday - 25th August 2025 | Healthwatch Brightonandhove

Stay up to date by checking your local pharmacy's opening times for the August Bank Holiday.

buff.ly

Healthwatch Brighton and Hove @healthwatchbh.bsky.social · Aug 12

Support Healthwatch and sign our petition to retain independent services that represent patients in health and social care.

Sign the petition here and please share buff.ly/NA6yDpv Thank you!

#SaveYourVoice #HealthwatchMatters #IndependentVoice #IndependentPatientVoice #Healthwatch

2

Healthwatch Brighton and Hove @healthwatchbh.bsky.social · Aug 6

Do you know what choices you're entitled to ask for at your GP practice? @healthwatchengland.bsky.social has published new research showing that there are significant gaps between the choices patients want and the ones they're offered.

Learn more: buff.ly/8qfAyRe

#Healthwatch #GP #BrightonandHove

Healthwatch Brighton and Hove @healthwatchbh.bsky.social · Aug 4

Have your say on pharmacy services in the UK. The General Pharmaceutical Council is looking for people to take part in their patient and public panels, and are offering vouchers as a thank you for participation.

Find out more and apply now: buff.ly/dH3x3HZ

#Healthwatch #Pharmacy #Brighton

Have your say on pharmacy services | Healthwatch Brightonandhove

Lend your voice to the General Pharmaceutical Council's panels and inform decisions made about pharmacies across the UK.

buff.ly

Reposted by Healthwatch Brighton and Hove

Healthwatch England @healthwatchengland.bsky.social · Jul 23

Refugees and people seeking asylum are entitled to NHS care. Read our advice article to find out how refugees can access NHS care and what services they're entitled to. bit.ly/456gE7T

What are my rights when it comes to healthcare in the UK?

Refugees and people seeking asylum are entitled to NHS care.

It becomes more complicated if your application for asylum has been refused.

Some types of healthcare are free to everyone, and you can access them regardless of your immigration status.

7 12