East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust

11/09/2026

There have been around 14 million consultations through the pharmacy first service since it launched in February 2024.

You can get treatment for these conditions from your local community pharmacist, including some prescription medicine, if needed – without you seeing a GP.

From this autumn, participating pharmacies will be able to assess and treat 5 additional common conditions:

- migraine in adults
- outer ear infections in adults
- acne in young people and adults
- mild skin infections and scabies
- seasonal allergic rhinitis in children

Think pharmacy first, and find out more at nhs.uk/thinkpharmacyfirst

10/09/2026

To anyone affected by su***de, whether you’re missing someone you’ve lost, struggling with suicidal thoughts yourself or supporting someone who is going through it right now – we’re thinking of you this World Su***de Prevention Day.

Just a reminder that if you find World Su***de Prevention Day hard, for any reason, it really is OK to switch off from social media tomorrow. Take care of yourselves 💚

We’re always here to talk on 116 123 📱

10/09/2026

This World Su***de Prevention Day, remember that support is available if you or someone you know is struggling.

If you need urgent help for your mental health, call 111 and select the mental health option for expert advice and support.

If someone’s life is at immediate risk, call 999 or go to A&E.

Find out more: nhs.uk/UrgentMentalHealth

09/09/2026

09/09/2026

We are holding our annual general meeting on Tuesday 15 September at The Relais Cooden Beach, Bexhill-on-Sea.

It is your chance to find out more about your local NHS trust, ask questions and hear about future plans.

Steve Phoenix, Chairman of East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust said: “We would always encourage people to come along to our Annual General Meeting and hear what we are doing as a trust.

“We want to know patients’ and residents’ opinions on our services and hopefully answer any questions they may have. Improving our healthcare provision is always our number one priority.”

The AGM is being held at The Relais Cooden Beach, Cooden Sea Road, Bexhill-on-Sea, TN39 4TT, arrivals from 1.15pm with the meeting starting at 2pm.

Agenda for the AGM

1.15pm : Arrival / tea and coffee / displays by teams from across the trust and friends of our hospitals

2.00pm: Annual General Meeting 2026

3.00pm: Ask the Board: an opportunity to ask the Board any questions you may have

4.00pm: Close

27/08/2026

Local Couple's Fundraising Tribute Supports Families Experiencing Baby Loss

Millie Piper and Fin Hendley organised a series of fundraising events following the loss of their twins earlier this year, with all proceeds going towards supporting the maternity bereavement service at East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust.

Millie's pregnancy had been progressing smoothly, and she and Fin were looking forward to welcoming their babies into the world in early July 2026. Tragically, on 14 March, at 21 weeks and five days pregnant, Millie's waters broke. Lily-Rose was born at 3.55am on 16 March, followed shortly afterwards by Leo Alexander at 4.24am.

During and after the birth, Millie and Fin stayed in the dedicated bereavement suite on the Labour Ward, where they were able to spend precious time together as a family with their babies, alongside members of their extended families. Designed to provide a comfortable "home from home" environment, the suite offers privacy and support for families experiencing baby loss. The room was made possible through fundraising efforts by the local Sands group.

Following their discharge from hospital, Millie and Fin were determined to give something back to the service that had supported them through such a difficult time.

The couple decided to raise money in Lily-Rose and Leo Alexander's memory to help ensure bereavement services and support remain available for other families experiencing the heartbreak of baby loss.

Millie and Fin would also like to thank their named community midwife, Jo Docherty from the Lighthouse Team, for the compassionate care and support she provided throughout both the pregnancy and postnatal period.

On behalf of the entire Maternity Department, the team would like to extend their sincere thanks and appreciation to Millie and Fin for their generosity and selflessness.

Jane Bedford-Clark, Lead Bereavement Specialist Midwife said: "We are incredibly grateful to Millie and Fin for choosing to support our bereavement service in memory of Lily-Rose and Leo Alexander. Their fundraising will help us continue to provide compassionate care and support to families at the most difficult time of their lives.

"Honouring their beautiful babies in this way is a touching tribute, and we thank them for their kindness, courage and commitment to helping others."

Photo: Fin Hendley, Millie Piper, Claire Smith, Alice Robison-Jeavons and Xanthe Hayes

24/08/2026

Had your first MenB vaccination 4 weeks ago? It's time to book your second dose.

MenB vaccination is two doses, given at least 28 days apart. Getting both doses helps complete your protection against meningococcal group B (MenB) disease.

Find out more and book: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/vaccination-and-booking-services/book-a-menb-vaccination-appointment/