Issue - meetings

17.1     The Board considered a report on the Healthwatch East Sussex Annual report for 2022/23. Veronica Kirwan, Executive Director, East Sussex Community Voice introduced the report and gave a short presentation.

17.2     The Board commented on some points within the report and in particular:

·         The engagement with refugees and asylum seekers, some of whom have experienced difficulties accessing medical services as they do not have English as a first language or had access to an interpreter;

·         The finding that access to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) needs to be improved for children and young people; and

·         Access to GP appointments and GP services continues to be a concern.

17.3     Councillor Webb asked whether there is a similar scheme in Hastings and Rother to the one in Eastbourne regarding healthcare access for asylum seekers. Veronica Kirwan confirmed that there is a similar scheme in Hastings and that Healthwatch will be conducting outreach for this service with asylum seekers.

17.4     Alison Jeffery commented that quite a lot of work is being done on the neurodiversity pathways and the services provided by CAMHS by NHS Sussex and partners. If Healthwatch is taking evidence from paediatricians, it may be helpful to talk to colleagues in NHS Sussex and for NHS Sussex to provide a briefing paper as background on the work that is already being undertaken.

17.5     The Chair commented that he will be interested to see the outcomes for the Rye Listening Tour that Healthwatch is undertaking when they become available.

17.6     The Board RESOLVED to note the Healthwatch East Sussex Annual Report for 2022/23.