NHS Surrey and Sussex

16/10/2026

❤️ Would you know what to do if someone went into cardiac arrest?

On Restart a Heart Day, meet Sally, a Volunteer Community First Responder with South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, who has spent more than a decade helping people in her community when every second counts.

Sally has given more than 600 hours of her time and attended 189 incidents in a single year. But her impact goes beyond the emergencies she attends – she also trains hundreds of people in CPR and defibrillator use, helping them feel confident to act and potentially save a life.

Sally is particularly passionate about supporting women. Women are 27% less likely to receive bystander CPR than men, and through her support for the ‘Bra Off, Defib On’ campaign, she is helping challenge misconceptions and break down barriers to lifesaving care.

Volunteers like Sally are showing that you don't need to be a healthcare professional to make a difference. Learning CPR and knowing how to use a defibrillator could help save someone's life.

15/10/2026

If you need urgent medical help but you're not sure where to go, contact NHS 111 to get assessed and directed to the right place for you.​

This means you could save a trip to the hospital and you will help ease the pressure on our busy local services.

Call, go online or use the NHS App.

15/10/2026

We are very excited to be hosting Free NHS Health Checks at The Shoreham Centre

These will run on the first Friday of the month and booking is necessary.

🫀Reduce your risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease and stroke.

❓Are you a West Sussex resident, aged between 40 and 74?

🩺 If you have no underlying cardiac conditions, you may be eligible for a free

📞 Give us a call to find out more on 0330 222 6999.

🔑 Prevention is key.

West Sussex County Council
NHS Surrey and Sussex
Shoreham Scene
Shoreham by Sea Local Community
Shoreham Airport

14/10/2026

Huge congratulations to Louise!

Congratulations to Louise Ansari MBE, one of our Non-Executive Directors, who has been named in the Health Service Journal's list of most influential Black, Asian and minority ethnic people in health in 2026.

As well as a Non-Executive Director for Sussex Partnership, Louise is also a Non-Executive Director on the Board of NHS England, and the former Chief Executive of Healthwatch England. She has also been Deputy Chair of NHS Sussex and was previously lay member for patient and public involvement on the Governing Body of East Sussex Clinical Commissioning Group.

Her previous Executive roles include Communications Director at the Centre for Ageing Better, and at Diabetes UK, where she also became Director of Prevention of Type 2 diabetes. Louise’s additional non-executive experience includes board membership of the Medical Research Foundation, the charitable arm of the Medical Research Council.

Louise is passionate about ensuring the public voice makes a difference in shaping health and care services and reducing health inequalities for those who suffer the worst outcomes. In recognition of her work to improve health equity, Louise was awarded an MBE in the 2026 New Years Honours list.

14/10/2026

On Allied Health Professions Day, meet James McGoldrick, a Speech and Language Therapist working with Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust across community neuro rehabilitation and adult speech and language therapy.

James supports people living with the effects of stroke, brain and spinal injuries, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease – helping them to communicate, swallow safely and continue taking part in the things that matter to them.

Much of his work happens in people’s own homes, where he works alongside families and carers to find practical ways to support communication and independence.

“Communication is about more than the individual; it’s something we can improve together,” says James.

By supporting people in their homes and communities after they leave hospital, James is helping make care more continuous, personal and focused on what matters most to each individual.

Today, we’re celebrating James and all the Allied Health Professionals who help people live well, recover, adapt and stay independent every day.

14/10/2026

For Allied Health Professions Day, we’re celebrating the people who are making a difference to patient care and helping shape the future of the NHS.

Meet Nicola Buchan, a paramedic at South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) and lead researcher for the PARA-AI study.

Nicola’s research explores how paramedics understand and feel about artificial intelligence (AI) in pre-hospital care, and what support they may need as digital technology develops.

As Nicola says, the goal is to make sure digital innovation enhances patient care, “without losing the human judgement and compassion that define paramedic practice”.

Alongside her frontline work, Nicola is helping to explore how AI could fit into a profession where fast, high-stakes clinical decisions are part of everyday life.

👏 Thank you to Nicola and all allied health professionals for the work they do to support patients and improve care.



South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust

13/10/2026

“I wasn't told about the signs and symptoms of secondary (metastatic) breast cancer by any medical professional.”

Eight years after her primary breast cancer diagnosis, Kayleigh began experiencing symptoms including extreme tiredness, itchy skin, a rash, and severe pain in her back and legs.

“When I had breast cancer the first time, I felt this strain of tired that I've never felt before. That started to come back again in 2024.”

“My symptoms were quite weird. I was getting dead legs, swollen legs and a rash, like itchy skin. And I thought in the back of my mind something was wrong because I felt really tired, like cancer tired.”

“I started Googling ‘itchy sides eight years after breast cancer', and it said you could have metastatic breast cancer, and I was like ‘what?’”

As she underwent tests, metastatic breast cancer was found in Kayleigh’s liver and spine.

“I think you always need to trust your gut instinct. I knew something wasn't right. I just didn't know what wasn't right.” - Kayleigh

Most breast cancers don't come back, but sometimes they can return so it's really important to know the signs to look out for.

13/10/2026

Fantastic free event to help you stay warm, well, safe, and connected over winter.

Come along to a free Winter Warmth and Wellbeing event:
• Winter resilience and money advice
• Local services and community support
• Warm Home Checks
• COVID-19 vaccinations for eligible people
• Advice on falls and free slippers (Eastbourne, Newhaven and Crowborough events)
• Tea, coffee and refreshments.

Drop in any time 1pm-3pm, no need to book.

• Bexhill: Fri 16 Oct - The Pelham, Hollier’s Hill, TN40 2DD
• Eastbourne: Fri 23 Oct - The Towner, Devonshire Park, College Road, BN21 4JJ
• Crowborough: Tues 10 Nov - Crowborough Community Centre, Pine Grove, TN6 1FE
• Newhaven: Thurs 12 Nov - Hillcrest Community Centre, Bay Vue Road, BN9 9LH

13/10/2026

Quitting smoking will improve your health whatever your age, and no matter how long you've smoked.

Find out more about the benefits of quitting smoking: https://orlo.uk/GOT7x

12/10/2026

People who have a weakend immune system are eligible for their COVID-19 vaccine.

✅ Your GP practice or local pharmacy may offer it
✅ You can book online
✅ Or you can find a walk-in clinic near you

https://orlo.uk/sxmRT