The Wealden branch of East Sussex Save the NHS is very new. In fact, we only had our first meeting on 27th September.
Services in Wealden
Wealden is a bit of an anomaly in East Sussex in terms of NHS provision. We have no major hospitals within the district. We have minor injuries units at the Crowborough and Uckfield hospitals. But other than that, we are completely reliant on the facilities in neighbouring towns. These include: Brighton, Eastbourne, Hastings, Tunbridge Wells (and Maidstone) and Haywards Heath. This is shocking when you consider that Wealden covers 323 square miles stretching from Crowborough to Pevensey.
The lack of provision within Wealden means residents suffer from shifts in health care commissioing. Much more so than some of our neighbours. There is no doubt potential changes to the CCGs and mergers of key hospitals will have a negative impact. Anyone who has driven from Hailsham to Hastings, at rush hour, will know how unpleasant this journey is. And for those that are ill, this will be extremely distressing.
Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead
Wealden Save the NHS has just been contacted by representatives of the Save our Specialist Services Campaign. This campaign contacted us regarding the Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead, just outside of our boundaries. There is a huge concern that the merger of the Brighton and Worthing trusts will cause the loss of the services here. QVH has a remarkable place in history of surgery. The hospital developed pioneering plastic surgery techniques to treat allied aircrew during World War II. Many of these air crew were from the Battle of Britain and had suffered severe burns or other injuries after crashing their planes. Many during the Battle of Britain. Today, the hospital specialises in cancer, trauma care and reconstructive surgery.
Next meeting
The next East Sussex NHS Meeting will be 24th February, 2021, at 7.30pm, on Teams. If you are interested in joining us please email angie4wealden@hotmail.com
