Latest news with #NHSSussex
BBC News
3 days ago
- Health
- BBC News
Gender treatment at Brighton GP practice under investigation
A GP practice is under investigation over concerns it may have prescribed gender-related medication to under-18s outside national clinical Sussex and NHS England is reviewing WellBN, which operates in Brighton and Hove, to assess the care of children and young people who were prescribed or supplied medication for gender Sussex said on Thursday it had launched "a rapid investigation into this activity".WellBN said it had paused all new hormone prescriptions for under-18s but it would "do our best to turn this decision around". The practice added in its statement, issued on its website in May, that it would continue to prescribe to young patients already under its care and the restriction only applies to "the initiation of new prescriptions".It said the NHS was "threatening to close us down altogether if we did not comply" and it "had to consider all 25,000 patients" registered at WellBN. NHS Sussex said the investigation followed "concerns raised about some prescribing for children and young people by WellBN in Brighton and Hove, that may fall outside of national clinical policy and guidance".It said it was working with NHS England "to determine the most appropriate care and treatment for these patients".It said: "The practice is no longer initiating prescribing of hormone medications for children and young people under 18 years for gender dysphoria."The practice will continue to provide general medical care to its patients while the investigation is carried out, and it will continue to provide gender care to adult patients who are aged 18 years and above." The NHS added it had established a helpline for under-18s receiving gender care from WellBN. Process to 'review' notes The cohort of patients whose cases are being reviewed are all aged under 18, and for whom WellBN is prescribing or arranging the supply of medication for gender dysphoria. It is thought that most of these children and young people, but not all of them, live in NHS said there would be a process to "review their notes, and consider next steps in their treatment, in line with national guidance and clinical advice".It said: "As a result of this process, there will likely be different outcomes for different patients."Some children and young people may be recommended for a transfer into specialist NHS commissioned gender services. "Some will be reviewed and supported by local Children and Young People Mental Health Services, and some will need an endocrinology (hormone) review."What happens following that review will differ for each individual and will depend on the outcome of the case note review, the person's age and medication profile." If you are affected by any of these issues, help and support is available via the BBC Action Line here. The BBC has contacted WellBN for May, the practice said: "We are sorry to be passing on this news, but rest assured we will continue to battle against this injustice."We have a strong case to present considering that bodily autonomy is one of the four pillars of modern medical ethics."
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Thousands of Covid jabs available for vulnerable
Thousands of appointments for Covid-19 vaccinations are still available at pharmacies, GP practices and pop up clinics across the South East. Over half a million people in the region have received their jab as part of the NHS spring vaccination campaign. NHS Sussex said the vaccination provided vital protection against different strains of the Covid-19 virus and helped to reduce the risk of serious illness and hospitalisation. Caroline Reid, senior responsible officer for the Covid-19 vaccination program in the South East, is encouraging "all eligible individuals to book their vaccination to ensure they are protected". According to the latest data, 526,432 people in the South East have been vaccinated against Covid since the beginning of April. The vaccination is available to adults aged 75 and over, residents in care homes for older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Thousands of daily appointments remain available at pharmacies and GP practices, with walk-in appointments also offered at various locations. To help people access the vaccine more easily, NHS Sussex is setting up clinics in community centres, sports halls, and other local venues. Dr Samia Kidwai said that Covid was still in the community. "It's really important we protect our health and the vaccine is one way to do that, particularly for vulnerable groups and those that are at a higher risk of becoming seriously unwell as a result of Covid 19," she said. For more information or to schedule a vaccination, visit the NHS website, use the NHS app, or call 119. Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, on X. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@ or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. Who can get an NHS Covid booster this spring? Sussex Health & Care NHS - Covid-19 vaccine
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
GPs deliver record number of appointments
A record number of appointments were delivered by GP surgeries across Sussex last year. In 2024, NHS Sussex said more than 11.4 million appointments took place in the county. In December, 51% of appointments were carried out by a professional other than a GP, including advanced nurse practitioners, physiotherapists and clinical pharmacists. NHS Sussex clinical director, Dr James Simpkin, said: "There is an advantage for patients in seeing the right person at the right time." This number of appointments in 2024 represents a 7% increase on those delivered in the previous year – equivalent to 65,400 additional appointments each month. NHS Sussex said many surgeries are now able to offer appointments with a range of healthcare professionals who can support patients, without the need to see a doctor first. Working with West Sussex County Council some Sussex GPs offer access for young people to support workers. Mikey Pearce, a youth emotional support worker at the Maywood Health Care Centre in Bognor Regis, said: "We offer parents the chance to book an appointment with their child with one of us where they can get more specialist help." The government has rolled out a national plan aimed at boosting appointments, which includes tackling the '8am rush' to book, and encouraging patients to take control of their healthcare by using the NHS app. Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@ or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. The places with the worst GP shortages revealed Where not to live if you need a GP West Sussex County Council NHS Sussex
