Healthcare in Sussex

Healthcare in Sussex refers to the provision of healthcare services in the English county of Sussex. From 2013 to 2020, healthcare in Sussex was managed by seven Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) that covered different areas within the county. These CCGs included Brighton and Hove, Coastal West Sussex, Horsham and Mid Sussex, Crawley, Eastbourne Hailsham and Seaford, Hastings and Rother, High Weald, and Lewes-Havens. However, in April 2020, these CCGs were merged into three, covering East Sussex, West Sussex, and Brighton and Hove.

The history of healthcare in Sussex dates back to 1947 when NHS services in the county were managed by the South-East Metropolitan Regional Hospital Board. Over the years, the management of healthcare services underwent various changes, including the establishment of regional health authorities and district health authorities. In 2002, regional health authorities were renamed strategic health authorities, and in 2013, the responsibility for healthcare services in Sussex was transferred to Clinical Commissioning Groups.

Sustainability and transformation plans (STPs) were introduced in Sussex in March 2016. These plans aimed to address a projected deficit and improve the sustainability of healthcare services in the area. However, the plans faced criticism from the Care Quality Commission in 2018 for not functioning properly due to a lack of investment and infrastructure.

Overall, healthcare in Sussex has undergone significant changes over the years, with the merger of CCGs and the introduction of STPs. These developments aim to improve the delivery of healthcare services and ensure the sustainability of the healthcare system in Sussex.