University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust

30/01/2026

Today marks a landmark moment for cancer care in Sussex. The Government and the New Hospitals Programme have confirmed a £250 million investment (yes, you read it right!) to build a new regional centre of excellence for cancer care in Sussex. 🎉

This is the beginning of a transformation. As the new Sussex Cancer Centre at Royal Sussex County Hospital takes shape, we’re bringing our community with us on this journey toward a future where world class care, research and innovation sit at the heart of every patient experience, as part of our new Trust strategy which commits to excellent care for the future.

With Sussex home to the second largest cancer population in England, this investment is vital. It will more than triple the clinical space dedicated to cancer care, expand regional capacity, introduce cutting edge technology, and embed research into everyday practice.

Here’s just some of the ways care will improve:
✅ High-precision radiotherapy
✅ Expanded outpatient clinics
✅ A dedicated assessment area, day-unit and ward all enjoying sea views from the upper floors
✅ An Oncology Acute Assessment area designed to prevent over 1,000 cancer patients each year from needing to attend A&E.
✅ Modern, purpose built facilities that replace cramped, outdated spaces with environments that support patients and families at every stage.
✅ Dedicated research and innovation spaces, ensuring more opportunities for patients and staff to participate in life saving clinical trials and emerging technologies.

Dr Sarah Westwell, Consultant Clinical Oncologist and Chief of Service for Cancer, said: “This is a watershed moment that finally brings our facilities in line with the world-class care we strive to deliver every day.

“Our new Sussex Cancer Centre will offer privacy, dignity, and hope to our patients, and as doctors, nurses, therapists, technicians and researchers, we’re all thrilled to be able to help craft a new clinical home where medical excellence, outstanding care and leading research can be woven into every step of our patient’s journey.”

Construction will begin this year. By 2029, the people of Sussex can expect a state-of-the-art facility designed with compassion, innovation, and community at its heart.

Take a look at what’s ahead and we can’t wait to share more as this exciting journey unfolds. 💙

29/01/2026

28/01/2026

Can you help name the mascot?

The Sussex Bowel Cancer Screening Programmes has unveiled its new programme mascot — and they need your help to name it.

Some suggestions already on the table include: Pookie, Colin, Plop, and Doo‑doo. Can you do better?

Drop your fun, memorable suggestions in the comments…and keep 'em clean. 😉

🎉 Help Us Name Our New Mascot! 🎉
We’ve got a brand‑new mascot joining the family… but there’s just one tiny problem:
👉 We can’t decide on a name!
Some suggestions already on the table include:
Pookie (or Pooky), Poopsy, Fifi, Plop, Colin, Lulu, Doo‑doo, Bowie and Doby —
…but now it’s YOUR turn! 😄
💡 Got a name that’s cute, funny, creative or just makes you giggle?
Drop it in the comments below and help us find the perfect name for our little star. ⭐
Thanks for being part of the fun — we can’t wait to see what you come up with! 🐾💬

26/01/2026

Sky’s the limit for Abbey and Blake! ✈️

The pair, who work in the elective surgery bookings team at Worthing Hospital, are taking on a sponsored skydive in April in support of My University Hospitals Sussex.

Abbey said: “We both wanted to do this as a way to give back to the Trust, but we’ve also both been on a weight loss journey and skydiving has always been on our bucket list. We’ve both surpassed the threshold to be able to dive, so who better to sponsor than the amazing Trust we work for.

“We work so closely with consultants, nurses, secretaries, HCAs and other admin staff from all other corners of the hospitals, and everyone works so hard. We witness day in and day out how much everyone goes out of their way for the patients and their health and we couldn’t think of a better charity to support.”

We’re thrilled that the pair are raising funds to help enhance treatment, care and research that make a real difference for our patients and staff.

Thank you, Abbey and Blake, for your kindness (and bravery!). Good luck. 💙

If you’d like to support the pair, you can do so on their JustGiving pages:

Abbey’s page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/abbey-louise-latter?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL&fbclid=IwY2xjawPkWT1leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFUR0VRRmNlYzZQUHBEV0k0c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPNTE0NzcxNTY5MjI4MDYxAAEeBwF95N8S4iaapyyfID70TYzyOcA7RoOdatWWmvEzFvuBNfRvINzZpGv9RJI_aem_taXbqB1tbaAIP9dvqQRyVg

Blake’s page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/blake-britton?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL&fbclid=IwY2xjawPkbsVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFUR0VRRmNlYzZQUHBEV0k0c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPNTE0NzcxNTY5MjI4MDYxAAEeTyNdBLB1kKONElMP8pUpm3pMiVpdndS7VLcecDucJHLSytj64RRAFbLKA3Q_aem_Ifl1aun_52UL4PsH3ruP2g

20/01/2026

16/01/2026

15/01/2026

Carolyn Thompson, 71, from Shoreham-by-Sea, is sharing her experience after being treated at Royal Sussex County Hospital during a heart attack - and taking part in research to help improve care for future patients.

When Carolyn was experiencing severe and persistent pain in her upper back, she thought she had pulled muscle. She had no idea she was experiencing the most dangerous type of heart attack — a STEMI, caused by a complete blockage of a coronary artery, stopping blood flow to the heart muscle.

Carolyn was taken straight to the cardiac catheter laboratory, where she received urgent, life-saving treatment from the cardiology team.

She said: “I never panicked. I felt calm and knew help was on the way. Everything moved seamlessly, from the A&E staff who were waiting for me when I arrived by ambulance, to the doctors and nurses during the procedure, and later, on the Cardiac Care Unit.”

She later chose to take part in this important research study exploring the best long-term treatment for patients experiencing the most severe type of heart attack - led by UHSussex cardiologists.

Following treatment and cardiac rehabilitation, Carolyn has returned to many of the activities she loves, including daily walks, a weekly dance class and spending time with family and friends - and is encouraging others to consider taking part in research.

Carolyn said: “If research can help doctors understand which treatments work best and improve care for future patients, then it’s important to be involved. For me, it was it was straightforward and non-intrusive, and you could be helping the next patient.”

Her story shows how patient care and research go hand in hand at University Hospitals Sussex - helping us improve treatments and outcomes for patients now and in the future.

You can read Carolyn’s full story at: https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/news/sussex-heart-attack-patient-becomes-first-to-join-world-first-treatment-trial/

Thank you, Carolyn, for helping us shape better care and improve access to research for our patients. 💙

13/01/2026

12/01/2026

Last week ITV News Meridian caught up with superstar Ellie Wood and her Mum Sarah to see how they are adjusting to life at home after spending 487 days in hospital. Born at just 23 weeks and weighing less than a bag of sugar, Sarah shares their remarkable story - as well as Christmas highlights and their dreams for the future. Watch here: bit.ly/4pEZM0b

12/01/2026

⚠️Our hospitals are currently extremely busy and under pressure.

Please help us keep emergency care available for those who need it most.

Remember to use alternative NHS services to get the right care and help reduce pressure on A&E. This includes walk-in centres, minor injuries units, or urgent treatment centres.

These services can help with issues such as sprains, suspected broken bones, cuts, bruises, and other minor injuries.

Our teams are working incredibly hard, so remember to be kind to our colleagues as they work to provide the best care possible.

You can help our teams by making the right choice for your care: https://www.sussex.ics.nhs.uk/.../get-the-right-care/