News

The First Community children’s dieticians have launched a new, free resource for families and carers who are struggling with their children’s eating.

The webpage starts with an explanation of the difference between ‘fussy eating’ and ‘complex feeding difficulties’ which will help people identify what resources they need to access.

The webpage features a range of information available, split into easy to access sections such as online courses, self-help programmes, support groups and nutritional information and much more.

First Community has published its Quality Account for 2023-24.

The annual report outlines the quality of the NHS health and care services we provide across east Surrey and West Sussex and our continued commitment to improving the quality and safety of care we provide.

The quality of our services are measured in a number of ways including looking at patient safety, the effectiveness of treatments our patients receive and by evaluating patient feedback about their care and experience.

On 1 April 2024 First Community welcomed David Ahmad as Non-Executive Director. 

David will be responsible for chairing the Audit Committee and Finance Committee at First Community.

David is an accomplished Chief Finance Officer having worked in financial services, predominantly for the UK businesses of large global financial institutions and he brings a wealth of experience and extensive senior leadership qualities to the role. 

David is also a Non-Executive Director for Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust, where he is the Chair of the Audit Commitee.

ISO 45001 is an international standard for health and safety at work developed by national and international standards committees independent of government.

First Community was first audited in 2018 and has since successfully passed the ISO 45001 accreditation annually. 

The results of the annual NHS Staff survey have been released and show that First Community is the best provider of NHS care to work for in the whole country.

Sarah Tomkins, Chief Executive said: “I am overwhelmed by the high standards of our results, some of which are the highest we have ever achieved.  First rate care by first rate people is at centre of all our decision making and these results clearly show these values in action:

First Community’s Podiatry Service provides assessment and treatment for patients with a range of foot problems, particularly those at risk of complications resulting from conditions such as diabetes, arthritic conditions, rheumatoid arthritis and vascular disease.

How to access the service

Patients registered with an east Surrey GP practice can access the Podiatry Service via a referral from their GP or consultant or by self-referring. 

Self-referral

Today, as part of National Apprenticeship Week, First Community hosted a celebration event to recognise members of staff who have successfully completed their apprenticeship qualifications this year. 

Four colleagues successfully completed their apprenticeship programmes which included a Pharmacy services level 2 apprenticeship, Digital & IT technology solutions degree apprenticeship, Registered nurse degree apprenticeship and a postgraduate degree apprenticeship to become a Registered Dietitian.

Colleagues from First Community have been out and about in recent weeks attending career events aimed at encouraging young people to consider a future career in healthcare.

Dawn Huish, Apprenticeship and Widening Participation lead and Alison Maitland, Practice Development Nurse were joined by Nandi Botha, Clinical Team Lead for Paediatric Occupational Therapy at the ‘Meet the Practitioner’ careers event at East Surrey Hospital in November. 

The Falls Prevention Service provides specialist care for patients who are at risk of falling or who have had a fall.

The team of Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists provide support and care to maximise people’s independence and minimise their risk of falling in the future.

The team visit patients in their own home or residential care home to assess their mobility, balance and muscle strength and consider all the main risk factors associated with falls. 

The National Guardian’s Office Annual Report was laid before Parliament today, highlighting the work of Freedom to Speak Up Guardians and the National Guardian’s Office.

The report shares learning which indicates that more work is needed for speaking up to be described as business as usual in the healthcare sector in England.

The report features case studies from across England, illustrating the difference Freedom to Speak Up Guardians are making and examples of how healthcare workers are being supported to speak up for patient safety and worker wellbeing.