New Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) service launched in Sussex

News - 15 July 2022

Thousands of patients with ear, nose and throat problems are going to benefit from quicker and more direct access to support and treatment after the launch of Sussex’s brand-new ENT service
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From Tuesday 4th July 2022, all referrals for patients requiring ENT services will be sent to 'ENT Sussex'.

'ENT Sussex' provides a single point of access for all referrals for patients with ear, nose, and throat concerns – with an ambition to deliver joined-up and consistent access to services.

It aims to streamline the referral process for GPs and other health professionals and ensure that patients with ENT conditions are seen faster and unnecessary delays can be avoided.

We have listened closely to patients and to professionals who have shared their frustrations about current services and how things could be better. As we work to address waiting times and help us to further improve the level of care being offered to local people, this new joined up approach aims to reduce duplication and a more simplified services for patients. It is also a significant step forward in our aim to ensure equity of access for every ENT patient across Sussex. It is also a significant change to help us to ensure equity of access for every patient across Sussex as there will be a single was to access help and treatment.

Nick Saunders ENT Sussex Clinical lead said:

For the first time it brings together all NHS organisations providing ENT services to work together in a joined-up way, including East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, Queen Victoria Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust.

Patients will have an appointment with their GP practice as normal and then be referred to a central referral management centre they will be triaged by speciality trained clinicians working in NHS services across Sussex.

Patients will then be directed to the correct service for their health needs and seen by the right person the first time.

It will also mean that patients are able to access services across the area, and so may be directed to a service where waiting times are lower.

The ENT Sussex service will be able to access a single patient waiting list so that people are seen in order of clinical priority.