COMMUNITY LEARNING DISABILTY TEAM

Community services specialist South Downs Health NHS Trust received its new full registration from the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the independent regulator of all health and social care in England, on 25 March 2010.

The Trust’s registration confirms its compliance with all CQC quality standards and is part of a wide-ranging process involving all health and adult social care providers in England.

Andy Painton, Chief Executive, South Downs Health NHS Trust, said, “South Downs is committed to providing consistently safe, high-quality healthcare services. We put patients at the heart of our practices and strive to improve the health and well-being of people in our local communities. Meeting the CQC’s quality standards is an integral part of this as we work to deliver the best community services in the UK for the people of Brighton & Hove and West Sussex, working in partnership with local healthcare and social service partners.”

Like all NHS Trusts, we are funded by the Government for essential services and equipment.

However, gifts, donations and bequests from individuals and charitable organisations are very welcome as they enable us to provide extra patient services and invest in new equipment.

Expert Patient Programmes offers self-management courses for people living with a long-term physical or mental health condition and their carers.

People who participate in Expert Patient Programmes report that they:

Feel confident and more in control of their lives.

Manage their condition and treatment better, supported by healthcare professionals.

Are realistic about the impact of the condition on themselves and their families.

Use their new skills and knowledge to improve their quality of life.

Expert Patient Programmes are run by local NHS Primary Care Trusts and are delivered by volunteer tutors with similar chronic conditions.