Firstly, we wish a HAPPY AND HEALTHY 2026 to our readers.

We are a group of volunteer patients working hard, in collaboration with, but independently of, Modality Mid Sussex, to improve the patient experience at the four MMS health centres in East Grinstead, Crawley Down and Burgess Hill. We need more volunteers to join the committee and help us in our mission. Your input is as big or small as you can manage but can have a significant impact!

We're keen to ensure all patients are aware of who we are, and how we actively work to promote better experiences and outcomes for all patients of Modality across Mid Sussex. We're more active in local publications such as the East Grinstead Town Crier, a variety of local newsletters and notice boards in all four health centres. We also have a website, a Facebook page, and are increasing our use of social media to help reach as many people as possible. We would welcome suggestions for additional methods of communication.

We are part of a Sussex wide network of PPGs that meet regularly to exchange ideas on how to improve the service we provide. This is becoming more important as the ongoing cutbacks in the NHS impact on the service they provide.

We also supply support to other local health and social services, e.g. Age UK.

We are currently in the early stages of providing practical aid to patients that are challenged by the use of digital communication now used increasingly by the NHS, including health centres. Commonly labelled Digital Inclusion. This is an ongoing programme which we plan to make available to all of our patients, wherever they live. It will commence as a trial in Turners Hill on 21 January with plans for further programmes in East Grinstead.

We acknowledge criticisms made by patients and actively advise MMS on ways that we believe that they can improve the service they provide to their patient, e.g.  better communication - post operative care – more appointments.