A new service has been set up to help and support patients with long term health conditions in Heathfield, Uckfield and the surrounding area.
Three Community Matrons have been recruited to work with local GPs, and other health and social care staff, to improve the quality of care for patients suffering from conditions including diabetes, multiple-sclerosis, Parkinsons, heart disease, as well as respiratory and neurological conditions.
Community Matrons are highly experienced senior nurses who work closely with patients and GPs to plan and organise care.
They support patients in their own homes, enabling them to look after themselves more easily and reduce the likelihood of needing to go into hospital.
Millie Shapter, Community Matron for Heathfield says "This service will ensure that patients who suffer from long term conditions receive supportive nursing care to help them manage their condition.
This will lead to fewer unnecessary trips to the hospital or their doctor, saving patients time and effort.
The Community Matrons service has been already been rolled out across the rest of East Sussex so it is wonderful that people in Heathfield and Uckfield will now benefit from the support the team can offer."
Patients can be referred into the new service by their GP, District Nurse or other health and social care professional.
