Spotlight - 12 November 2026
Winter vaccination momentum builds across Surrey and Sussex
Close to three quarters of a million people across Surrey and Sussex have now received vital protection ahead of this winter.
A total of 728,627 flu vaccinations have been delivered, making Surrey and Sussex the highest-performing ICB in the South East and third-highest in England. It has also delivered the highest number of Covid-19 vaccinations of any ICB in England and ranks first in the South East for vaccines given.
The latest uptake data reflects the collective efforts of ICB teams, GP practices, community pharmacies, NHS providers and partners to make vaccination accessible and help eligible people protect themselves this winter.
Vaccination is a key part of our winter plan and is at the centre of our efforts to help people stay well and get the right support throughout winter.
Find out more about how to stay well this winter
Shining a light on the vital role of pathology services
Pathology services play a vital role in healthcare, helping diagnose conditions, guide treatment and support patient care. Around 85% of patient pathways involve pathology in some way.
Across Surrey, Berkshire, Sussex and Hampshire, around 1,600 staff from five partner trusts provide more than 55 million test results every year, covering over 1,000 different types of test and supporting hundreds of GP practices.
Many of the people working in pathology laboratories never meet the patients whose care they help shape. To celebrate International Pathology Day (11 November), NHS Berkshire & Surrey Pathology Services has shone a light on some of these teams and the important work they do behind the scenes.
Patient feedback highlights impact of Neighbourhood Navigation Service
The First Community Neighbourhood Navigation Service is continuing to make a positive difference for residents across east Surrey, helping people access practical, financial, wellbeing and community support that can have a significant impact on their quality of life.
During July to September 2026, referrals to the service increased by more than 9% compared to the previous quarter, with an average of 30 new referrals every month. The service supports people facing a wide range of challenges, with the most common reasons for referral including mental health, social isolation, long-term health conditions, financial concerns and housing issues.
Monthly drop-in sessions at Caterham Dene Hospital provided advice and signposting to approximately 14 patients, family members and carers during the quarter. People received support on topics including benefits, transport, social activities, community groups and local services, helping to reduce uncertainty and support a smoother transition from hospital back into the community.
Weybridge’s new health centre takes shape
Work is progressing on Weybridge's new £20 million health centre, with NHS Property Services recently sharing a time-lapse video on LinkedIn.
The new centre will bring together maternity services, same-day urgent care, diagnostics and health and wellbeing support in a modern, integrated health hub for the local community. It will also include flexible space to respond to changing local needs.
Find out more about the development
Community Diagnostic Centre enters final stages of preparation
Excitement is building as preparations for the opening of Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust’s new Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) enter their final stages.
Construction of the building is now almost complete, with final touches being made both inside and outside the facility. At the same time, teams are preparing for the move into the new environment through familiarisation and training sessions, while departments begin making the final preparations needed to ensure patients receive an excellent experience from day one.
Read the full story
New online support group for adults with ADHD
New online support group for adults with ADHD
DHC Talking Therapies has launched a six-week online support group for adults experiencing worry, anxiety or low mood alongside ADHD.
The Managing Worry and Low Mood with ADHD programme has already proved popular, with the first course expanded in response to high demand.
The group is open to adults aged 17 and over who are registered with a Surrey GP. A formal ADHD diagnosis is not needed, and people can refer themselves.
The sessions offer practical strategies to help people manage the emotional impact of ADHD in everyday life, in a supportive online setting.
The next course starts on 5 January 2027.
Find out more
New seed funding to help communities shape future health and care research
New funding is available to help community groups and researchers work together to shape future health and care research across Sussex and Surrey.
The Sussex & Surrey Research Engagement Network (SS REN), working with the Applied Research Collaboration Kent, Surrey and Sussex (ARC KSS), is offering Building Community Research Partnerships Seed Funding Awards of up to £2,000 to help community groups and researchers build partnerships.
The funding will give partners time to meet, share ideas and understand what matters to local people before applying for funding for a research project. The aim is to make future research more inclusive and relevant to the people and communities it could benefit, including those whose voices are not always heard.
Find out more
Other research news
Work has begun on four research projects at University Hospitals Sussex. The projects aim to improve patient care, exploring advances in bowel and ovarian cancer, newborn care and safer antibiotic treatment.
Read the full story
Someone you know is a carer but do they know it yet?
Next week we mark Carers Rights Day (19 November) and this is an opportunity to raise awareness of the rights and support available to unpaid carers across Surrey and Sussex.
Many people who regularly support a partner, relative, friend or neighbour may not recognise themselves as carers. As a result, they could be missing out on advice, practical help and support to look after their own health and wellbeing.
Partners across health, social care and the voluntary sector can help by recognising unpaid carers, making sure they know their rights and connecting them with local support.
Whether someone is looking after a family member, helping a friend or supporting a neighbour, they don't have to manage alone.
Find out more about support available from:
Action for Carers Surrey
Carers Support West Sussex
Care for the Carers - Supporting carers in East Sussex
The Carers Centre