 In January 2009, Options UK were commissioned by East Sussex Downs and Weald PCT, Hastings and Rother PCT and East Sussex County Council to do a needs assessment for children and young people with diabetes, epilepsy and/or complex health needs. To fully gauge the extent of the needs and issues facing these children and young people in East Sussex, and to understand how the children’s services could be adapted to address those needs, Options UK designed a user-engagement programme to involve children and young people as well as parents and carers to voice their views. Focus group discussions were held in schools or at local support groups using a variety of tailor-made communication tools. The emerging cross cutting issues have provided a solid platform for future service improvement that will address the unmet local needs in East Sussex. |
