News

First Community’s Falls Prevention Service provides a Better Balance Class for adults.

About First Community’s Better Balance Class

Following the external global IT issue affecting businesses on Friday 19 July, First Community services are now regaining access to the Emis system used to check patient records and appointment details. 

All First Community services continue to provide patient care. Service details can be found here: https://www.firstcommunityhealthcare.co.uk/what-we-do

We hope to have the full system back up and running as soon as possible. 

There is currently an external global IT issue affecting many businesses across the country. 

First Community services are currently unable to access the Emis system used to check patient records and appointment details. 

For a fourth year running, First Community has successfully completed a Data Security and Protection Toolkit self-assessment and surpassed the stringent standards, showcasing its unwavering commitment to data security and protection.

All organisations that have access to NHS patient data and systems must use the Data Security and Protection Toolkit to publish an assessment against the National Data Guardian’s 10 data security standards.

The First Community children’s dieticians have launched a new, free resource for families and carers who are struggling with their children’s eating.

The webpage starts with an explanation of the difference between ‘fussy eating’ and ‘complex feeding difficulties’ which will help people identify what resources they need to access.

The webpage features a range of information available, split into easy to access sections such as online courses, self-help programmes, support groups and nutritional information and much more.

First Community has published its Quality Account for 2023-24.

The annual report outlines the quality of the NHS health and care services we provide across east Surrey and West Sussex and our continued commitment to improving the quality and safety of care we provide.

The quality of our services are measured in a number of ways including looking at patient safety, the effectiveness of treatments our patients receive and by evaluating patient feedback about their care and experience.

On 1 April 2024 First Community welcomed David Ahmad as Non-Executive Director. 

David will be responsible for chairing the Audit Committee and Finance Committee at First Community.

David is an accomplished Chief Finance Officer having worked in financial services, predominantly for the UK businesses of large global financial institutions and he brings a wealth of experience and extensive senior leadership qualities to the role. 

David is also a Non-Executive Director for Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust, where he is the Chair of the Audit Commitee.

ISO 45001 is an international standard for health and safety at work developed by national and international standards committees independent of government.

First Community was first audited in 2018 and has since successfully passed the ISO 45001 accreditation annually. 

The results of the annual NHS Staff survey have been released and show that First Community is the best provider of NHS care to work for in the whole country.

Sarah Tomkins, Chief Executive said: “I am overwhelmed by the high standards of our results, some of which are the highest we have ever achieved.  First rate care by first rate people is at centre of all our decision making and these results clearly show these values in action:

First Community’s Podiatry Service provides assessment and treatment for patients with a range of foot problems, particularly those at risk of complications resulting from conditions such as diabetes, arthritic conditions, rheumatoid arthritis and vascular disease.

How to access the service

Patients registered with an east Surrey GP practice can access the Podiatry Service via a referral from their GP or consultant or by self-referring. 

Self-referral