New East Sussex MSK Community Pain Service Coming Soon
A new pain service will launch for East Sussex in November 2026, offering support for people living with persistent musculoskeletal (MSK) pain. The service will help people better understand their pain, build confidence and find ways to live well alongside it.
The service is being developed with healthcare providers, community organisations and people with lived experience of persistent pain, so that it reflects the needs of people and communities across East Sussex.
Through building strong local partnerships, it will help connect people with support that is accessible, relevant and centred on what matters most to them.
If you are currently receiving support for persistent pain, you do not need to do anything. If there are any changes that affect you, you will be contacted directly and given the information you need.
Launch date: November 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
The service is changing following a planned review of how persistent pain support is provided in East Sussex.
The new East Sussex MSK Community Pain Service will provide support for people across the whole of East Sussex.
The new service will bring together healthcare, community support and the experience of people who live with pain, providing personalised support.
Over time, additional support such as Pain Cafés, peer support opportunities and community-based services will be introduced alongside clinical care.
You do not need to do anything because of this change unless you are contacted directly and advised otherwise.
Your care will continue as the service transfers to the new provider. While there may be some temporary changes or minor disruption during the transition, we are working closely together to keep this to a minimum.
If you already have an appointment booked, please attend as planned.
No. If you are currently receiving care from the service or are waiting for support, you do not need a new referral because of this change.
Yes. If you are currently waiting for the Pain Management Service, your referral will be securely transferred to the new provider and you will keep your place on the waiting list.
You do not need to ask your GP for a new referral.
No. You do not need to contact the service or ask your GP for a new referral.
We will contact you if any action is required from you.
The East Sussex MSK Community Pain Service will begin operating on 2nd November 2026.
Patients will be contacted after the service launches and appointments will be offered according to clinical need and waiting list arrangements.
You do not need to contact the service before then.
Here is a not-for-profit social enterprise that provides community healthcare services across Sussex.
As a not-for-profit organisation, any surplus income is reinvested into services and communities rather than paid to shareholders.
A not-for-profit social enterprise is a business that exists to benefit people and communities. It earns money by providing services but does not pay profits to owners or shareholders. Instead, any money left after costs is put back into its work. Here reinvests this money to support its purpose: exceptional care for everyone.
Relevant information about your care will be securely transferred from previous providers to Here so that your treatment can continue safely and smoothly.
In accordance with UK data protection legislation and NHS requirements, only information necessary to support the safe and ongoing delivery of your care will be transferred. This may include your contact details, referral and appointment history, assessments, care plans and other relevant records.
To make sure your care can continue safely and smoothly, information about your care will be transferred when the service changes provider.
This helps ensure that the professionals involved in your care have the information they need to continue supporting you.
Yes. Your information will be handled in accordance with NHS confidentiality, information governance and data protection requirements.
Only authorised staff involved in providing your care will be able to access your records.
If your symptoms worsen, or you are concerned about your health while waiting for an appointment, please contact your GP or the healthcare professional currently involved in your care.
If you need urgent medical help, please seek appropriate urgent care.
The East Sussex MSK Community Pain Service will contact patients directly regarding appointments, contact details or any changes to arrangements.
Information will also be available through service communications and online.
You have the right to opt out of having your care records transferred to the new provider. To do this, please contact East Sussex Community MSK Partnership.
Please be aware that if you opt-out you will be discharged from the service and the new provider will not have a record of the care you have received. If you wish to access the service in the future, you will need a new referral from your GP.
Further guidance about how your information is used and protected will be available on request.
If you have questions about your current referral, please continue to use your existing contact details until the new service launches on 2nd November 2026.
Further information about the East Sussex MSK Community Pain Service will be made available as the launch date approaches. including a dedicated website and phone number.