Support to staff and patients

Patricia Charlesworth started work at the hospital on December 11 as the new PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Service) officer.

The organisation focuses on improving service to patients at both the Conquest and Eastbourne District General Hospital (DGH) by way of advising and supporting their families, providing information, listening to concerns and suggestions and helping to sort out any problems.

Patricia worked for two years as a PALS officer at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells Hospitals NHS Trust after ten years working as a medical secretary.

She said: "Everyone here has been so welcoming and Hastings has been without a PALS officer for the past year so I am really looking forward to developing the service here."

Judith Clabby, director of corporate services, said: "We are thrilled to welcome Patricia to the role of PALS officer in Hastings.

"We know that she will really develop the service, giving patients, families and hospital staff the necessary support and advice."

The confidential service is now available at Hastings from 9am to 5pm from Monday to Thursday and 9am to 4.30pm on Friday.

The PALS office is located just to the right of the main entrance at the Conquest hospital.