Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

31/10/2026

Costumes, candles and carved pumpkins are all part of the Halloween fun, but they can also be a fire hazard. Before you head out trick or treating this evening, take a moment to refresh your burn first aid knowledge and help keep Halloween safe for everyone. 🎃

In the event of a fire, remember to:
- STOP: Do not run or it will make the flames worse
- DROP: down to the ground
- ROLL: in heavy fabric or a fire blanket to smother the flames, though just on the ground will help
- COOL: the burn with running cool tap water for at least 20 minutes and remove all clothing and jewellery from the area (unless it is melted or firmly stuck to the wound)
- CALL: for help. Call 999, 111, or your local GP for any burn larger than a 50p coin
- COVER: the burn with loose cling film whilst you seek further medical help.

Our Minor Injuries Unit is also open until 8pm for any non-emergency care, including minor burns and scalds.

Stay safe, enjoy your spooky activities, and have a fang-tastic Halloween! 👻🕯️

NHS Surrey and Sussex Children's Burns Trust Dans Fund For Burns

30/10/2026

We always enjoy receiving feedback from our patients, and we are very proud of some we have recently received.

One patient treated by our Burns Unit said: “I felt very supported by everyone on the ward. Nothing was too much trouble and I had the help I wanted, whether that was practical help or a listening ear – this made a huge difference to how I felt.” 💙

Well done to all of our teams for their continuous hard work and dedication to patient care.

Care Opinion

25/10/2026

For many people, the impact of a scar goes far beyond the skin.

We're proud to support a new report from Scar Free Foundation highlighting the physical, psychological and social effects that scarring can have on people's lives, and the importance of improved awareness, support and research.

As a specialist Burns Centre, we understand that recovery is about much more than healing a wound. We take a holistic approach to care, recognising that long-term scar management, rehabilitation and emotional support all play a vital role in helping people rebuild confidence, regain function and move forward after injury. 💙

Read more about the report and why greater awareness, research and support for people living with scars is needed: https://www.qvh.nhs.uk/2026/10/qvh-supports-new-report-calling-for-greater-recognition-of-the-impact-of-scarring/

NHS Surrey and Sussex Children's Burns Trust Changing Faces

23/10/2026

October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and our Breast Reconstruction Clinical Nurse Specialists are keen to spread awareness and show their support. 🎗️

Supporting patients through breast cancer and breast reconstruction is such a privilege, and something that Pam, Rebecca and Sophie all feel incredibly passionate about. They understand that every patient’s journey is different, and their role is to provide reassurance, compassion and support through what can be one of the most challenging times in their lives. Breast reconstruction is about so much more than surgery – it’s about helping patients regain their confidence, feel comfortable in their bodies and find a sense of themselves again. 🩷

One of the most rewarding parts of their roles is building relationships with their patients. They are there to listen, offer a shoulder to lean on, celebrate milestones, and support women through the ups and downs of their journey.

Seeing people grow in confidence, regain their strength and move forward with their lives is what makes their jobs so special. Knowing that they have played even a small part in helping them feel supported, empowered and confident again is incredibly rewarding. 🫶

As Breast Reconstruction Clinical Nurse Specialists, Pam, Rebecca and Sophie feel very fortunate to do what they do and to work alongside such inspirational patients every day. Their resilience, courage and determination continue to inspire us, and it is a privilege to be part of their pathway.

For more information on how to check your chest for signs of cancer, please refer to these NHS guidelines - https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/how-to-check-your-breasts-or-chest/

NHS Surrey and Sussex Restore Breast Cancer UK Breast Cancer Now CoppaFeel! Macmillan in the South East

22/10/2026

Around 40 people living with facial palsy, along with their families and carers, came together here at QVH for a special ‘Living with Facial Palsy’ support event earlier this month, offering expert advice, practical support and the opportunity to connect with others who share similar experiences. 💙

The day was organised in collaboration with Facial Palsy UK and Queen Victoria Hospital Charity, and combined expert-led information sessions with opportunities for people affected by facial palsy to meet others who understand the challenges they face.

One attendee said: "It is important to encourage those that we love and support to attend to help not only build communities but understand not just facial palsy but how it affects our lives and those that have it. Seeing other people with facial palsy and how they have lived with it is empowering." 🫶

Read the full story on our website: https://www.qvh.nhs.uk/2026/10/support-advice-and-shared-experiences-take-centre-stage-at-facial-palsy-event/

NHS Surrey and Sussex

20/10/2026

Did you know Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) are one of the largest workforces in the NHS? 🏥

Last week, we celebrated with an interactive display in our Spitfire Restaurant, recognising the incredible contribution our AHPs make every day at QVH.

Allied health professionals include physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, dietitians, radiographers, operating department practitioners, clinical psychologists, paramedics and many other specialist professions. Working alongside our multidisciplinary teams, they support patients at every stage of their healthcare journey. 🫶

From helping patients through their surgical journey and supporting rehabilitation following surgery or injury, to managing long-term conditions, enabling effective communication and helping people regain independence, our AHPs make a real and lasting difference to patient outcomes every day.

Thank you to all of our AHP colleagues for the expertise, compassion and dedication you bring to patients, families and teams across the Trust! 💙

Pictured is Cat, our AHP Lead; Karen, our Deputy Chief Nurse; and Sarah, one of our Clinical Directors and Radiology Services Manager.

NHS Surrey and Sussex

16/10/2026

A building is only ever as important as the people it serves. 💙

Our new Community Diagnostic Centre is nearing completion and will give more patients quicker access to diagnostic tests and scans, helping them get answers faster and access the right care at the right time.

Whether that means the reassurance of an all-clear or starting treatment sooner, this facility will help transform the experience of care for patients across our communities. 🩺

The centre is the result of close collaboration between NHS teams and partners from across the construction, design and engineering sectors, all working towards a shared goal: improving care for local people.

The photos tell the story of a building taking shape. The real impact will be seen in the lives of the patients who walk through its doors in the months and years ahead. 🏥

We’re incredibly proud to be reaching this milestone and look forward to welcoming our first patients soon.



NHS Surrey and Sussex NHS Mims Davies MP Moatfield Surgery Modality Partnership Mid-Sussex East Grinstead Town Council Mott MacDonald

16/10/2026

Our Minor Injuries Unit is open 8am until 8pm every day, including Bank Holidays, so we are here to help with a wide range of minor injuries and conditions for adults and children over 1 year old. 🏥

Please refer to our website to check if we can help you: https://www.qvh.nhs.uk/our-services/minor-injuries-unit/

We are urging people to choose the right service as NHS services across Sussex are incredibly busy.

There a range of services available to help you including Pharmacy, Minor Injuries Unit and Urgent Treatment Centres.

If you need advice or support please contact NHS 111 by phone, via the NHS app or online at 111.nhs.uk

Save A&E for life threatening emergencies.

14/10/2026

A huge thank you to everyone who stopped by to speak with our team at Haskins Garden Centre Snowhill today for National Burn Awareness Day! 🔥

Over the course of the day, our specialist nurses spoke with over 200 people, sharing advice on preventing burns, recognising everyday hazards and knowing the correct first aid response if a burn occurs.

The event comes as new QVH data reveals that children aged two and under account for 45% of all burn assessments carried out by our Paediatric Assessment Unit, with hot drinks remaining the leading cause of injury. The team has also identified a growing trend in burns caused by instant noodle pots, whilst continuing to see children with burns caused by everyday household items such as ovens and hobs, hair straighteners and hot water bottles. ☕️

Find out more about the event, the latest burns injury figures and how to help keep your family safe on our website: https://www.qvh.nhs.uk/2026/10/almost-half-of-paediatric-burn-assessments-at-qvh-involve-children-aged-two-and-under/

NHS Surrey and Sussex Children's Burns Trust Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust Ashford & St. Peter's Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

14/10/2026

At The McIndoe Centre, National Burns Awareness Day holds a special significance.

Our heritage is rooted in the pioneering work of Sir Archibald McIndoe, whose groundbreaking advances in burns treatment and reconstructive surgery transformed the lives of injured airmen during the Second World War.

Working at Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in East Grinstead, McIndoe helped shape a more compassionate approach to recovery. His patients, many of whom formed the famous Guinea Pig Club, showed extraordinary courage and resilience, inspiring the legacy of care that continues today.

We’re proud to honour this history and the patients, clinicians and researchers who continue to advance reconstructive surgery and improve lives 💙