Surrey and Sussex NHS Healthcare Trust has been given the thumbs up by patients for their cancer care.

A survey of National Cancer Patient Experience commissioned by NHS England shows the Healthcare Trust is above average in many areas.  These include the quality of support provided by clinical staff both during and after treatment, and the feeling patients were being treated with dignity and respect.

They were, however, just below the national average in terms of close family members having the opportunity to discuss the situation with the doctor.

A former taxi operator has abandoned his appeal against a decision by Crawley Borough Council to revoke his licence.

Mawaz Khan lost his licence to operate the business ‘United Cars’ back in June after it was discovered he had been using private hire drivers and vehicles not licensed by the council for bookings in Crawley, a practice sometimes referred to as ‘cross border hiring’.

It is an illegal practice and Mr Khan did plead guilty to criminal charges.

Mr Khan withdrew his appeal on 20th July after an agreement was reached to issue an operator’s licence to another person, on the understanding strict conditions are adhered to.

The council has also been awarded costs in defending this matter.

The leader of Surrey County Council has hit out at proposals by the RMT union for a week-long strike next week over the Southern Rail dispute.

David Hodge, who is a Southern Rail passenger himself, says “It is completely unacceptable for the RMT to cause so much disruption to the people of Surrey with a week-long strike’.

Southern and rail union RMT are due to hold talks ahead of the planned industrial action, which is scheduled to begin on 8th August.

The skatepark in Bletchingley has been closed due to vandalism.

The Council reluctantly took the decision to shut the ramps at Grange Meadow after the wooden surface was attacked and several holes were made in the ramps.

Both the Council and Surrey Police are reviewing CCTV footage in an attempt to identify those responsible for the damage which is estimated to be several thousand pounds worth.

Nominations are open to recognise the work of staff across the Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust.

Patients, staff and service users are all invited to put forward individuals or teams who have gone beyond expectations and are inspirations to others.

There are 9 categories in the SASH Star Awards which reflect the Trust’s values.

The deadline for nominations is September 9th.

To find out more information and submit a nomination form please visit the SASH Star Awards page. A special awards evening will be held later in the year.