Important update regarding Sussex Interpreting Services (SIS)
28 October 2026
Dear all,
Please see important update regarding Sussex Interpreting Services (SIS)
Kind regards,
East Sussex LOC
Dear colleagues,
We are writing to make you aware that Sussex Interpreting Services (SIS) has informed the Integrated Care Board of its decision to cease operations from 31 October 2026.
We understand that some practices have received direct correspondence and this has led to concerns about the future of local services and support.
The ICB can confirm that SIS has taken this decision independently, following a review of the organisation’s long-term financial sustainability and is not a result of any decision by the ICB to withdraw the service.
SIS has confirmed that it will continue to accept and fulfil bookings for appointments taking place up to and including 31 October 2026. However, the service is no longer accepting bookings for appointments scheduled from 1 November 2026 onwards.
We recognise the important role interpreting services play in supporting equitable access to primary care. We are currently working closely with system partners to ensure arrangements are in place longer term to maintain access to interpreting services.
However in the meantime, alternative interpreting services, some with online booking portals, are below. These are already commissioned and available to practices free of charge:
Online portal – https://link.dals.co.uk/?utm
-
- Vandu – info@vandu.co.uk
Online portal – https://vandu.co.uk/account/login?utm
-
- Supreme Linguistics Services – bookings@premiumlinguistic.com
Telephone & remote:
-
- Supreme Linguistics Services – bookings@premiumlinguistic.com
-
- The Big Word – ukgovinterpreting@thebigword.com
Online portal – https://gms.thebigword.com/?utm
-
- Language Line – translations@languageline.co.uk
Online portal – https://www.languageline.com/en-gb/client-portal?utm
Translation & transcription
-
- The Big Word – ukgov@thebigword.com
- Vandu – info@vandu.co.uk
- Supreme Linguistics Services – bookings@premiumlinguistic.com
These services are being extended to ensure continuity of services beyond 31 October, whilst we secure long term arrangements. We do not anticipate any interruption to provision and will provide further updates should any action be required from practices.
Thank you for your continued support.
Kind regards,
Primary Care Commissioning Team
NHS Surrey and Sussex
East Sussex LOC Latest News
All Practices Using REGO: REGO Decommissioning Letter
Dear All, For all practices using REGO, please click here for a letter regarding the decommissioning of the platform. Please note that, from Friday 21st August 2026, registered users of REGO will no longer have access to the platform. Kind regards, East Sussex LOC
31 July 2026
SeeAbility Recruitment
Dear All, Please see below for a message from SeeAbility. Kind regards, East Sussex LOC For those that may not be aware, SeeAbility are the provider for NHS sight testing in SEN schools and will soon be expanding within London and into the South-East area. To facilitate this expansion, we are currently looking to recruit …
Continue reading “SeeAbility Recruitment”
2 July 2026
Part-funded MSc opportunity for primary care colleagues
Dear all, Please see below for details of an exciting opportunity to complete a part-funded MSc in Healthcare Leadership. Kind regards, East Sussex LOC Dear colleagues We’re launching a one-off, part-funded primary care cohort of the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson programme, delivered by Alliance Manchester Business School in partnership with NHS England. It includes a part-funded MSc in Healthcare Leadership and is available specifically …
Continue reading “Part-funded MSc opportunity for primary care colleagues”
2 July 2026
CPD Webinar Invite | Xanthelasma in Optometric Practice – 1 CPD Point: Weds 13th May
Dear all, Please see below for details of a CPD webinar being run by Sapphire Eye Care at 7.30pm on Wednesday 13th May. Kind regards, East Sussex LOC Sapphire Eye Care is delighted to invite you to an upcoming educational CPD Zoom webinar focusing on the recognition, risk assessment, and referral of xanthelasma in optometric practice. This interactive session will …
8 May 2026
OCL Vision Open Day: Thursday 14th May at The Grand Hotel, Eastbourne
Dear All, Please click here and see below for details of the launch of OCL Vision Eastbourne on Thursday 14th May at The Grand Hotel, Eastbourne. Kind regards, East Sussex LOC ****************************************************************************************** We are delighted to invite you — including *all clinical, administrative, and support staff* — to a special evening on Thursday 14th May from 6:30 to …
Continue reading “OCL Vision Open Day: Thursday 14th May at The Grand Hotel, Eastbourne”
21 April 2026
East Sussex LOC AGM & CPD Lecture: The Depot, Lewes – Weds 22nd April
Dear All, The East Sussex LOC would like to invite members to attend its Annual General Meeting at The Depot, Pinwell Road, Lewes, BN7 2JS on Wednesday 22nd April 2026. Registration and refreshments will be at 6.30pm, with the AGM starting at 7pm. The AGM will be followed by a CPD Lecture by Mr Andre …
Continue reading “East Sussex LOC AGM & CPD Lecture: The Depot, Lewes – Weds 22nd April”
18 March 2026
Drop-Free Cataract Surgery CPD Workshop: Thursday 26th March 6.30pm – Sovereign Harbour Yacht Club
Dear All, Please click here for details of a Drop-Free Cataract Surgery CPD Workshop on Thursday 26th March 6:30pm at the Sovereign Harbour Yacht Club. Kind regards, East Sussex LOC
16 February 2026
Important Advice re Implementation of the NHS Safety Charter
Dear All, Last week an email went out to all Optical Contractors from the NHS South East Optometry team detailing a range of new measures that they stated practices must follow to implement the NHS Safety Charter. Please click here for a copy of the email sent. In the email, they also say that NHS …
Continue reading “Important Advice re Implementation of the NHS Safety Charter”
4 February 2026
Vision Care for Homeless People (VCHP)
Dear All, Vision Care for Homeless People (VCHP) is a national charity providing free NHS-regulated eye tests and glasses to those experiencing homelessness. We run fully equipped clinics across England and Scotland, including in London, Brighton, Edinburgh. Our testing rooms are set up much like a high street optician, and optometrists are fully supported by …
Continue reading “Vision Care for Homeless People (VCHP)”
24 September 2025
East Sussex LOC CPD Day: Thursday 6th November
Dear All, The LOC is pleased to confirm the details of its one-day CPD Event on Thursday 6th November at the AMEX Stadium. Registration is now open. Despite rising costs, the LOC has kept the cost of the event to £50 per person. The event will be a full day of CPD sessions, designed to educate and …
Continue reading “East Sussex LOC CPD Day: Thursday 6th November”
21 August 2025