After being critically ill, it may take up to 18 months for patients to fully recover.
Some patients go home feeling so weak they may struggle with simple tasks such as getting dressed and moving about, leaving them feeling a loss of independence and low in mood.
In addition they may experience a number of psychological symptoms including nightmares, flashbacks (suddenly remembering, in vivid detail, a past experience), hallucinations, paranoia, anxiety and a loss of confidence. Sleep is imperative to healing but the ex-ICU patient often has trouble going to sleep and/or suffers broken nights.
Relatives often feel at a loss to help. Having sat by their loved ones bed space for weeks, scared they might not make it through, they too are traumatised.
As part of the follow up service, patients and relatives are invited to attend patient and relatives support group (formally known as STEPS). Here people are invited to informally share their experiences with one another, listen to others and share information they may find helpful.
Conquest Hospital and Eastbourne DGH have a combined patient and relatives support group.
The meetings are held quarterly, at Bexhill Hospital Health Hub on a Monday evening – 5pm to 6.30pm.
Hot drinks and snacks provided.
Please see dates below for all meetings and come along (which are subject to change)
- 1 December 2025
- 2 March 2026
- 1 June 2026
- 7 September 2026
- 7 December 2026
Please feel free to contact Samantha Bull or Kimberley Hysa at Conquest Hospital or Sarah Jones at Eastbourne DGH for further information.