The Patient Experience of Cancer Services in Walsall

News - 18 June 2024

This year one of our priority projects is ‘The Patient Experience of Cancer Services in Walsall’. Our aim is to gain an understanding of the patient experience of those who have used cancer services in Walsall; generally we are trying to find out whether people in Walsall were happy with the treatment and care they received. We want to know if people were treated with compassion, if they felt safe and cared for, if they were listened to; and whether they were given the support and information they needed. Getting an understanding of this will help us to understand how services can be improved for the future.

To take part in our survey, please click the link below, it takes just a few minutes and your feedback can help shape services for the future.

https://engagingcommunities.welcomesyourfeedback.net/zcb3hq

We will be out and about talking to people and attending different groups and events, promoting our project. We hope to listen to as many people as possible to ensure all voices are heard from every corner of the community. If you would like to support our engagement and invite us to your group or event, please get in touch. We would love to come and listen to what people have to say!

We will also be holding coffee / tea chats for people to come along and and share their experiences of cancer services in Walsall, please keep a look out for future dates.

To get involved, please contact project lead Loretta Higgins on:

07732 683 449 / loretta.higgins@healthwatchwalsall.co.uk

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Order repeat prescriptions before Christmas

People in the Black Country are being reminded to order any repeat prescriptions they may need ahead of the festive period.

GP practices and pharmacies will have limited opening hours over the Christmas and New Year period, making it more challenging for people to access medicines at short notice. Every bank holiday, NHS 111 sees an increase in people getting in touch about repeat prescriptions. Waiting and using emergency or urgent services over the festive break puts added pressure on already busy services.

To avoid this and to ensure health is not put at any unnecessary risk, people are being asked to submit any repeat prescriptions that are due for renewal by Monday 18 December at the latest to make sure there is enough time for them to be processed and dispensed.

Dr Ananta Dave, Chief Medical Officer for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, said: “Running out of your usual medication can have serious consequences, especially if you use them to control heart and breathing problems or a long-term condition such as diabetes, and is the last thing you want to do while you’re celebrating with loved ones over the holidays.

“That’s why we’re encouraging anyone who may need a repeat prescription to order them well ahead of the bank holiday period and not leave it until the last minute when pharmacies and GP practices are operating with limited opening hours.

“This can be a busy time of the year, especially in the build-up to Christmas, but it’s important that we all take time to think about our health and do what we can to stay well. Having a medicine cabinet at home with some simple over-the-counter remedies like paracetamol, ibuprofen, and anti-diarrhoea tablets is also recommended so you can treat any common illnesses or ailments yourself.”

Most repeat medication requests can be made online, via local practice websites or through the NHS App. People who do not use the internet can approach their practice to access their prescriptions.

To find your nearest pharmacy, visit the NHS website.

If you or a loved one becomes unwell over the festive period and is in need of urgent health advice or treatment – particularly over the bank holidays when GP practices will be closed – contact NHS 111 by dialling 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk.
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