Review of clinical policies in stages to reduce differences in access to healthcare services in the Black Country.

News - 9 August 2024

We are continuing our review of clinical policies in stages to reduce differences in access to healthcare services in the Black Country.

stage 1 concluded on 28 February 2024 – read a report detailing the findings from the involvement exercise and feedback.
stage 2 concluded on 19 March 2024 - read a report detailing the findings from the involvement exercise and feedback
stage 3 commenced on 22 July and will conclude on 16 August 2024
All views gathered in this public involvement exercise will help inform our final decision-making on these policies.

In July 2022, NHS Black Country ICB took over local healthcare planning from the former clinical commissioning group (CCG) serving the areas of Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall, and Wolverhampton.

Since its establishment, the ICB have been reviewing its clinical policies. This includes:
Reviewing the four existing CCG policies to harmonise them into one new position for the ICB
implementing new policies to take into account national clinical guidelines and best practice.
While the majority of their clinical policies were similar, several clinical policies had some differences. To address these differences, commissioning policies for treatments listed on the webpage are being reviewed to look at how they can be made the same for the places of Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall, and Wolverhampton.

Clinical experts have looked at the latest evidence and practice for all of these services, both nationally and locally, to ensure the local offer is high quality and safe.

The clinical policy review will be carried out in stages. Stage 3 of the involvement exercise is now live to collect wider views and feedback from local people and staff to inform our final decision-making. The closing date for comments is Friday 16 August 2024.

Visit the ICB website to find out more information and have your say

Visit the ICB website to find out more information and have your say

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Local people are invited to attend the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board’s (ICB) Annual General Meeting (AGM).

The AGM is being held on Thursday 19 September, from 5.30pm to 7.30pm, and will be hosted online using Microsoft Teams.

The meeting is open to all members of the public and provides an opportunity to learn more about the organisation and the work that has been carried out in the last 12 months.

Mark Axcell, Chief Executive Officer for the NHS Black Country ICB, said: “Our AGM is an opportunity for us to look back on the ICBs work over the last 12 months and review our achievements and challenges, whilst also reflecting on the ever-changing challenges facing the NHS as we look to the future.

“We want the Black Country community to be as involved as possible in these conversations and we extend a warm welcome to local people to join us and take part in this year’s meeting.

“Public questions are an important part of our meetings and provide an opportunity for people to share what matters most to them about the local NHS. So, if you have a question, please do submit it in advance and we can respond."

For those interested in attending, please reserve your spot online here. A virtual meeting link will be sent to you via the email you registered your attendance with on Wednesday 18 September. If you haven’t received a meeting link by 5pm on this date, please email comms.blackcountry@nhs.net.

Members of the public who would like to send in a question should email bcicb.gb@nhs.net by 5pm on Monday 16 September.

Alternatively, if you would prefer to contact us by telephone to confirm your attendance or ask any questions, please contact our Time2Talk team on 0300 0120 281 and select option 1.
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NHS advice during hot weather

The NHS has issued important guidance as temperatures climb this week.

The Met Office, in conjunction with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), has issued a yellow heat alert as temperatures are set to rise this week, with people advised to take extra care in the hot weather.

Over the next few days temperatures across the Black Country could reach up to 27 degrees Celsius, with the yellow alert in place from today (Monday 29 July) until Friday 2 August.

Dr Ananta Dave, Chief Medical Officer for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, said: “While many people will enjoy the increase in temperature, spells of hot weather can cause some people to become unwell through overheating, heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Older people, those with underlying health conditions, and babies and young children are more likely to be unwell from hot weather because their bodies are less able to regulate temperature.

“To stay safe in the heat, be sure to drink plenty of cold drinks, take cool baths or showers and wear light coloured and loose clothing. Try to stay out of the sun between 11am-3pm and avoid alcohol and exercise as this will prevent dehydration.

“If someone has heat exhaustion, move them to a cool place and get them to lie down with their feet raised slightly. Ensure they drink plenty of water and cool their skin with cold water and fan them. They should start to cool down and feel better within 30 minutes.

“If you have friends, family, or neighbours who you know are more vulnerable to the effects of hot weather, it is important you check in on them and ensure they are aware of the forecasts and are following the necessary health advice.

“By taking these precautions, you can enjoy the nice weather and importantly, stay safe.”

If you, or others, start to feel unwell, move out of the heat immediately and drink some water to
rehydrate. If you feel dizzy, weak, or have a headache and intense thirst, visit NHS 111 online
or call 111 for more advice.
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