Our Annual Public Meeting went really well & thank you to all that attended

News - 27 November 2024

Our Annual Public Meeting was well attended and well received.

We wanted to say a big thank you to all the members of the public, volunteers, and especially all the support organisations that offered free advice and information to people.

A special thank you to our two guest speakers, Dr. Anand Rischie and Angela Poulton, who spoke about 'Primary Care Transformation', what it is and what it means to patients.

We appreciate the experiences and views you shared with us and continue to look forward to meeting members of the public in all the Walsall communities, visiting local groups, and working with existing support organisations and new ones.

Downloads

Link to Annual Report 2023/2024 Click Here

File download
PDF of presentations around 'Primary Care Transformation' and our Annual Report 23/24
Download (PDF 4.15 MB)

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Keeping warm and well in the cold weather

With weather warnings in place and cold temperatures forecast for this week, people in the Black Country are being reminded to look out for those vulnerable to the cold weather.

The yellow cold weather alert, which was issued last week and due to last until Thursday 21 November, has now been updated to an amber alert and is in effect from today until 6pm on Saturday 23 November.
Prolonged cold weather can have a serious impact on people’s health and wellbeing, especially for young children, people aged 65 and over, and those living with a long-term health condition.

Dr Ananta Dave, Chief Medical Officer for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, said: “With more cold weather predicted over the next few days, it’s important that everyone stays warm and continues to look out for those more vulnerable to the cold conditions.

“Cold weather can seriously affect your health, particularly for the elderly and very young children. As well as physical injuries from the increase in slips and falls due to the icy conditions, the drop in temperature can also affect your immune system. That’s why it’s also important that those with long-term conditions, such as heart disease, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and diabetes, take care of themselves in the cold weather as it can make some health problems worse.

“Stay as warm as possible by heating your home, or the rooms you’re using, to 18 Celsius if possible, and wear multiple thin layers of clothing. Having regular hot drinks and meals will also help, and if you are at higher risk of cold-related illness or falls, avoid exposing yourself to the cold outdoor conditions. Make sure you have sufficient food and any repeat medication so that you can cope if you’re unable to leave the house.

“During this period, it is really important to check in on family members, friends and relatives who may need additional support. Prolonged periods of cold weather can often mean that some people feel isolated in their home. They may need help with food shopping or picking up a prescription, or they may just need a chat and to see a friendly face.”
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Spring 2024 COVID-19 vaccine roll out to start in the Black Country

Eligible people in the Black Country will be invited to come forward for spring COVID-19 vaccine from this week.

Following guidance from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) the latest phase of the COVID-19 vaccination programme has now started, with care home residents first in line to receive a spring vaccine dose.

The offer will then be opened up to the remaining eligible groups, including:
• adults aged 75 years and over (including those who turn 75 by 30 June 2024)
• those aged six months and over who have a weakened immune system.

People who are admitted to an older adult care home or become immunosuppressed by 30 June are also eligible. Those eligible for a spring vaccine will be contacted by the NHS by letter, text message or via
the NHS App. Appointments can be booked via the National Booking System, with first appointments available from Monday 22 April.

If you know you are eligible, you do not have to wait to be invited, you can book on National Booking System once it is open. Walk-in appointments are also available at selected locations and you can find your nearest site by visiting the NHS online walk-in finder.

Sally Roberts, Chief Nursing Officer for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, said: “Vaccination has been our most effective tool against COVID-19 and remains the best way to stay protected.

“Having the spring vaccine helps prevent vulnerable people from becoming seriously ill or needing treatment in hospital and over the coming weeks, everyone aged 75 and over, residents in care homes for older adults, and people with a weakened immune system will be offered a vaccination.

“So, if you’re in one of the eligible groups, please take the opportunity to top up your protection as soon as you can.”

For more information on the spring vaccine, please visit the NHS website.
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