1. News -

    Your monthly catch-up on health and social care experiences, topics, and themes, and useful information.
  2. News -

    Your monthly catch-up on health and social care experiences, topics, themes, and useful information.
  3. News -

    An NHS guide to...
  4. News -

    Your monthly catch-up on health and social care experiences, topics, and themes, and useful information.
  5. News -

    A specialist project that pulls together the support and how to access it when needed.
  6. News -

    An insight into how one diabetic patient manages their condition and lives a packed life.
  7. News -

    Information of support for those who feel isolated. Available support and services.
  8. News -

    Our seasonal update contains service information and messages as well as what we have been up to and what you told us.
  9. News -

    The beginning of May is upon us and where is the year going? It’s great that we are now out and about in the Borough, being able to meet up
    with new and old faces again and as we continue with our engagement program, we look forward to meeting more of you to hear about your health and social care experiences.
  10. News -

    Our Autumn newsletter has just dropped.
    With useful information and support opportunities.
  11. News -

    Healthwatch Walsall would like to know what is affecting you and your family, how you are/will be planning to manage and to find out what support you need?
  12. News -

    The young person's communication project is aimed at young people aged 14-24 to find out their experiences and challenges in accessing health and social care services and whether young people are aware of alternative options for primary care services. We are conducting this survey to find out what barriers young people are faced with and what could help improve this for them.
  13. News -

    Have you had an issue communicating with a professional? Have you had issues accessing health services? A campaign for and by young people in Walsall
  14. News -

    Your monthly catch-up on health and social care experiences, topics, and themes, and useful information.
  15. News -

    With the NHS under extra pressure this winter, we need to hear your experiences of care to help services understand what is working and spot issues affecting support for you and your loved ones.

    The NHS is facing added pressures this winter. This means that it can be more challenging for people to receive the care they need.
    Feedback from the public can play a vital role in helping health and social care services understand what is working and spot issues affecting the care of local people.
    This is why we have launched a campaign to get more people to share their experiences of care this winter.
    If you or a loved one have used GPs, hospitals, pharmacies, care homes or other support services this winter, we want to hear about your experience.
    Every experience matters
    Have you faced challenges or delays accessing health and care services this winter? If you have, we want to know how this has affected your health and wellbeing.

    Have you found accessing NHS services easy? Are there any aspects of the care you got that you really valued?
    Your positive or negative feedback can help services hear what is working and spot issues affecting care for you and your loved ones.
  16. News -

    A great graphical and informative presentation. Well done Baljot Kaur, great work.
  17. News -

    Watch the animation video to discover the key organisations that make up the NHS and how they can collaborate with partners in the health and care system to deliver joined-up care.

    This animation has been developed by The King’s Fund with the support of: https://www.carnallfarrar.com/
  18. News -

    Between 20 September 2022 and 10 November 2022, carried out an unannounced inspection of three of the acute services provided by this trust as part of our continual checks on the safety and quality of healthcare services. We also inspected the well-led key question for the trust overall.

    To see our mention go to page 19 about half way down the page.
  19. News -

    Free & Confidential NHS tests: Cholesterol, Blood Sugar, Blood Pressure, BMI, Lifestyle Advice

    Friday 12th May 10.00am - 3.00pm at The Crossing at St. Pauls, Darwall Street, Walsall.
  20. News -

    Diabetes UK, the UK’s leading national charity for people living with and affected by diabetes, has teamed up with Healthcare Professionals to provide advice in English, Urdu and Sylheti, to support you in making the right decision about whether or not to fast in this holy month.

    Our advice is culturally tailored, acknowledging the difficult decision that thousands of Muslims have to make about whether they should fast, and the impact of this if they are living with a long term condition such as diabetes.

    Also included is advice on small changes that you can make to your food throughout Ramadan and beyond, to help you and your family have a healthier Ramadan.


  21. News -

    Those eligible for the COVID-19 spring booster vaccine are:

    People aged 75 and older
    Residents in care homes for older people
    Those aged 5 and over who have weakened immune systems.
    If you are eligible for a spring booster, you will be contacted by the NHS by letter, text message or via the NHS App. Appointments can be booked via the National Booking System or NHS App, with first appointments available from Monday 17 April.

    The last date you will be able to book a spring booster will be 29 June, with the last spring vaccinations on offer the following day, 30 June.

    To book for yourself or a family member, go to www.nhs.uk/CovidVaccination , visit the NHS App, or call 119 for free.
  22. News -

    The latest NHS data shows that a record number of people are waiting for care. However, our new research indicates that there is also a hidden waiting list, and more needs to be done to understand what it's like for people trying to get referred.

    New NHS data indicates that over seven million people are on waiting lists for specialist clinical care or surgery.



  23. News -

    This training will aim to improve early diagnosis of cancer, addressing some of the health inequalities. Talking helps breakdown fear and barriers. This training program is designed in conjunction with Cancer Research UK, and will give participants the knowledge and confidence to have conversations in their community about cancer prevention, myth busting and early diagnosis.
  24. News -

    Dementia: shaping support in Walsall, Wednesday 10 May 2023, 9.30 am - 1.30 pm

    Attend and help shape the future of services for people with dementia in Walsall.
  25. News -

    Find out about what services and aspects of those services we will be looking at from 2023 to 2024 as part of our work plan.
  26. News -

    COMMUNITY OUTREACH LEAD - £24,000 PER ANNUM

    37 HOURS PER WEEK, FIXED TERM TO END MAY 2024

    Healthwatch Walsall is the local health and social care champion for the people of Walsall. We make sure that NHS leaders and other decision makers hear peoples’ voices about the services and care they receive. We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic, experienced and self-motivated individual to be our Community Outreach Lead in Walsall. The individual will work flexibly from both the home base and the Healthwatch Walsall office, with the need to travel extensively across the Borough. The successful individual will work closely with the Healthwatch Walsall team to ensure that the views of Walsall people from all communities about NHS services, children’s and adults social care are captured and recorded. The role entails meeting people, often going to where people are naturally around in their day to day lives and striking up conversations to find about peoples experiences. If you are comfortable doing that then this is the role for you.
  27. News -

    Here is our Spring Newsletter filled with information, updates, and messages from our partners.
  28. News -

    Our Healthwatch Advisory Board - Public Meeting Minutes are now available. 18th April 2023.
  29. News -

    You have the right to make a complaint about any aspect of NHS care, treatment or service, this is written into the NHS Constitution on GOV.UK.
    From 1 July 2023 the way you make a complaint about primary care services to the commissioner is changing.
    By primary care services we mean GPs, dentists, opticians or pharmacy services.

    Click on the 'Downloads' button to find out more.
  30. News -

    A great presentation about the 'Care Navigation' service in Walsall. Thank you to Fiona Micheli for presenting about the service.

    To learn about Walsall Care Navigation then click on 'Download' to see the presentation.
  31. News -

    A great presentation about the 'Virtual Wards' service in Walsall. Thank you to Fiona Micheli for presenting about the service.

    To learn about Walsall Virtual Wards then click on 'Download' to see the presentation.
  32. News -

    A great presentation about the 'Bowel Cancer' awareness in Walsall. Thank you to Jo Barlow for presenting.

    To learn about Bowel Caner awareness then click on 'Download' to see the presentation.
  33. News -

    he launch of our Joint Forward Plan comes as the Black Country ICB and the ICS celebrate its one-year anniversaries. In the last 12 months, we have already achieved a great deal by working in partnership with organisations in the health and care sector. However, there is no question that this is a challenging time for health and care services, which is why our plan recognises the collective strength in working together to resolve our shared challenges and describes our ambition to improve quality and outcomes for people who use our services.

    This plan is just the start of our journey and I look forward to working with you to bring it to life and make a real difference to the health of people in the Black Country.

  34. News -

    Yes, it will be on Tuesday 17th October from 11.00 am till 2.30 pm.

    The meeting venue is Ryecroft Community Hub, 28 New Forest Rd, Walsall WS3 1TR.

    This is an opportunity for you the public to meet the team and to find out the work we have been doing and are currently undertaking.

    We will present our Annual Report 2022/2023 as well as give an update on our 2023/2024 work projects.

    There will be guest speaker(s) and advice and information from support organisations.
  35. News -

    Childhood vaccinations video - English
  36. News -

    Ahead of the August bank holiday weekend, people in the Black Country are being reminded how to access NHS health services if they need help.

    The NHS often sees increased demand over bank holidays, and with consultants planning strike
    action 7am on Thursday 24 August until 7am on Saturday 26 August, health services in the
    Black Country are likely to be under significant pressure over the long weekend. All health and care partners in the Black Country are working together to prepare for the industrial action and bank holiday weekend and are asking the public for their support.

    Due to the bank holiday (Monday 28 August), some GP surgeries and pharmacies may be closed or working reduced hours. Selected pharmacies will still be available for prescriptions, non-urgent medical advice, and treatment of common ailments. A full list of participating pharmacies, including opening hours, can be found here. Link: https://tinyurl.com/23duv3xn

    People who need medical help that isn’t an emergency should contact NHS 111 in the first instance by visiting 111.nhs.uk or by calling 111.

    NHS 111 can help direct people to the most appropriate local health service if they aren’t sure where to go – this could include an out of hours GP, a pharmacy, an urgent treatment centre, or a hospital accident & emergency (A&E) department.

    Sarb Basi, Director of Primary Care for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, said: “The NHS is expecting an extremely busy weekend over the upcoming bank holiday weekend, with services under significant pressure. That’s why it’s important that people choose services wisely during this time and take simple steps to ensure care is available for patients who need it.

    “If you or a loved one needs medical help over the bank holiday weekend then please remember that NHS 111 online is available to help you. It will direct you to the most appropriate health service for your needs. If for any reason you are unable to use 111 online, then please phone 111 from your mobile or landline.

    “A number of pharmacies will also remain open over the bank holiday and should be your first port of call for any minor illnesses. Pharmacists are trained medical professionals who can help with a range of ailments, from abdominal pain and sore throats to coughs and colds and urine infections.
    “It is also useful to think about stocking your medicine cabinet up with any essentials in case you need to treat any unexpected minor health concerns at home over the long weekend. You can ask your local pharmacist for advice on any medicines you might need. “Choosing the right service not only means you receive the treatment you require, but also helps reduce pressure on urgent care teams, allowing them to focus on those who need them most.
    ” A&E departments and 999 are there to treat the most serious and life-threatening conditions.”
  37. News -

    Extended healthcare teams are now supporting patients in GP practices across the Black Country. 🙌

    They include a range of healthcare professionals who are highly skilled and knowledgeable in the areas they specialise in and can diagnose and treat a variety of health conditions.

    Watch this short animation to learn about the different roles that make up extended healthcare teams, what they can do and how they can help you.

    For more information: https://blackcountry.icb.nhs.uk/news-and-events/latest-news/extended-healthcare-teams-gp-practices

  38. News -

    Children in the Black Country will be offered a free NHS flu vaccine from September.

    Flu is caused by the influenza virus; as well as being highly infectious, the virus can cause serious illnesses in children, such as sepsis and pneumonia. Last year, 6,000 children aged five and under in England ended up in hospital because of flu.

    The flu vaccine is safe and effective and reduces your child’s chance of needing hospital care for flu by around two thirds. This year, children have been prioritised to get the flu vaccine from 1 September to protect them and help stop the virus spreading to others.

    This includes:
    • children aged six months to two years with an eligible long-term health condition
    • children aged two to five years and not yet at school (children must be aged two years or above on 1 September 2023 to be eligible)
    • all primary and secondary school children.

    School aged children will be able to get the flu vaccine at school through their school’s vaccination programme. Pupils will receive parental consent forms before vaccinations are scheduled to take place in their school. Children aged two and three years, as well as those with long-term health conditions, will be able to get their flu vaccine at their GP practice.

    Dr Fiona Rose, local GP and Clinical Director for Quality and Safety for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, said: “Flu can be an unpleasant illness for children and sometimes causes serious complications. The good news is that vaccination greatly reduces the risk and protects the vaccinated person and those around them.

    “Children can catch and spread flu easily so vaccinating them also protects others who are vulnerable such as babies and older people. Most children will receive the vaccine through a nasal spray into each nostril. It is quick and painless and is the best available protection against flu. “The vaccine reduces your chances of getting flu in the first place and also reduces the risks associated with flu. If your child were to get the flu, it's also much milder and they will recover much more quickly.”

    If your child is aged between six months and two years and is in a high-risk group for flu, they’ll be offered a flu vaccine injection instead of the nasal spray. This is because the nasal spray is not licensed for children under two years. Children aged two to 17 years may also have the flu vaccine injection if the nasal spray vaccine is not suitable for them.

  39. News -

    Extended healthcare teams are now supporting patients in GP practices across the Black Country.

    With demand on primary care increasing, GP practices are working differently to offer more appointments for their patients. In the Black Country, 609,044 appointments took place in June 2023, which is 43,000 more appointments than in May 2023 and 73,000 more appointments compared to June 2022.

    To help manage this demand on services, local GP practice teams now include a range of healthcare professionals who are highly skilled and knowledgeable in the areas they specialise in and can diagnose and treat a variety of health conditions.

    The different healthcare professionals that make up extended healthcare team includes:
    • General practice nurses and nurse practitioners
    • Healthcare assistants
    • Physician associates
    • GP registrars
    • Practice based pharmacists
    • Paramedics
    • Physiotherapists
    • Health and wellbeing coaches
    • Social prescribing link workers
    • Mental health practitioners.

    All appointments are triaged to ensure patients are directed to the right professional. This means when patients contact the practice, a care navigator will ask for a brief outline of the problem. You may be asked questions when you contact the GP, this is so the teams can ensure you see the right professional.

    Where appropriate, care navigators will direct patients to another service such as a pharmacy or optician.

    Dr Mohit Mandiratta said: “GP practices are working hard to ensure patients can be seen by the right person, at the right time, as quickly as possible. “If your health concern needs to be assessed by a doctor, you will be offered an appointment with your GP. However, your GP isn’t always the right person for you to see. “The new roles now available at practices means people may be offered an appointment with a healthcare professional from the extended healthcare team, who will be able to help based on their individual needs. These are highly skilled and qualified professionals that work alongside GPs, who have specialist skills, knowledge, and experience for certain health conditions. “Not all surgeries will have all of these roles, but your practice reception team will help guide you to the most appropriate care as soon as possible when booking an appointment.”

    Sarb Basi, Director of Primary for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: “With demand on primary care increasing, it’s important that we do things in a new way to help improve patients’ experience and access to GP services. “Our extended health care teams include a range of highly skilled and qualified professionals, who are experts in their fields, working closely together with GPs to deliver high quality care for
    all patients. “By ensuring that patients see the most appropriate professional within the primary care setting, GPs can focus on those patients who most urgently require their care. “GP practices might be working differently, but they are very much open and here to see people if necessary, so please continue to come forward if you need help.”


  40. News -

    Eligible adults in the Black Country can now receive the shingles vaccine.

    Shingles is an extremely painful condition which can develop after a chicken pox infection. It can occur at any age, but the risk and severity of shingles and its complications increase with age and is higher in individuals who have a severely weakened immune system.

    Some cases can result in serious symptoms such as blindness, hearing loss, nerve pain and potentially death, however the shingles vaccine can significantly reduce the risk of people developing shingles and experiencing nasty symptoms. The shingles vaccine was previously offered to adults aged over 70. However, following
    recommendation from the Joint Committee of Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), the vaccine will now be offered to those anyone who is severely immunosuppressed and over 50 from 1 September. Those turning 65 and 70 will also be eligible for the vaccine after their birthday. It means thousands more people in the Black Country will be able to get protected against shingles each year.

    There are two vaccines that are used in the shingles vaccination programme. Which vaccine you will be given depends on your age and immune status, your GP will advise on this. Both provide effective protection against shingles and once your course is completed, you will not need any more shingles vaccines.

    Dr Ananta Dave, Chief Medical Officer for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, said: “Shingles is a virus that can occur at any age, but the risk and severity of shingles and its complications increase with age.

    “It can’t be caught from other people, instead it develops in people who have previously been infected with chickenpox over their lifetime. The virus is typically reactivated in older age, or by certain medicines, illness or stress.

    “Having the vaccination if you are eligible is really important. It can prevent you from getting shingles or reduce the severity of the symptoms if you do get it. “From 1 September 2023, your GP practice should invite you for the shingles vaccination as you turn 65 or 70, or if you are aged over 50 and have a weakened immune system. If they don’t you can make an appointment yourself by contacting your GP.”
  41. News -

    People in the Black Country are being urged to think carefully about which health service they should use during this week’s industrial action. Hospital consultants are expected to go on strike for 48 hours from 7am on Tuesday 19 September until 7am on Thursday 21 September. Junior doctors will be on strike for 72 hours from 7am on Wednesday 20 September until 7am on Saturday 23 September.

    This means that on Wednesday 20 September, both junior doctors and consultants will be on strike at the same time. All health and care partners in the Black Country are working together to prepare for the industrial action and are asking the public for their support. Emergency care will be prioritised, and people are being reminded that 999 and emergency departments are still the right services if it is a life-saving emergency.

    However, for anything that isn’t life-threatening, people are being urged to use 111 online as the first port of call for health needs. People can also call 111 for help, advice, and signposting to the most appropriate service. Pharmacies, GP appointments, walk-in centres, minor injury units and urgent treatment centres will continue to be available during the industrial action and can help people with a range of injuries and illnesses. People with hospital appointments should continue to come forward for the care they need and do not need to call to check if appointments are going ahead. If appointments do need to be rearranged due to strike action, patients will be contacted directly.

    Dr Ananta Dave, Chief Medical Officer for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, said: “NHS services are currently extremely busy, and we expect them to remain busy and under increased pressure during the strike action taking place this week.

    “We are working closely with our health and care partners to ensure those in greatest need continue to have access to high-quality care and support, however, it’s vital that people choose services wisely over this period so that care is available to patients who need it most. “If you need medical help or advice, you should contact NHS 111 online in the first instance, and they will direct you to the most appropriate service for advice or treatment. This could include your local pharmacy, GP or a local NHS walk-in centre. 999 and A&E departments should only be used if it is a life-threatening emergency. “We’d like to thank people for their patience and their ongoing support by using NHS services appropriately.” Dr Jonathan Odum, Group Chief Medical Officer for The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust and Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, said: “Ahead of the upcoming strike action, we are asking patients to please use NHS services wisely and to only use A&E departments and 999 for life threatening emergencies to ensure care is available to patients who need it most.

    “We do expect there to be an impact on some appointments and clinics but ask patients to continue to attend planned appointments unless you hear directly from the NHS to make new arrangements. “We thank the public for their support, and we are also incredibly grateful to all of the health and care staff across the Black Country who are working tirelessly to ensure patients get the right treatment, as quickly as possible, in the right place.”
  42. News -

    More than 440,000 eligible people in the Black Country can now book their life-saving autumn COVID-19 vaccine.

    Eligible people can now book their COVID-19 vaccination online via the National Booking System, by downloading the NHS App, or by calling 119 for free. Eligible groups may also be offered a vaccination by their GP surgeries or other local NHS services.

    Those eligible include:
    • all adults aged 65 and over
    • care home residents
    • frontline health and social care staff
    • those at increased risk because they are pregnant or have a certain underlying health condition
    • unpaid carers
    • household contacts of those at risk.

    The annual flu vaccine is also being made available to these groups, with more than 700,000 people in the Black Country eligible for a free flu vaccine.

    This year’s adult COVID-19 and flu vaccination programme has been brought forward on the advice of scientists following the emergence of a new variant (BA.2.86) and ahead of the winter period.

    Sally Roberts, Chief Nursing Officer for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: “It is important for those who are eligible to top up their protection, even if they have had a vaccine or been ill with flu or COVID-19 before, as immunity fades over time and these viruses change each year.

    “The NHS winter flu and COVID-19 vaccination programme provides vital protection to those eligible and their families over winter, keeping people from developing serious illnesses, and helping to minimise hospitalisations during busy winter months.

    “So, I strongly encourage all eligible people to book their lifesaving winter vaccines as soon as they can.”
  43. News -

    People in the Black Country are being urged to think carefully about which health service they should use during next week’s industrial action.

    Hospital consultants and junior doctors are expected to go on strike for 72 hours next week, from 7am on Monday 2 October until 7am on Thursday 5 October, which will affect NHS local services. All health and care partners in the Black Country are working together to prepare for the industrial action and are asking the public for their support.

    Emergency care will be prioritised, and people are being reminded that 999 and emergency departments are still the right services if it is a life-saving emergency.

    However, for anything that isn’t life-threatening, people are being urged to use 111 online as the first port of call for health needs. People can also call 111 for help, advice, and signposting to the most appropriate service.

    Pharmacies, GP appointments, walk-in centres, minor injury units and urgent treatment centres will continue to be available during the industrial action and can help people with a range of injuries and illnesses. People with hospital appointments should continue to come forward for the care they need and do not need to call to check if appointments are going ahead. If appointments do need to be rearranged due to strike action, patients will be contacted directly.

    The NHS is also asking the public to play their part by taking simple steps during industrial action to look after themselves, loved ones and checking in on vulnerable family members and neighbours. Dr Ananta Dave, Chief Medical Officer for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, said: “Demand for NHS services remains high, and we expect them to remain busy and under increased pressure during the strike action taking place next week.

    “Our priority is to continue to provide safe care for those who need it during the strike action,
    however, it’s vital that people choose services wisely over this period.

    “If you need medical help or advice, or you’re unsure what to do, you should contact NHS 111 online in the first instance, and they will direct you to the most appropriate service for advice or treatment. This could include your local pharmacy, GP or a local urgent treatment centre. “By ensuring you choose the most appropriate service, this will help NHS services to manage demand and ensure A&E departments can focus on treating people with serious and lifethreatening conditions.”

    Dr Mark Anderson, Chief Medical Officer at Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, said:
    “The strike action planned for next week will bring substantial challenges to the local NHS,
    particularly hospital services.

    “Patients who have a planned hospital operation, outpatient clinics or procedures should attend
    as usual unless they hear from their NHS Trust to advise otherwise. “By ensuring you choose the most appropriate service, this will help NHS services to manage demand and ensure A&E departments can focus on treating people with serious and life-threatening conditions. “We’d like to thank all NHS colleagues who are working tirelessly to keep services running over the industrial action.”

    NHS 111 can help if you have an urgent medical problem and you’re not sure what to do. You can contact the service online or by calling 111, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Pharmacists can also offer expert advice on lots of common conditions such as coughs, colds, aches, and pains. To find your local pharmacy, visit the NHS website.

    People should only call 999 if it is a medical emergency.
  44. News -

    On Tuesday 12th October 2023, we're launching a new clinic at the Clock Tower in the Walsall Arboretum. You'll still be able to have online therapy if you'd like, but if you prefer face-to-face therapy, come to our new centre. Unsure of where we are, we're based in the corner of the Arboretum on the main crossroad in Walsall (Clock Tower, Arboretum, Lichfield Street, Walsall, WS4 2DU).
  45. News -

    October is World Menopause Month, and October 18th celebrated as World Menopause Awareness Day, with the focus this year on cardiovascular health. Established in 2009 by the International Menopause Society in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), World Menopause Month aims to raise awareness of the menopause and the possible associated health issues, whilst promoting support options available to improve the health and wellbeing of those navigating the menopause transition.

    To show our support to colleagues experiencing menopause, Engaging Communities Solutions (ECS), is a signatory of the Workplace Menopause pledge:

    Our Managing Director, Elizabeth Learoyd said, “We are committed to supporting our employees in the workplace and caring for their health and wellbeing. While no two people experience menopause in the same way, menopause represents a significant well-being concern for many. That is why we recognise the importance of raising awareness of the potential impacts of menopause as a first step towards ensuring everybody gets the help they need to safeguard their health and wellbeing at work”.
  46. News -

    The presentation slides from our Annual Public Meeting held on the 17th of October 2023 are now available to download.
  47. News -

    October is World Menopause Month, and October 18th celebrated as World Menopause Awareness Day, with the focus this year on cardiovascular health. Established in 2009 by the International Menopause Society in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), World Menopause Month aims to raise awareness of the menopause and the possible associated health issues, whilst promoting support options available to improve the health and wellbeing of those navigating the menopause transition.

    To show our support to colleagues experiencing menopause, Healthwatch Walsall , delivered by Engaging Communities Solutions (ECS), is a signatory of the Workplace Menopause pledge:


    World Menopause Day 2023
    World Menopause Day is held each year on 18 October to raise awareness, break the stigma and highlight the support available for improving health and wellbeing for those experiencing menopause.

    Menopause is not just a gender or age issue; it is an organisational issue which can impact colleagues both directly or indirectly. Awareness around this topic is key to reducing the stigma attached to menopause and encouraging people to talk more openly about it
    The theme for World Menopause Day 2023 is cardiovascular disease. The link between reproductive factors and cardiovascular disease is another important aspect of menopause that women need to be aware of.

    Researchers have recently discovered that a woman's reproductive experiences (including menstruation, pregnancy, any breast cancer treatments, and menopause) can affect the chances of developing cardiovascular disease later in life. Awareness of this can help determine an individual's risk.

    The International Menopause Society has a range of resources available to support this year’s theme, available in different languages.

    At Healthwatch Walsall, we are proud to be a signatory of the Workplace Menopause Pledge, showing that we will provide support, information and resources to our colleagues experiencing menopause.

  48. News -

    People in the Black Country are being reminded of the possible signs and symptoms of cancer, and the importance of getting checked out by their GP.

    Finding cancer early means it’s easier to treat, which is why being aware of the general signs and symptoms of cancer is important.

    Some common signs and symptoms of cancer include:
    • persistent tummy trouble or a persistent change in bowel habit such as constipation or
    diarrhoea
    • blood in your poo
    • blood in your pee even just once
    • unexpected or unexplained bleeding
    • unexplained persistent pain
    • an unexplained lump
    • a persistent cough for three weeks or more (that isn’t COVID 19)
    • weight loss that is not explained by a change in your diet or lifestyle
    • a new mole or changes to a mole.
    It’s probably nothing serious, but if you experience any of the above signs or symptoms, it is
    important that you see your doctor and have your symptoms checked out.

    The NHS has created a video with a local GP to highlight the importance of coming forward if you have any cancer symptoms that are worrying you. You can watch the video on YouTube Click on Pink button..

    Dr Gurpreet Rakhra, a local GP in the Black Country, said: “It’s really important to raise awareness of the possible signs and symptoms of cancer and encourage people to get any symptoms that are concerning them checked out.

    “You are not wasting anyone's time, and if it isn't serious, your mind will be put at ease. But if it is cancer, early diagnosis can make all the difference. The sooner cancer is detected, the better the chances of successful treatment.

    “If you notice any unusual change in your body that will not go away or you have noticed something that could be a sign of cancer, please book an appointment to see your GP as soon as possible, even if you’ve recently had screening or if your due screening.”

    For more information on cancer symptoms, visit the NHS website.
  49. News -

    A team from the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB) has been leading on a unique project to help improve healthcare for Black African and Caribbean communities in the Black Country.

    Using funding from the West Midlands Cancer Alliance, the Involvement Team has worked with partners from across the Black Country to understand the barriers Black African and Caribbean women face when attending breast screening appointments and raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer. As part of the project, eight local voluntary and community sector organisations were
    commissioned to host conversations with local women in the community to help identify firsthand the barriers and stigmas in attending screening appointments or presenting at GPs with early symptoms.

    The insight gathered from these groups was used to co-design solutions and interventions over a course of three workshops, led by Dr Martin Bollard, Head of Nursing in the Faculty of Health and Wellbeing at the University of Wolverhampton.
    This includes an infographic which tells their stories, which can be found on the Black Country ICB website here, and a video of a local mother and daughter having a myth busting conversation, which can be viewed on YouTube here.
    Marie-Claire Kofi is Chief Executive Officer of Plasma of Hope, a charity that provides supports for people living with sickle cell disease across the West Midlands and is one of the organisations that took part in the project.

    She said: “When I heard about the project, I knew immediately that I wanted to be involved as it’s an important topic that has a huge impact on our community and we simply don’t talk about it enough. We hosted a number of sessions with the women and families that our organisation supports to discuss breast cancer, and we got a lot of different perspectives. Some assumed that only people over a certain age get breast cancer, and many didn’t know how to properly check their breasts.
    “A key theme we spotted was that families didn’t want to talk about cancer, as they believed talking about it meant you were more likely to get it as you are welcoming it in. As a black woman, I can resonate with this, as I was also brought up not to talk about certain things. Because of the culture we come from, where topics like health issues aren’t discussed, there’s a real lack of awareness within the black community.
    “Not talking about breast cancer doesn’t make the problem go away, so it was great to have these important conversations and help people understand and recognise the changes and
    what to look out for and dispel some of the myths around breast cancer.”
    Althea Wint is the founder and director of THIA, a not-for-profit organisation supporting the wellbeing of children and their families in the Black Country and Birmingham that also took part in the project. She said: “We held a number of interactive workshops in the community which took place over a week. The turnout was fantastic – we had more than 50 women attend, as well as men too who wanted to find out how they could support their partners, family members and friends when it comes to breast cancer.

    “The biggest barriers that we found from the women we spoke to were around feeling ashamed of their bodies, not knowing how to examine themselves, the fear of not knowing where to go or what was next and a fear of not being taken seriously by their doctor. This project is something that is also very personal to me. I had a breast cancer scare and I have had close friends and family affected by breast cancer.
    “I think representation is really important as well when it comes to making people feel comfortable and engaged. Something that worked really well at our sessions was having an example of a black breast to demonstrate how to check your breasts for lumps. It might seem small and unimportant, but being able to show women a breast they could relate to and identify with, rather than a white one, made such a difference. I have been working with the screening team to identify a diverse black breast cancer model for future sessions.”

    A number of the organisations who hosted the sessions have since taken part in Cancer Champion training. Hosted by the NHS Black Country ICB, the training program is designed in partnership with Cancer Research UK and gives participants the knowledge and confidence to have conversations in their community about cancer prevention, the importance of screeningand early diagnosis.

    Dr Martin Bollard, Head of Nursing in the Faculty of Health and Wellbeing at the University of Wolverhampton, has been leading the project and said: “I am delighted to have had the opportunity to work alongside the Black Country ICB and the wonderful, female, black African and Caribbean community leaders, representing hundreds of women across the Black Country.

    In a short space of time, we have captured the narrative on breast cancer screening from hundreds of women and shaped that ‘lived experience’ into products to share with others.

    “This is helping to demystify some of the cultural taboos on breast cancer and raise awareness of the importance of early breast cancer diagnosis for this group of women. It’s been an absolute privilege being part of this project and I look forward to mobilising more knowledge on this important topic over the months ahead.”
    Three of the organisations who have been involved in the project will be also attending the Black Women and Breast Cancer 5th Annual Conference, which takes place in London on Saturday 21 October, to raise awareness of the Black Breasts Matter project and the insights that have been gathered in the Black Country.
    Diane Wake, Cancer Lead for the Black Country Integrated Care System, said: “This is an important piece of work which has helped identify some of the barriers that Black African and Caribbean women face when attending breast screening and GP appointments in the Black Country.
    “We know lives are saved when cancers are caught early, and I would urge anyone who has received a breast screening invitation – even if you received the invite weeks or months ago – to make an appointment – it could save your life.

    “This month is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so I’d like to take this opportunity to remind women of all ages of the importance of being breast aware. This means getting to know how your breasts look and feel at different times, so you know what’s normal for you and telling your doctor straight away if you notice any unusual changes.”

    Under the NHS Breast Screening Programme eligible women will receive their invite for breast cancer screening every three years between the ages of 50 and 71. Women should look out for their invite letter and follow the instructions to book an appointment. If you think you’ve missed your breast screening appointment, or you have not been invited by the time you are 53, you should contact your local breast screening service. You can find your local breast screening service on the NHS website here.

    For more information on breast screening, please visit the NHS Black Country ICB website.

    You can also find more information on the Black Breasts Matter project on the NHS Black Country ICB website.