-
Report -
A brief outline of some of the issues and themes that patients have faced when accessing Walsall Services during April 2024.
Also, things that you can get involved with! -
Report -
A brief outline of some of the issues and themes that patients have faced when accessing Walsall Services during May 2024.
Also, things that you can get involved with! -
Report -
A brief outline of some of the issues and themes that patients have faced when accessing Walsall Services during June 2024.
Also, things that you can get involved with! -
News -
Engaging Communities Solutions CIC (ECS) are the providers of local Healthwatch in Bedford Borough, Halton, Sandwell, Stoke-on-Trent, Telford and Wrekin, Walsall and Warrington. We are carrying out a survey across all seven areas about people's knowledge and experiences of Pharmacy First services that were launched in 2024.
Help us find out what the public know, how they have used the service and what opinion they have of the service. -
Advice and Information -
As the end of the school term approaches, parents and carers in the Black Country are being reminded of the importance of managing their child’s asthma over the summer.
Asthma is a lung condition that affects around one in every 11 children and causes symptoms like coughing, wheezing and breathlessness.
It varies from one child to the next, but most types of asthma can be managed well by using a preventer inhaler every day to control their asthma. A reliever (blue) inhaler may be needed occasionally if symptoms flare up. -
News -
After the worldwide IT problems recently. We have been told that GP websites are now back to normal. So please visit and use these websites. -
News -
Packed full of our work, our past and forthcoming events, and useful patient and public information from our partners. -
News -
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. -
News -
People in the Black Country are being urged to come forward for care as usual during collective action by GP services which starts today (Thursday 1 August).
GP services across England will begin collective action on Thursday 1 August for an indefinite period of time. While there may be some disruption to services, practices will remain open and patients can make requests by phone, online or by walking in as usual.
During collective action, practices are still required to be open between 8am and 6.30pm, Monday to Friday.
It is vital that patients still attend their appointments unless they are told otherwise, and practices should inform patients of any changes to services.
The nature of the action means that the impacts will vary at different GP practices, and from area to area, but could include GPs limiting the number of patient appointments per day.
NHS teams in the Black Country have worked hard to plan for disruption and to mitigate this where possible to ensure services continue to be provided for patients.
Patients should continue to use 111 for urgent medical help when their GP practice is unavailable and if it is a serious or life-threatening emergency call 999.
Dr Mona Sidhu, Medical Director of Primary Care for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, said: “During the collective action, our priority is to continue to provide safe care for those who need it. Patients should continue to come forward for care, as GP practices will remain open.
“Choosing the right service during this time is important. It not only means you receive the treatment you require, but also helps reduce pressure on NHS services during this busy time and allows them to focus on who needs them the most.
“Your local pharmacist should also be your first port of call for any minor health conditions. 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.
“If you need urgent 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. If you
call NHS111, lines may be busier than normal so please be patient.”
Local pharmacy services and opening times in the Black Country can be found on the NHS
website.
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 111.nhs.uk or by calling 111, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
People should only call 999 if it is a medical emergency. -
News -
In the West Midlands, NHS England, working in partnership with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, hosts two sexual abuse and assault centres (SARCs) for children and young people.
Willow Tree Children and Young People's SARC based in Darlaston Health Centre provides care and treatment to those children and young people who have suffered recent abuse and assault while the Oasis Centre at Birmingham Children’s Hospital (BCH) cares for those who report historic assault and abuse.
However, there has been a steep increase in the number of children and young people who are not attending scheduled historic appointments at BCH – a third of these are not attended.
Reasons could be:
Birmingham Children’s Hospital (BCH) is undergoing extensive building works and feedback to SARC staff is that families are struggling to find the clinic with revised directions.
Although BCH reimburses some parking costs this does not cover all costs which are sometimes £4 per hour.
BCH is within the clean air charge area adding to costs for families.
We propose moving the clinic to a location in Hodge Hill which also houses our adult SARC. Children and young people would be seen and cared for in completely separate facilities to adults.
If supportive, the move would take place around October/November 2024 with prior notice of official closure and transfer. Our Darlaston Health Centre is unaffected.
Please take a few minutes to answer the two questions on the link to help us assess any obstacles to the proposed move. We would be grateful for responses by Monday 9 September.
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News -
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 -
News -
People in the Black Country are being reminded to order any repeat prescriptions they may need ahead of the summer bank holiday (Monday 26 August).
GP practices and pharmacies will have limited opening hours over the bank holiday weekend, making it more challenging for people to access medicines at short notice and may lead to a delay in getting your medication.
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 spring bank holiday puts added pressure on already busy services.
To avoid this and to ensure health is not put at any unnecessary risk, people who take regular prescription medication are being asked to submit any repeat prescriptions that are due for renewal by Friday 16 August 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:
“We want everyone to enjoy a safe and healthy bank holiday weekend. Running out of your usual medication can be a huge worry and have serious consequences, so it’s important to plan ahead and order any prescriptions you may need over the long weekend.
“The easiest way to order repeat prescriptions is via the NHS App or through your GP practice website. If you do not have access to GP online services, you can phone your GP practice to order prescriptions.
“Bank holiday weekends are always busy times for the NHS, so ordering and picking up a repeat prescription in advance really does help us, help you.”
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.
If people feel unwell over the bank holiday weekend, but it’s not life threatening, they can contact NHS 111 online at 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, a local NHS walk-in centre, or a hospital accident & emergency (A&E) department.
Urgent and emergency care services will also be open as normal over the long weekend.
People should only call 999 or attend A&E services in the event of an emergency. -
News -
Healthwatch Walsall is undertaking a project about understanding people’s experiences of optometry and ophthalmology. We want to hear people’s experiences of eye care services in Walsall. We’ll use your feedback to help the NHS identify improvements.
In this survey, we will ask you about your experience of eye care services in the last two years, including individuals who have in the past or are currently waiting for any specialist eye care treatment.
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News -
The NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB) is working with GPs and health leaders across the lack Country on a programme of work to transform and improve primary care over the next five years.
Primary care includes general practice, community pharmacy, dental and optometry services. These services are often the first places people go to for help with their health.
A five-year strategy has been developed, setting out the ambition for how primary care services can be transformed. It has identified new ways of working which will help reduce pressures, make general practice more sustainable and improve the experiences of patients and staff alike. It will focus on delivering better unplanned, planned and preventive care which will lead to healthier lifestyles and improved outcomes for people across the Black Country.
People in the Black Country are being given the chance to share their views on areas in the strategy, as well as their own experiences and ideas to help transform primary care -
News -
Specialised services are those services that treat complex and slightly more rare conditions. They tend to be treated at specialist centres with experienced staff and can include neonatal services, some chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments, kidney dialysis and transplants, cardiac services as well as severe asthma and HIV care.
All specialised services are priorities, but some need closer support than others.
Your views, or those of the patients you represent, would be appreciated on four groups of services we have identified for more focussed attention.
Neonatal services
Paediatric services
Cardiovascular services
Oncology services -
News -
Ahead of the summer bank holiday (Monday 26 August), people in the Black Country are being reminded how to access NHS health services.
Due to the bank holiday some services such as GP surgeries and pharmacies may be closed or working on a reduced service. Selected pharmacies will still be available for prescriptions, nonurgent medical advice, and treatment of common ailments.
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, a local NHS walk-in centre, or a hospital accident & emergency (A&E) department.
Dr Ananta Dave, Chief Medical Officer for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, said: “We know that sometimes people can feel unsure about where to go for help if they become unwell over a bank holiday weekend.
“A number of pharmacies will remain open over the bank holiday weekend and should be your first port of call for any minor health concerns. Pharmacists are able to offer clinical advice and can now supply medicines for a number of conditions, without the need for a GP appointment or prescription.
“If you need urgent medical help over the long weekend, contact NHS 111 in the first instance and they will direct you to the most appropriate service for advice or treatment. -
News -
Following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), from 1 September 2024 the NHS will invite everyone aged 75 to 79 to come forward for a free vaccine to protect them from RSV.
Pregnant women are also being offered the vaccine from 28 weeks into their pregnancy to help protect their babies from RSV for the first few months after they’re born.
Sally Roberts, Chief Nursing Officer for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, said: “RSV is a major cause of respiratory illness and can be particularly dangerous for infants and the elderly. It can occur all year round, but cases peak each winter leaving thousands of vulnerable people needing hospital care.
“The RSV vaccine is safe and effective and is the best way to protect yourself against infections caused by RSV. This is a new vaccination programme that will protect thousands of people from serious illness each winter, keeping more people out of hospital and from needing to see a GP.
“I would encourage everyone who receives an invite to come forward and get vaccinated as soon as possible.”
Older adults will be offered the RSV vaccination by their GP practice. Pregnant women over 28 weeks will be offered the vaccine by the maternity service they are receiving antenatal care from. -
Report -
Read or download a copy. -
News -
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. -
News -
It is thought that around 6 million people in the UK have high blood pressure and are not aware of it. High blood pressure is the main cause of strokes and heart attacks in the UK but as it often has no symptoms it goes undetected. Know Your Numbers week aims to reduce that by encouraging people to get a blood pressure check and therefore, taking the first steps to reducing their risk of a stroke or a heart attack.
Knowing Your Numbers means that you can start making lifestyle changes or get medication to help bring your blood pressure down.
Home monitoring is an easy way of checking your blood pressure. You can buy affordable blood pressure monitors from your local pharmacy and check your numbers without having to take have a GP appointment. The NHS have the guide to help you understand your blood pressure reading. Check your blood pressure reading - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
You have the power to successfully manage your blood pressure – but only if you know your numbers. Get yours measured before damage is done. -
Report -
Read or download a copy. -
Report -
A brief outline of some of the issues and themes patients have faced when accessing Walsall Services during June 2024.
Also, things that you can get involved with! -
Report -
A brief outline of some of the issues and themes patients have faced when accessing Walsall Services during June 2024.
Also, things that you can get involved with! -
Report -
A brief outline of some of the issues and themes patients have faced when accessing Walsall Services during June 2024.
Also, things that you can get involved with! -
Report -
Read or download a copy. -
Advice and Information -
Eligible people in the Black Country are being invited to come forward for a flu and COVID19 vaccine from this week.
The vaccination programmes are set to start from Thursday 3 October 2024, with appointments
available to book now.
Similar to last year, those eligible for a COVID-19 and flu vaccine include:
• all adults aged 65 years and over
• people who live in a care home for older adults
• people aged 6 months to 64 years with health conditions that make them more vulnerable
• frontline health and social care staff, including in care homes for older adults
• pregnant women.
The flu vaccine is also available to children aged 2 to 3 years, school-aged children (Reception to Year 11) and children with certain long-term health conditions.
Eligible people can book an appointment via the NHS website, on the NHS App or by calling 119. -
News -
As Diwali approaches, NHS leaders in the Black Country are encouraging local people to protect themselves and their loved ones by getting vaccinated against flu and COVID-19.
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an important five-day celebration observed by millions of people worldwide, with this year’s festivities taking place from Wednesday 30 October to Saturday 2 November 2024.
With winter illnesses like flu and COVID-19 circulating, vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent serious illness, especially for those with long-term health conditions. By getting vaccinated, individuals can help protect not only themselves but also vulnerable members of their community.
It’s important to note that vaccines take up to two weeks to offer full protection. Therefore, getting vaccinated soon will help reduce the risk of illness during the Diwali period, allowing families to celebrate with peace of mind.
Similar to last year, those eligible for the COVID-19 and flu vaccines include:
all adults aged 65 years and over
residents of care homes for older adults
people aged 6 months to 64 years with underlying health conditions
frontline health and social care workers
pregnant women.
Dr Ananta Dave, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: “Diwali is an exciting time for friends and family to come together and celebrate, including my own. However, it also coincides with the rise of flu and COVID-19 cases as we head into winter.
“By getting vaccinated before the festivities, you can protect not only your own health but also the health of your loved ones. I strongly encourage members of the Hindu, Jain, and Sikh communities to prioritise their health and get vaccinated to stay 'winter strong.'
“I urge eligible adults to receive their flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, and to make sure children are also protected. Vaccines are safe, effective, and play a key role in preventing serious illness, particularly for those with long-term health conditions.
“Each winter, thousands of children and adults require hospital treatment for illnesses that can be prevented with vaccination. Let’s take this simple step to protect ourselves and our families. Wishing everyone celebrating a happy, healthy, and safe Diwali!"
The NHS has created a video reminding people of the importance of getting protected ahead of Diwali which you can watch on YouTube here.
Eligible people can book an appointment via the NHS website, on the NHS App or by calling 119. -
News -
Packed full of updates, report updates and information from our partners about your health and social care services. -
News -
Bereavement Support in the Black Country. 37 Calthorpe Road Edgbaston, B15 1TS.
Telephone: 0121 454 1705
Registered Charity Number 1105370 website: www.edwardstrust.org.uk
Edward’s Trust is a specialist bereavement charity based in Birmingham, providing counseling and holistic support to families in the West Midlands.
Download the poster for full information.
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News -
This Ask Your Pharmacist Week (4-11 November), people in the Black Country are being reminded to speak to their local pharmacist for any health advice this winter.
Ask Your Pharmacist Week is an annual initiative organised by the National Pharmacy Association, which aims to raise awareness of the full range of services on offer in pharmacies.
This year’s theme is ‘professional and convenient healthcare, from your local pharmacy team’, highlighting the skills and knowledge of community pharmacists and the wider pharmacy team, and their track record of safely delivering clinical services.
At a time when the NHS is preparing for what is expected to be a challenging winter, people are being reminded of this vital line of support that is available in their local pharmacy.
Patients can also get treatment for seven common conditions directly from their local pharmacy, without the need to visit a GP. The Pharmacy First service enables pharmacists to offer advice to patients and supply NHS medicines (including antibiotics), where clinically appropriate, for:
• Sinusitis (aged 12 years and over)
• Sore throat (aged 5 years and over)
• Earache (aged 1 year to 17 years)
• Infected insect bite (aged 1 year and over)
• Impetigo - a bacterial skin infection (aged 1 year and over)
• Shingles (aged 18 years and over)
• Uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women (women aged 16 years to 64 years).
If you have symptoms that suggest you may have one of these conditions, you can walk into a pharmacy and be offered a consultation with the pharmacist. Should the pharmacy team be unable to help, you will be directed to your GP surgery or A&E as appropriate.
The NHS has created a video with local pharmacist, Salman Ahmad, talking about the Pharmacy First scheme.
Salman said: “Ask Your Pharmacist Week is a great opportunity for us to highlight the important
role pharmacists play in helping people to stay well, especially as we head into the winter
months.
“As experts in medicine, pharmacists can help you with almost any health concerns you may have, whether that's providing treatment on the spot or signposting you to the right alternative NHS service.
“And, with the new Pharmacy First scheme, community pharmacists can now supply prescription-only medicines where clinically appropriate to help with seven common health conditions which would previously have required a GP appointment.
“It’s vital that people seek medical advice in order to stay safe and well so please don’t wait for minor illnesses to get worse – think pharmacy first and visit your local pharmacy today.” -
News -
We will present our work projects from 20234/2024. And update the public on our 2024/2025 work projects. This will include our 'Health and Social Care Information and Advice Roadshow'. With many support organisations, offering information and advice around condition and situation-based factors. Light refreshments are available. BOOKING REQUIRED. -
Advice and Information -
Health issues unfortunately don't leave us alone at the weekend and people are often in need of medical assistance out of hours. Using NHS guidelines, we have provided some advice and information on where you can go for help when your GP is closed. -
Advice and Information -
If you are experiencing or feel at risk of domestic abuse, or are worried about someone who might be, find out where you can go for advice and help. -
Report -
Our complaints process outlines how to make a complaint about us and our approach to making sure complaints are resolved. -
Advice and Information -
Find out the signs and symptoms of monkeypox, what to do if you think you have it and who is eligible for a vaccine. -
Report -
The report is for Healthwatch Walsall to find out what its work focus for engagement and research should be for the coming year -
Report -
A survey was used that was more focussed upon patient experiences and outcomes of seeing their GP rather than on process questions that would identify high and low performers in terms of satisfaction. -
Report -
A total of 995 surveys were completed with participants across the 4 Areas listed, along with 3 focus groups and notes from APMS consultation events. -
Report -
Walsall CCG carried out a consultation on the future of Stroke Services in Walsall. -
Report -
Walsall CCG carried out a consultation on the future of Urgent Care Services in the area. -
Report -
Each year Healthwatch Walsall asks the public what their concerns are around health and social care services -
Report -
In light of the fact that people were either waiting to be seen or part way through their journey of having their issues diagnosed we used a semi-structured interview technique with a set of questions to help the interviewer talk to the patients and their families. -
Report -
After being diagnosed with cancer, accessing timely treatment is important to the patient. Access and signposting to non-clinical support services is also an important part of the patient journey. -
Report -
Our job is to champion the consumer interests of those using the services and give local people an opportunity to speak out about their concerns. -
Report -
Our job is to champion the consumer interests of those using the services and give local people an opportunity to speak out about their concerns. -
Report -
A Healthwatch Report for the Black Country and West Birmingham Sustainability and transformation plans (STPs). -
Report -
One in 6 of the UK population is affected by hearing loss equating to approximately 11M people, and of these almost 1M people are severely or profoundly deaf.
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Report -
The engagement with young people was carried out through face-to-face engagement with training providers in Walsall and general outreach. -
Report -
Our job is to champion the consumer interests of those using the services and give local people an opportunity to speak out about their concerns. -
Report -
Heart disease remains as one of the major causes of premature death in Walsall.