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Report -
An estimated 1.9 million people living in private households in the UK (2.9% of the population) were experiencing self-reported Long Covid (symptoms continuing for more than four weeks after the first confirmed or suspected coronavirus (Covid-19) infection that were not explained by something else) as of 5 March 2023. Long Covid symptoms adversely affected the day-to-day activities of 1.5 million people (79% of those with self-reported Long Covid), with 381,000 (20%) reporting that their ability to undertake their day-to-day activities
had been “limited a lot”. Long Covid is an emerging phenomenon that is not yet fully understood. -
News -
In June 2023, the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB) published the local NHS Joint Forward Plan, describing how NHS organisations in the Black Country will work together with other partners, including Local Authorities and the community and voluntary sector, to arrange and provide services to meet the needs of local people.
The following five priority areas were set out in the plan:
Priority 1- Improving access and quality of services
Priority 2- Community where possible – hospital where necessary
Priority 3- Preventing ill health and tackling health inequalities
Priority 4- Giving people the best start in life
Priority 5- Best place to work.
With the second year approaching, the plan has been updated and a sixth priority - ‘fit for the future’ - has been added. This is to recognise that the Black Country health system needs to change the way it works to embrace the opportunities and meet the challenges it faces. -
Advice and Information -
Being active and making connections with others is an important part of our health and wellbeing.
Let's Talk can help to identify what support you would like to access and to make connections in your local community.
For more information, click download for the Lets Talk Service leaflet. -
Advice and Information -
As Muslims begin to prepare for the month of Ramadan, the NHS has shared a reminder about how to stay safe and healthy during the holy month. Ramadan is expected to start on the evening of Sunday 10 March, subject to moon sighting, and end on Tuesday 9 April, during which time many Muslims will fast and not eat or drink during daylight hours. Fasting during Ramadan can be challenging, especially for those living with a long-term health condition such as diabetes, those who take prescribed medicines or anyone who needs a medical appointment during the holy month. -
News -
Healthwatch Walsall held its public Independent Strategic Advisory Board Meeting on 15 May 2024 at Ryecroft Community Centre. We were delighted to be joined by Professor David Croisdale-Appleby the Chair of Healthwatch England along with Healthwatch Walsall staff, volunteers and members of the public.
The meeting was an opportunity for open discussions to take place about issues relevant to those present and it was a very interesting and informative session with a lot of interaction.
Please see photos from the event and if anyone would be interested in joining us at future public meetings the details for these will be on our website or we can be contacted on our Freephone number 0800 470 1660 and we will be pleased to let you have the information. -
News -
As we celebrate Volunteers' Week 2024, we want to take a moment to put a spotlight on and say thank you to our amazing volunteers. We are very grateful for the time that they generously give, along with their support and efforts, to help to create positive change within our communities. -
News -
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. -
Advice and Information -
Are you caring for someone living with dementia in Walsall?
We can provide information and advice in a friendly, group setting:
An opportunity for carers to regularly meet and share experiences
Find out about local and national initiatives
Group activities -
News -
Ameena Westwood, 53, was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017, but earlier this year received the devastating news that the cancer had returned. She now wants everyone to know how to spot the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and get help early.
Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the UK. The main signs and symptoms of breast cancer in women often include:
• a lump or swelling in your breast, chest or armpit
• a change in the skin of your breast, such as dimpling, or redness (which may be harder
to see on black or brown skin)
• a change in size or shape of one or both breasts
• nipple discharge (if you’re not pregnant or breastfeeding) which may have blood in it
• a change in the shape or look of your nipple, such as turning inwards or a rash on it
• pain in your breast or armpit which does not go away.
Ameena, who lives in Smethwick, first noticed a lump in her breast in 2017, just a year after her mom was diagnosed with lobular breast cancer, the second most common type of breast cancer. Ameena said: “I had just started a new job as Community Development Manager at the Yemeni Community Association (YCA) in Sandwell and I remember feeling really excited about the future. I was watching tv one evening and randomly felt a lump in my breast. I was really surprised as I hadn’t noticed it before, but it really stuck out. As my mom had been diagnosed with breast cancer less than 12 months before, I was aware of the signs and symptoms, but I thought perhaps it was just down to my hormones and it might go away on its own.
“It really played on my mind, and I spoke to my brother Ragih about it, and he told me to call my GP and just get it checked out. I booked a GP appointment, and when the doctor examined me, she didn’t even need to ask me to lie down or lift my arm up as the lump was visible by just looking at my chest. I was referred to City Hospital for further tests and within 10 days had my appointment at the breast clinic.
“I’ve always had lots of lumps in my boobs, and have had several cysts before, so felt blasé about the appointment as I assumed it would be the same type of thing. At the clinic, I had a mammogram and ultrasound, and the doctor confirmed I did have a cyst, however there was something behind it that they didn’t like the look of. I had the cyst drained and they took biopsies of the suspicious lump. The results of my biopsy came back, and it was confirmed I had lobular breast cancer, the same as my mom, which was a huge shock.”
Despite undergoing a mastectomy and radiotherapy, Ameena returned to work within a month, determined not to let her community down. It was also while attending her own cancer appointments with her mom, she realised the importance of the conversations that took place in waiting rooms between patients and their families and, with the support of Macmillan, set up the YCA Let’s Talk Hope Cancer support group for people in Sandwell.
Ameena continued: “After my cancer treatment I was given the all-clear and I threw myself into work and the cancer support group. But in 2018, we received the terrible news that my father had been diagnosed with stomach cancer and he sadly passed away a year later in 2019. He had actually taken part in a genomic trial before he died, and in 2022 we were contacted by the trial to confirm that he was a carrier of the BRCA2 gene. Out of his six kids, four of us have tested positive for the gene which means a heightened risk of cancer. My two sisters, who are twins, have both been through breast cancer and my daughter has also recently had a preventative mastectomy after testing positive for the BRCA2 gene.
“In December last year I started getting a really bad cough and shortness of breath when I walked up the stairs. Unfortunately, in March I had the heartbreaking news that my cancer had returned, and I was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. The cancer has now spread to my spine, pelvis, ribs and sternum. I’m currently having targeted cancer treatment every day in the form of tablets, and I see my oncologist at the hospital once a month.
“I’m half Yemeni, and because of my own personal journey with cancer and my role with the YCA, I do a lot of work within the community to raise awareness of cancer, which is a topic that isn’t often spoken about. I think it’s really important that people advocate for themselves – you know your own body and you know if something doesn’t feel right, so you must seek help if you’re worried. That’s why it’s important that to know the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, check your breasts regularly and make sure you go to your screening appointments when you receive an invite.
“I’ve always said, I’m not particularly religious, but god picked me for this journey because he knows I’m going to shout it from the rooftops and raise as much awareness as I can.”
The NHS Breast Screening Programme invites all women from the age of 50 to 70 registered with a GP for screening every 3 years. You'll automatically get your first invite for breast screening between the ages of 50 and 53. Then you'll be invited every 3 years until you turn 71.
Dr Mona Sidhu, Medical Director of Primary Care for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: “It’s really important to get to know how your breasts look and feel, and what’s normal for you.
“If you notice any unusual change in your breasts, please book an appointment to see your GP as soon as possible. The chances are that it won’t be cancer, but if it is, then catching it early means it will be more treatable.
“I’d also encourage eligible women to attend their breast screening appointments when invited. Screening can help detect cancer before you can feel or see any changes in your breast yourself, and early diagnosis can make all the difference.” -
News -
Parents and carers in the Black Country are being encouraged to get their children vaccinated against flu this winter.
The flu vaccination provides vital protection to prevent children from developing serious illnesses and ending up in hospital during the busy winter months.
Children eligible for a flu vaccine include:
• all children aged two or three years on 31 August 2024
• primary school aged children (from Reception to Year 6)
• secondary school aged children (from Year 7 to Year 11)
• all children in clinical risk groups aged from six months to less than 18 years.
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. School children can get the flu vaccine at school through their school’s vaccination programme.
School aged children, from Reception to Year 11, who haven’t been able to get their flu vaccine at school, can also get their flu vaccine at catch-up clinics that are being hosted across the Black Country. There are a number of clinics being hosted during October half term and throughout November. Please visit the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB) website for more information.
Sally Roberts, Chief Nursing Officer for the NHS Black Country ICB, said: “Children can catch
and spread flu easily, particularly in nursery and school settings.
“The flu vaccine is safe and effective, and most children will receive the vaccine through a nasal spray into each nostril. It is quick and painless and is the best available protection for children against flu. It also helps protect others who are at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu, such as babies, anyone who's pregnant and older people.
“With flu season nearly here, now is the time to schedule your child’s vaccination to ensure they are protected as soon as possible. If your child has missed out on their vaccination in school, or you'd rather take them to a clinic, please book an appointment at one of the catch-up clinics being held in the Black Country over the coming weeks.”
Children who cannot have pork gelatine in medical products will be offered an injection instead of the nasal vaccine. -
Advice and Information -
Edward’s Trust is a specialist bereavement charity based in Birmingham, providing counselling and holistic support to families in
the West Midlands.
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News -
You and your family can get support for bereavement in the Black Country. Edward’s Trust is a specialist bereavement charity based in Birmingham, providing counselling and holistic support to families in the West Midlands.