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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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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 -
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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
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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. -
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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. -
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The AGM is being held on Thursday 19 September, from 5.30pm to 7.30pm, and will be hosted online using Microsoft Teams.
The meeting is open to all members of the public and provides an opportunity to learn more about the organisation and the work that has been carried out in the last 12 months.
Mark Axcell, Chief Executive Officer for the NHS Black Country ICB, said: “Our AGM is an opportunity for us to look back on the ICBs work over the last 12 months and review our achievements and challenges, whilst also reflecting on the ever-changing challenges facing the NHS as we look to the future.
“We want the Black Country community to be as involved as possible in these conversations and we extend a warm welcome to local people to join us and take part in this year’s meeting.
“Public questions are an important part of our meetings and provide an opportunity for people to share what matters most to them about the local NHS. So, if you have a question, please do submit it in advance and we can respond."
For those interested in attending, please reserve your spot online here. A virtual meeting link will be sent to you via the email you registered your attendance with on Wednesday 18 September. If you haven’t received a meeting link by 5pm on this date, please email comms.blackcountry@nhs.net.
Members of the public who would like to send in a question should email bcicb.gb@nhs.net by 5pm on Monday 16 September.
Alternatively, if you would prefer to contact us by telephone to confirm your attendance or ask any questions, please contact our Time2Talk team on 0300 0120 281 and select option 1. -
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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. -
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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! -
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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! -
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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! -
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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. -
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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
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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. -
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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.” -
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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. -
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Packed full of updates, report updates and information from our partners about your health and social care services. -
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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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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. -
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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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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.” -
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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. -
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Ahead of World Diabetes Day (Thursday 14 November), people living in the Black Country who have type 1 or 2 diabetes are being reminded of the importance of having a flu and COVID-19 vaccination this winter.
Having diabetes is a known risk factor for both flu and COVID-19, which means that if you catch either virus, you are likely to be more ill than somebody who has no health conditions.
That is why vaccination is offered free on the NHS for anybody who is living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
There are more 100,000 people in the Black Country who have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, and
the NHS would like to see as many as possible come forward to get protected against flu and COVID-19 this winter.
Sally Roberts, Chief Nursing Officer for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, said:
“People with diabetes may not be aware that they are entitled to a free flu and COVID-19
vaccination on the NHS, especially if they are younger and their condition is well managed, but we offer it to everybody who has diabetes.
“Diabetes affects the immune system, which means people with the condition are not only more likely to catch these viruses, they are less able to fight them off, putting them at risk of
developing complications.
“The vaccines are safe and effective and are designed to help protect those who are most at risk from these viruses, which circulate during the winter months.
“So, if you’re eligible, I would urge you to take up the offer of both the flu and COVID-19
jabs.”
As well as people with diabetes, those eligible for a COVID-19 and flu vaccine includes:
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
Eligible people can book an appointment via the NHS website, on the NHS App or by calling
119.
Calls to 119 are free from mobiles and landlines and the booking service provides support in
200 different languages. Those who have difficulties communicating or hearing or are a BSL
user can use textphone 18001 or the NHS 119 British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter service. -
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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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The Accessible Information Standard is mandatory for all organisations that provide National Health Service (NHS) or adult social care. -
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Do you struggle to speak to your doctor about your medical concerns? You’re not alone. Take a look at our top tips to make the most out of your GP appointment. -
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Five things you should expect from home care, domiciliary care or help in the home. -
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How can I get the most out of my next visit to the dentist? Take a look at our tips to help you prepare for your appointment and make sure you understand your treatment and how much it will cost.