Three ways we have made a difference for the community

Blog - 30 August 2022

Throughout our work, we gather information about health inequalities by speaking to people whose experiences aren’t often heard.
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Bringing the needs of disability groups to our ‘New  Build A&E’

It’s important that the needs of disability groups are heard especially at the design of services.

We liaised with the Project Lead for the new A&E build at the Walsall Manor Hospital and asked to have the input of disabled service users at the design stage. This included the visually impaired, deaf, and hard of hearing groups.

Three zoom meetings were held during COVID19 with each group representatives. Able to share previous experiences and examples of poor facilities.  Offering ideas of design, lighting, colours and equipment aids to improve future visits. It was raised that a changing room/ toilet area was needed for people with complex needs. 

Getting services to involve the public

Services need to understand the benefits of involving local people to help improve care for everyone. 

We were asked by the Local Authority to deliver a special survey to residents in care and nursing home (seldom heard) to ascertain their level of service and their needs. Many of the participants had varying levels of cognitive response but it was important to allow them to share their views. 

Improving care over time

Throughout the year we supported a number of Walsall residents to be able to access their health and social care needs. We signposted  people with needs ranging from: GP access, cancelled hospital appointments, timely results and accessing COVID19 vaccinations. Due to our excellent partnership working arrangements, information on how we have supported people and the issues they have face are regularly reported to the relevant organisations. 

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