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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. -
Report -
17 questions were included in the survey along with open text sections for additional comments to be made. -
Report -
To observe the physical environment of the home and the interactions of staff and residents. To listen to, observe and capture the experiences of service delivery from the residents and relatives. -
Report -
A copy of our public meeting/ minutes. Agenda plus 4 documents enc. -
Report -
A copy of our public meeting/ minutes -
Report -
Healthwatch Walsall Advisory Board (HAB) Meeting held on Thursday 4 February 2021 11:15 a.m.
Virtual online digital platform Zoom.
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Advice and Information -
Healthwatch Walsall Advisory Board (HAB) Meeting held on Thursday 3 December 2020 11:00 a.m. Virtual online digital platform Zoom
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Report -
Healthwatch Walsall Advisory Board (HAB) Meeting held on Thursday 3 December 2020 11:00 a.m. Virtual online digital platform Zoom
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Report -
Healthwatch Walsall Advisory Board (HAB) Meeting held on Thursday 23 July 2020, 2.00 p.m.
Virtual Meeting -
News -
Your monthly catch-up on health and social care experiences, topics, and themes, and useful information. -
Report -
Your monthly catch-up on health and social care experiences, topics, and themes, and useful information. -
News -
Your monthly catch-up on health and social care experiences, topics, themes, and useful information. -
News -
Your monthly catch-up on health and social care experiences, topics, and themes, and useful information. -
News -
Information of support for those who feel isolated. Available support and services. -
Report -
This report is the culmination of engagement work undertaken and co-ordinated by Paul Higgitt,
Senior Engagement Lead, Healthwatch Walsall from the beginning of 2020 when individual patient
stories were recorded followed by three virtual patient engagement events held during June and July
2020. This work has been supported throughout by Phil Griffin, Walsall Together Service User Group
Chair. A significant number of diabetes patients have been involved in this work and there has also
been some input from Diabetes Specialist Nurses and also Diabetes UK. -
Report -
The Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) is a key commissioning tool for NHS England, Local
Authority and Clinical Commissioning Group’s (CCG). The PNA includes pharmaceutical services and
other services that may be delivered through community pharmacy. The PNA maps current provision,
assesses local need, and identifies any gaps in provision. It is reviewed every 3 years and Healthwatch
Walsall were pleased to be asked to have an integral role in the consultation process. -
Report -
On this occasion, the Healthwatch have carried out a project that looks at the experiences of people who were more likely to be digitally excluded than the general population in accessing primary care during the Covid-19 pandemic and its associated restrictions. Unlike the HWE project we did not interview GP practice staff as at the time the project was being undertaken local GP practice staff were taken up with the rollout of the Covid vaccination programme and felt unable to take part. -
Report -
Healthwatch continues to gather information locally, through various means, such as surveys, focus groups, one-to-one conversations and questionnaires. -
News -
Our Autumn newsletter has just dropped.
With useful information and support opportunities. -
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? -
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. -
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
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Report -
Your monthly catch-up on health and social care experiences, topics, and themes, and useful information. -
News -
Your monthly catch-up on health and social care experiences, topics, and themes, and useful information. -
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.
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Report -
Your monthly catch-up on health and social care experiences, topics, and themes, and useful information. -
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. -
Report -
A copy of our public meeting/ minutes. -
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.
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Our' Cost Of Living Crisis' report is now available. See how people have made adjustments and whats important to them. -
Report -
Our latest Enter and View Report on Touchwood Pharmacy - Blakenall Village Centre is now available.
If you wish to receive a paper copy please call: 0800 470 1660. -
Report -
We have finished our young persons project around barriers to communication when accessing health and social care services. It was really good to be able to link in with so many young people and to hear their views. Click the link below to see what young people are saying about services in Walsall. -
News -
Here is our Spring Newsletter filled with information, updates, and messages from our partners. -
Report -
Our Enter and View Report on Blakenall Family Practice is now available. The visit took place in March 2023. If you would like a paper copy of the report sent to you please call 0800 470 1660. -
News -
Our Healthwatch Advisory Board - Public Meeting Minutes are now available. 18th April 2023. -
Report -
Download and read what we have been doing and achieved over the last year. -
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.
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Report -
A brief outline of some of the themes and issues that patients have faced using Walsall Services during April 2023. Also, things that you can get involved with! -
Report -
A brief outline of some of the themes and issues that patients have faced using Walsall Services during May 2023. Also, things that you can get involved with! -
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. -
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. -
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. -
Report -
A brief outline of some of the themes and issues that patients have faced using Walsall Services during June 2023. Also, things that you can get involved with! -
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. -
News -
Childhood vaccinations video - English -
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.”
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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
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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.
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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.”