News and reports

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With weather warnings and the forecast of frosty temperatures extended until Sunday 11 January, the NHS is reminding people to take care in the cold weather.

Slips, trips and falls all become more likely during wet, cold and icy weather conditions, so it’s important to be mindful of the weather before venturing outside.

There are many steps that can be taken to reduce the chances of falling, including keeping hands free to help stabilise yourself, wearing shoes with good grip and avoiding going out early in the morning when frost is thick or late at night when it’s dark.

Dr Mona Sidhu, a GP in Wolverhampton and Primary Care Medical Director for NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, said: “Falls can happen to anyone, especially when the weather is colder, wetter and there’s ice on the ground. However, older people are even more vulnerable to such accidents.

“If they were to fall there is likely to be a bigger impact on their overall health, whether that be physically through injury or mentally and emotionally through loss of confidence and an increase in anxiety.

“As the temperature continues to drop, streets can be extremely slippery underfoot due to fallen leaves and icy pavements, so we would encourage all older people to take extra care when out and about.
“If you do need to go outside, wear shoes or boots with a flat, low heel and a slip-resistant sole to reduce slipping hazards and a good tread that helps to grip the surface. It’s important to keep warm and wear layers, both inside and outside, as when you’re cold you naturally tense up so you don’t move as well as you would normally.

“It’s also important to keep your hands free and wear gloves when walking so you can help stabilise or save yourself from a more significant injury if you were to fall. The more we rush, the more likely we are to fall, so plan ahead to give yourself plenty of time to complete an activity or get to an appointment.

“If you can, always try to let someone know what your plans are and what time you anticipate being home and be sure to have access to a mobile phone where possible so you can call for help if necessary.”

People are also being encouraged to check up on friends, relatives and neighbours who may be
more at risk of a fall.

Dr Natasha Behl, a GP in Solihull, added: “Cold snaps can be particularly challenging for older people and those with long-term health conditions, especially if icy conditions make it harder to get out and about.
“Checking in on loved ones during this time is incredibly important. A quick phone call, a knock on the door, or offering to pick up shopping or prescriptions can help prevent accidents and ensure people are staying warm, well and supported.

“Making sure someone has enough food, heating and medication may seem like a small action, but it can make a huge difference to their health and wellbeing during periods of severe cold.”

From 1 January, mobile vaccination clinics across the Black Country will be offering a wider range of vaccines to help protect residents of all ages against serious and preventable illnesses.

The expanded service means people will now be able to access the following vaccines at local mobile clinics:
• Flu
• MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox)
• RSV vaccine for older adults
• RSV vaccine for pregnant women
• Pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine for pregnant women
• COVID-19 vaccine (for eligible adults and children).

Those who are eligible and yet to have their vaccines are encouraged to come forward, particularly older adults, pregnant women and parents and carers, to ensure they and their children are protected.

Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent serious illness, reduce hospital
admissions and protect vulnerable members of the community, including babies who are too young to be vaccinated themselves.

Sally Roberts, Chief Quality Officer and Chief Nursing Officer for NHS Black Country Integrated
Care Board (ICB), said: “By expanding the range of vaccines available at our mobile clinics, we’re making it easier than ever for people to get protected close to home. Whether you’re pregnant, caring for a young child, or looking after your own health as you get older, these vaccines can make a real difference.”

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) can be especially serious for older adults and newborn babies.

Vaccinating pregnant women helps protect babies from birth, while vaccinating older adults
reduces the risk of severe illness and hospitalisation.

Similarly, the pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine during pregnancy provides vital early protection for newborns, and MMR vaccination protects children and communities against outbreaks of measles, mumps and rubella.

Mobile clinics are convenient and accessible, no appointment needed, just walk-in!

Dear Walsall residents. We look forward to working with you and for you in 2026. In the meantime, if you have used a Walsall health or social care service during the holiday period, please share your experience on our 24.7 review platform 'Have Your Say'.

Thank you for the time you have spent sharing your Walsall health and social care service(s) experience(s)
over the last year.

We will be closed on New Year's Day, 1st January 2026.

If you need urgent medical help call: 999 or NHS111.

Thank you for the time you have spent sharing your Walsall health and social care service(s) experience(s)
over the last year.

We will be closed on the 25th, 26th, and 29th of December 2025.

Note: We are not open on weekends.

If you need urgent medical help call: 999 or NHS111.

A brief outline of some of the issues and themes patients have faced when accessing Walsall Services during December 2025.

People in Birmingham, the Black Country and Solihull are being encouraged to think carefully about which NHS service they use during the upcoming industrial action.

Resident doctors, formerly known as junior doctors, are planning to strike from 7am on Wednesday 17 December to 7am on Monday 22 December 2025.

During these strikes, all other NHS staff (including consultants and other specialist doctors) will still be working, and the focus of the NHS will be on ensuring as many services as possible continue to operate safely.

Patients with hospital appointments should attend as planned unless contacted directly by the NHS to reschedule. There is no need to call to check if your appointment is going ahead. Health and care partners across Birmingham, the Black Country and Solihull are working to prepare for the industrial action and are asking local people to support by choosing the right service for their health needs.

Anyone who needs urgent care should use NHS 111 online or call NHS 111 to be assessed and directed to the right service. In life-threatening emergencies, people should call 999 or go to A&E as normal. Services such as pharmacies, GP practices, walk-in centres, minor injury units, and urgent treatment centres will remain open during the industrial action and can support people with a wide range of health concerns.

Sally Roberts, Chief Quality Officer and Chief Nursing Officer for NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB) and NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB said: “During the period of industrial action, our priority remains providing safe care to those who need it. We ask the public to use NHS services responsibly so that care is available for patients with the greatest need.

“If you require medical help or advice, please visit NHS 111 online as your first point of contact. They can guide you to the most appropriate service, which may include a local pharmacy, GP practice, or walk-in centre. Please remember that 999 and A&E should be reserved for life-threatening emergencies.” GP practices will continue to be open as normal during the industrial action. Please continue to attend your GP and dental appointments unless you are contacted and told otherwise.

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.

Local pharmacy services and opening times in Birmingham, the Black Country and Solihull can be found on the NHS website. People should only call 999 if it is a medical emergency.

Great to see and chat with the Walsall Mayor, Cllr. Louise Harrison again yesterday at the Walsall Energy Action Project public event at Walsall Town Hall. The rain may have kept some people away, but it was visited by many members of the Walsall public.

The Mayor bought her own ray of sunshine with a smile.

Share your experiences of Walsall health and social care services by visiting our online 24/7 feedback platform, 'Have Your Say'.

Residents in Birmingham, the Black Country and Solihull are being reminded to order their repeat prescriptions ahead of Christmas and New Year closures.

NHS 111 sees an increase in people getting in touch about repeat prescriptions over bank holiday periods, which can put additional pressure on already busy services. Residents should plan ahead if they have regular medicines on repeat prescription by checking that they have enough to last them over the festive period, and by ordering their repeat prescriptions by 10 December if they are due for renewal.

This will help ensure that health is not put at unnecessary risk, delays are minimised, and enough time is given for requests to be processed and dispensed.

Most repeat prescription requests can be made online, via local practice websites or through the NHS App. Residents without internet access can approach their GP practice.

Sukhy Somal, ICS Head of Community Pharmacy Clinical Services for NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: “As GP practices and pharmacies will have different opening hours over the festive period, it’s important that people are prepared and get their repeat prescription orders in early. Not only will this reduce their risk of running out and becoming unwell, but it will also mean that festivities can be enjoyed without the stress of trying to get hold of medicines at a more challenging and busy time.

“Repeat prescriptions can be requested quickly and easily at home through the NHS App, and users can even change their chosen pharmacy to ensure that their prescription gets sent to the most convenient location for them.”

Shalina Anwar, ICS Community Pharmacy Clinical Lead for NHS Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: “As well as following repeat prescription advice, it’s also important that people remember to utilise pharmacy services to stay well this winter. Pharmacists are healthcare professionals that can provide help, advice and treatment, if appropriate, for seven common illnesses through the Pharmacy First scheme, without the need for an appointment. They can also advise residents on the best treatments they should have in their home medicine cabinets for common winter illnesses, so they are well stocked and ready for the colder months ahead.”

Some local pharmacies can have different opening times over the festive period, and residents can check which pharmacies will be available via the NHS England website.

If urgent health advice or treatment is needed, NHS 111 is available 24/7 and can be accessed by dialling 111, visiting 111.nhs.uk or through the NHS App.

To read or download a copy.