News and reports

Dementia UK is excited to host its free annual Summer School, with the aim of improving practice in and knowledge of dementia care. We invite all health and social care practitioners, including students, volunteer sector workers, and allied professionals who have an interest in improving care and support for families living with dementia.

This survey is about the knowledge and experiences of people from ethnic minority communities in Walsall accessing and using mental health services in primary care.

Your feedback will be anonymised. Your information is important to us and we need to ensure that it is used appropriately and stored securely.

Nurse leaders in Birmingham, Solihull and the Black Country are urging parents to make sure children are up to date with their measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, amidst increasing cases in the area.

Measles is a highly infectious disease that can lead to serious complications, such as severe lung infections and inflammation of the brain. It also damages and suppresses the immune system, leaving children more vulnerable to catching other illnesses.

Cases have risen in recent weeks in Birmingham, prompting calls for parents to ensure their children are fully vaccinated and encouraging anyone who wasn’t vaccinated as a child to speak to their GP about a catch-up immunisation if needed.The virus can spread quickly in communities, particularly in settings such as schools and nurseries, if children have not received both doses of the MMR vaccine.

Symptoms of measles include:
• high temperature
• runny or blocked nose
• sneezing
• cough
• red, sore, watery eyes
• rash, which usually appears a few days after cold-like symptoms (sometimes it starts around the ears before spreading to the rest of the body).

All children are invited for their first MMR vaccine on the NHS when they turn one. The second dose is given when they reach three years and four months of age. Having two doses of the vaccine provides the best protection against MMR.

Adults and older children can also be vaccinated at any age if they have not been fully vaccinated before and are being encouraged to come forward if they haven’t had two doses.

Sally Roberts, Chief Nursing Officer for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: “The MMR vaccine is a safe and effective combined vaccine, which protects against three serious illnesses - measles, mumps, and rubella.

“Measles is a highly infectious virus which spreads very easily, especially in schools. While most people recover completely within a couple of weeks, measles can cause very serious illness for those in certain at-risk groups including babies and small children, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems.

“There’s no specific medical treatment for measles, so it’s important to get vaccinated as it’s the best protection against becoming seriously unwell. If your child has not yet had the MMR vaccine or hasn’t had both doses, you should call your GP practice and book an appointment as soon as possible.

“Anyone with symptoms is advised to phone their GP or NHS 111 for advice, rather than visiting their GP surgery or A&E, to prevent the illness spreading further.”

Helen Kelly, Chief Nursing Officer for NHS Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board said: “We have seen a small rise in measles cases in Birmingham, but it’s important to remember that even a few cases can lead to rapid spread within our communities. There are lots of myths and misconceptions about the MMR
vaccination, but we know it is safe, effective and remains our best protection against a virus which can be life-threatening in the most serious cases.

“The MMR vaccination is safe for all faiths and cultures, and a pork-free version is available for those who avoid pork products.

“If you’re unsure, I strongly encourage parents to speak to their GP, health visitor or nurse to get accurate information and avoid the risks of misinformation which spreads easily online.”

Parents who are unsure if their child is up to date with all their routine vaccinations should check their child’s Red Book (personal child health record), check the NHS app, or contact their GP practice.

With less than one week left of this year’s spring COVID-19 vaccine programme, the NHS is urging all eligible people who haven’t yet had their top-up to come forward.

Since the rollout began in April, almost 50,000 people across the Black Country have come forward for their spring COVID-19 vaccine.

With the offer coming to an end on Tuesday 17 June, those eligible who are yet to receive the vaccine are being encouraged to come forward before it’s too late.

Those eligible for a vaccine include:
•
adults aged 75 years and over
•
residents in a care home for older adults
•
individuals aged six months and over who have a weakened immune system.
Anyone turning 75 between by 17 June 2025 can also have the jab. Appointments can be booked online via the NHS website, the NHS App or by calling 119.

Sally Roberts, Chief Nursing Officer for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: “It’s fantastic that nearly 50,000 people in the Black Country have come forward for their spring COVID-19 vaccination.

“With less than one week left of the vaccine programme, we are urging everyone eligible to get protected while there’s still time.

“You can book quickly and easily through the NHS App, by calling 119, or by visiting the NHS website.”
Those eligible should make sure their appointment takes place at least three months since their last dose.

We asked young carers to share their thoughts on being a young carer, what it is like, what support they get and what can make things better for them.

Take a look at some of the things they told us – you might see your own story in their words.

Let’s make sure every young carer feels, seen heard, and supported.

Young carers are children and young people aged 8 to 18 who help care for someone in their family because of a mental health illness, physical illness or disability or because of drugs and alcohol issues.

With the second bank holiday in May approaching, people in the Black Country are being reminded how to access NHS services should they need help over the long weekend.

The late May bank holiday falls on Monday 26 May, and some NHS services – including GP practices and pharmacies - may be closed or operating with reduced hours.

A number of local pharmacies will remain open across the bank holiday weekend, offering advice, prescriptions and treatment for common minor health concerns.

From our Annual Public Meeting held in November 2024, through our public listening survey and other data sources, Healthwatch Walsall completed a priorities list on where the public wanted us to focus our work on for the next 12 months. This was considered at the public Independent Strategic Advisory Board on 25 March 2025.

With only one month left of this year’s spring COVID-19 vaccine programme, the NHS is urging all eligible people who haven’t yet had their top-up to come forward.

So far, almost 40,000 people across the Black Country have already come forward for their spring dose but thousands more remain eligible and are being encouraged to act now to protect
themselves before the offer ends on Tuesday 17 June.

The spring vaccination is being offered to those most at risk of serious illness from COVID-19,
including:
• adults aged 75 years and over
• residents in a care home for older adults
• individuals aged six months and over who have a weakened immune system.

Anyone turning 75 between 1 April and 17 June 2025 can also have the jab. Appointments can
be booked online via the NHS website, the NHS App or by calling 119.

Sally Roberts, Chief Nursing Officer for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: “We’re pleased that nearly 40,000 people in the Black Country have already come forward
for their spring COVID-19 vaccination, but we know there are many more who are eligible and
yet to receive it. With the programme closing on 17 June, we are urging everyone eligible to get
protected while there’s still time.

“COVID-19 continues to pose a risk, especially for older adults and people with weakened immune systems. The vaccine remains the most effective way to reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalisation.

“You can book quickly and easily through the NHS App, by calling 119, or by visiting the NHS website. So, if you or a loved one is eligible and has not yet come forward, please don’t wait, get your vaccine before the 17 June deadline.”

Those eligible should make sure their appointment takes place at least three months since their last dose.

People in the Black Country are being encouraged to break the taboo and talk about death, dying and bereavement ahead of Dying Matters Awareness Week (5-11 May).

Led by Hospice UK, Dying Matters Awareness Week aims to bring people and communities together to create an open culture when it comes to talking about death and grief, and help reduce the associated stress, stigma and social isolation. The theme for this year, ‘The Culture of Dying Matters’, will focus on how different communities and cultures in the UK feel, talk about, and deal with death and dying – and what brings them together. Dr Fran Hakkak, Medical Director at Compton Care and Clinical Lead for Palliative Care in Wolverhampton, said: “Every year, Dying Matters Awareness Week helps to encourage all communities to get talking about death and dying in whatever way works for them.

“This year, the campaign focuses on the how religious and cultural beliefs shape our views on death and dying and what unites us. Compton Care colleagues will be out in the community, finding out what matters most to the people in the communities we serve, and offering expert advice on how to start these important conversations. “Talking about death can feel uncomfortable, but it’s a conversation that can bring immense comfort, clarity, and connection. By opening up these discussions, we empower individuals and families to express their wishes, plan ahead, and ultimately approach the end of life with dignity and understanding, ensuring their wishes are met.”

This Deaf Awareness Week (5-11 May), people in the Black Country are being encouraged to engage in conversations about improving accessibility and inclusivity for the Deaf community.

Deaf Awareness Week is an annual campaign that aims to raise awareness of the challenges faced by Deaf individuals while challenging common misconceptions about deafness.

This year’s theme, “Beyond Silence”, calls on individuals, organisations, and communities to go beyond simply acknowledging deafness and actively work towards meaningful change.

In recognition of Deaf Awareness Week, the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB) is using this opportunity to raise awareness of a current co-design opportunity aimed at improving interpretation and translation services.

The ICB is recruiting an expert advisory group to help enhance these services, ensuring they better meet the language and communication needs of individuals accessing NHS primary care in the Black Country.
Applications are invited from local organisations, community groups, and leaders with experience supporting individuals facing language barriers or communication challenges.

Stephen Terry, Head of Involvement at NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, said: “Deaf Awareness Week is an important opportunity to raise visibility, promote understanding, and break down barriers for the Deaf community.

“It reminds us of the need for inclusive healthcare and accessible services, ensuring everyone, regardless of communication challenges, can access the care they deserve.

“We are pleased to offer local organisations and community leaders with lived and learned experience the opportunity to contribute to the development of these services through our codesign expert advisory group.

“By sharing valuable insights, experiences and ideas, the group will help ensure healthcare services are more accessible and inclusive for everyone in the Black Country.”

To get involved email: info@healthwatchwalsall.co.uk