News and reports

Local health chiefs have issued important guidance following the updated cold weather
alert.

The Met Office, in conjunction with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), has issued an amber weather alert, which is currently in place from Sunday 7 January to Friday 12 January, as severe winter weather is forecast.

An amber alert means extreme cold conditions are expected, with the elderly, people with underlying health conditions, babies and very young children at risk from the weather. In the Black Country, forecasters have predicted severe cold weather and icy conditions with temperatures continuing to reach below zero this week.
People are encouraged to take extra precautions to keep safe while the alerts are in place, such as checking on vulnerable friends and neighbours, keeping food and medications in stock and ensuring homes are adequately heated.

Dr Ananta Dave, Chief Medical Officer for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, said: “Taking extra care during cold weather is really important, particularly for people who are more vulnerable to suffering ill health due to the cold, such as babies and very young children, older people, pregnant women and people with pre-existing medical conditions.

“It is recommended that we should heat our homes to at least 18 degrees Celsius in winter as this minimises risks to our health. If you can’t heat all the rooms you use, heat the living room during the day and your bedroom just before you go to bed.

“Try to avoid going out in cold icy weather but if you do need to go outside wear shoes with slip resistant grip and wear a few layers of thin clothing rather than one thick layer to trap in heat. It is also important that you have frequent hot food and drinks as these can help to keep you warm.

“Make sure you also take the current weather alert into account when planning any activity over
the following few days and try to avoid exposing yourself to cold or icy outdoor conditions,
especially if you’re at a higher risk of cold-related illness or falls.

“We are also asking everyone to remember the needs of friends, relatives, and neighbours who could be at risk during this period of cold weather. Make sure they’re well, and warm and have sufficient stocks of food and medicines, in case they cannot go out for a few days.”

For more advice on staying well in cold weather, visit the NHS website here.

We will be closed on the 25th, 26th and 27th of December. And the 1st of January 2024.

People in the Black Country are being urged to think carefully about which health service they should use during the upcoming industrial action and the Christmas and New Year bank holidays.

Junior doctors are planning to strike from 7am Wednesday 20 December 2023 through to 7am Saturday 23 December 2023, and again from 7am Wednesday 3 January 2024 until 7am Tuesday 9 January 2024, during the traditionally busy Christmas and New Year period.

All health and care partners in the Black Country are working together to prepare for the industrial action and the bank holidays, which will have significant impact on NHS local services, and are asking the public for their support.

Emergency care will be prioritised, and people are being reminded that 999 and emergency departments are still the right services if it is a life-saving emergency. However, for anything that isn’t life-threatening, people are being urged to use 111 online as the first port of call for health needs. People can also call 111 for help, advice, and signposting to the most appropriate service.

Pharmacies, GP appointments, walk-in centres, minor injury units and urgent treatment centres will continue to be available during the industrial action and can help people with a range of injuries and illnesses. People with hospital appointments should continue to come forward for the care they need and do not need to call to check if appointments are going ahead. If appointments do need to be rearranged due to strike action, patients will be contacted directly.

Dr Ananta Dave, Chief Medical Officer for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, said: “We’re approaching what is already one of the busiest times of the year for the NHS and there is no doubt that this level of planned strike action alongside the festive period will create an even greater strain on many of our services.

“Your NHS is still here for you, but we’re asking people to consider whether A&E is the most appropriate place for their needs, and if it’s not, to seek alternatives. “NHS 111 online or by telephone is available 24/7 for urgent medical advice but it's worth remembering that most common ailments at this time of year can be effectively managed at home with advice from a local pharmacy.

“By ensuring you choose the most appropriate service, you will not only you save time waiting, but you will be treated by the most appropriate healthcare professional for your needs. This will also help NHS services to manage demand and ensure hospitals can focus on treating people with serious and life-threatening conditions.”

The NHS has also been reminding people to order any repeat prescriptions in advance. This not only helps avoid a last-minute rush for GP practices and pharmacies, but also helps ease the burden on the NHS 111 service and hospitals.

Dr Julian Hobbs, Medical Director at Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Undoubtedly this festive period will be a huge challenge as we prepare not only for our busiest time of the year, but also the impact of the longest industrial action period so far across our hospitals.

“Our number one priority is to ensure that those in greatest need continue to have access to high quality care and our immediate focus will be on the safe delivery of urgent and emergency care services.

“Planned appointments and clinics are likely to be affected, however people should continue to attend their appointments unless they are contacted directly by the NHS.

“I'd also like to thank all health and care teams across the Black Country for their work over this busy time, as always your dedication in helping those who need help and support is greatly appreciated.”

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.

A small number of pharmacies will be open on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day for any people in need of an emergency prescription, urgent advice on medicine or a confidential consultation for a minor health concern.

Opening times for all of the Black Country’s pharmacies, including those staying open on the bank holidays, can be found on the NHS website.

People should only call 999 if it is a medical emergency

Packed full of interesting information, updates, get involved options, and messages from our partners.

People in the Black Country are being reminded to order any repeat prescriptions they may need ahead of the festive period.

GP practices and pharmacies will have limited opening hours over the Christmas and New Year period, making it more challenging for people to access medicines at short notice. Every bank holiday, NHS 111 sees an increase in people getting in touch about repeat prescriptions. Waiting and using emergency or urgent services over the festive break puts added pressure on already busy services.

To avoid this and to ensure health is not put at any unnecessary risk, people are being asked to submit any repeat prescriptions that are due for renewal by Monday 18 December at the latest to make sure there is enough time for them to be processed and dispensed.

Dr Ananta Dave, Chief Medical Officer for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, said: “Running out of your usual medication can have serious consequences, especially if you use them to control heart and breathing problems or a long-term condition such as diabetes, and is the last thing you want to do while you’re celebrating with loved ones over the holidays.

“That’s why we’re encouraging anyone who may need a repeat prescription to order them well ahead of the bank holiday period and not leave it until the last minute when pharmacies and GP practices are operating with limited opening hours.

“This can be a busy time of the year, especially in the build-up to Christmas, but it’s important that we all take time to think about our health and do what we can to stay well. Having a medicine cabinet at home with some simple over-the-counter remedies like paracetamol, ibuprofen, and anti-diarrhoea tablets is also recommended so you can treat any common illnesses or ailments yourself.”

Most repeat medication requests can be made online, via local practice websites or through the NHS App. People who do not use the internet can approach their practice to access their prescriptions.

To find your nearest pharmacy, visit the NHS website.

If you or a loved one becomes unwell over the festive period and is in need of urgent health advice or treatment – particularly over the bank holidays when GP practices will be closed – contact NHS 111 by dialling 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk.

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We asked the Practice Manager to send any comments about the Enter and Visit that was undertaken and this is what they said.

‘Thanks again to the Healthwatch Team for undertaking the Enter and View visit. The team was accommodating prior to the visit and also attentive to details during conversations with the practice team during the visit. It was beneficial to gain the insights and experience of the Healthwatch Team from the visit and the resulting report. I would also like to thank Tom for his advice and guidance.’

Read our latest work project 2023/2024 report on NHS dental Care services in Walsall.

If this is you? Or a loved one? Get in touch. Tel: 0800 470 1660 or email:info@healthwatchwalsall.co.uk

This project was an agreed piece of work from patients/service user experiences we received during 2019/2020. Patients indicated that they were having difficulties contacting a number of GP surgeries/practices.
Patient intelligence was gathered from various sources: our online service feedback centre, face to face outreach, calls to our Freephone telephone number and our Email info@ account.

It should be noted that this intelligence was gathered and was happening prior to the outbreak of COVID-19

Parents and carers of children in the Black Country are being reminded of the importance of routine childhood vaccinations.

Childhood vaccinations are safe and effective and are essential for the prevention of several serious diseases.

In the UK, the childhood vaccination programme is highly successful and has resulted in many common and sometimes fatal diseases, such as measles and polio, becoming rare. These infectious diseases, however, have not gone away.

The following vaccines are routinely offered to all children aged 2 months to 16 years:

• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine: Protects against HPV, a common sexually transmitted infection that can lead to cervical, anal, and other types of cancers. The vaccine is recommended for both boys and girls between the ages of 11 and 13.

• DTP Vaccine: Provides protection against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough). These diseases can cause severe complications and even death. The DTP vaccine is typically administered in several doses throughout childhood.

• MMR Vaccine: Protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. Measles, in particular, is highly contagious and can lead to serious complications. The MMR vaccine is usually given in two doses, with the first dose administered around the age of 12-15 months and the second dose between 4-6 years.

• Meningitis Vaccine: Guards against meningococcal disease, a severe infection that can cause meningitis and blood poisoning. The vaccine is recommended for adolescents and young adults, particularly those starting university or college.

Dr Fiona Rose, local GP and Clinical Director for Quality and Safety for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: “Routine vaccinations play a huge part in protecting you, your child, and the community against a range of unpleasant and often serious childhood diseases.

Important information.