News and reports

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.

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The NHS in the Black Country has issued important guidance as temperatures climb this week.

The Met Office, in conjunction with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), has issued a yellow heat alert as temperatures are set to rise this week, with people advised to take extra care in the heatwave conditions.

Over the next few days temperatures across the Black Country are predicted to reach up to 30 degrees Celsius, with the yellow alert in place from Wednesday 18 June until Sunday 22 June.

Dr Ananta Dave, Chief Medical Officer for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, said: “While many of us enjoy the sunshine and warmer weather, high temperatures can pose serious health risks, especially for older adults, young children, and people with existing health conditions. These groups are less able to regulate body temperature and are more vulnerable to overheating, heat exhaustion, and even heatstroke.
“Many of these heat-related illnesses are preventable with a few simple precautions. Try to stay indoors during the hottest part of the day, usually between 11am and 3pm. Keep hydrated by drinking plenty of cool fluids, avoid sunburn by applying sunscreen regularly, and seek shade whenever possible. If you need to go out, take water with you and wear light, loose-fitting clothing. At home, keep indoor spaces cool by closing blinds or curtains in sun-facing rooms.

“It’s also important we look out for one another. Check in on elderly neighbours, friends, or family members who may need extra support during periods of prolonged heat. A small act of kindness can go a long way.

“By taking these simple steps, we can help ensure that everyone stays safe, comfortable, and well during the warmer months.”

If you, or others, start to feel unwell, move out of the heat immediately and drink some water to rehydrate. If you feel dizzy, weak, or have a headache and intense thirst, visit NHS 111 online or call 111 for more advice.

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.

We have just published our Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment report, which contains what people have told us about using pharmacy services and the Pharmacy First programme.

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.

During a general outreach session at Walsall Manor Hospital, we noted a significant queue extending from the phlebotomy department into the main Hospital corridor. Causing access issues to other departments and a potential safety risk. We spoke to two members of Hospital staff who informed us that a large number of unexpected 'walk-in' patients had arrived without appointments, contributing to the congestion. As a result, the department experienced increased pressure, prompting the redeployment of clinical staff and phlebotomists from other Hospital wards to support the service at 002.

We were advised that this is a recurring issue which frequently results in significant delays for patients with pre-booked appointments, including individuals undergoing treatment for cancer. In response to these concerns, we decided to explore this theme further by engaging with patients attending the department. This exploratory work was carried out with the valuable support of three Walsall College students currently undertaking work placements with Healthwatch Walsall.

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.

Eligible people in the Black Country are being reminded to come forward for their spring COVID-19 vaccine.

Since the roll out began last month, more than 29,000 people have already received their spring vaccination.

As with last year’s campaign, those eligible for a vaccine include adults aged 75 years and over, residents in a care home for older adults and 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 will be available until Tuesday 17 June and can be booked online via the NHS website, the NHS App or by calling 119.

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

Sally Roberts, Chief Nursing Officer for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: “It’s fantastic to see so many people come forward for a spring COVID-19 vaccine in the space of just a few weeks.
“The COVID-19 vaccine plays a crucial role in helping to protect our most vulnerable, including older adults and those with weakened immune systems, by maintaining strong immunity and reducing the risk of severe illness or hospitalisation.

“If you're eligible, it's not too late to come forward - even if you haven’t previously received a COVID-19 vaccination, the spring vaccine can still offer vital protection.

“Thousands of eligible individuals in the Black Country have yet to get their spring COVID-19 vaccine. So, if you're one of them, please book your appointment today through the NHS website, NHS App, or by calling 119.”