Our April 2025 E-Bulletin is now available
A brief outline of some of the issues and themes patients have faced when accessing Walsall Services during April 2025.
Report
News and reports
Our Annual Report for 2024 to 2025 is now available
Read about our 2024 to 2025 work and projects and outcomes. As well as plans for 2025 to 2026.
Report
Staying healthy during the heat
With temperatures expected to rise over the next few days, people in the Black Country are being advised to take precautions.
The Met Office, in partnership with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), has issued a yellow heat health alert, indicating that high temperatures could pose a risk to health, particularly for older adults, young children, babies, and those with long-term health conditions.
Temperatures are expected to increase over the next few days, with the yellow alert in effect from tomorrow (Friday 27 June) to Tuesday 1 July.
To stay safe and well during this period of hot weather, people are advised to:
Avoid going out during the hottest part of the day (11am–3pm)
• Plan physical activities such as exercise or dog walking for the cooler hours of the
morning or evening
• Keep indoor spaces cool by closing curtains or blinds on sun-facing windows
• Wear light, loose-fitting clothing, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat if you go outside
• Stay in the shade and use sunscreen regularly
• Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol
• Check in on elderly relatives, neighbours, and anyone who may be more vulnerable
• Be aware of the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and know when to seek help.
Dr Ananta Dave, Chief Medical Officer for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, said: “It’s vital that we all take sensible steps to stay cool and hydrated, especially as prolonged periods of heat can pose significant health risks. People who are older, very young, or living with medical conditions are particularly at risk, so keeping an eye on those around us is more important than ever.
“The main risks of hot weather include dehydration, overheating, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. These can also worsen symptoms for people with heart or breathing problems.
“If you or someone else starts to feel unwell, dizzy, weak, or very thirsty, move to a cooler place, rehydrate, and rest. If symptoms persist or get worse, visit NHS 111 online or call 111 for advice.”
The Met Office, in partnership with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), has issued a yellow heat health alert, indicating that high temperatures could pose a risk to health, particularly for older adults, young children, babies, and those with long-term health conditions.
Temperatures are expected to increase over the next few days, with the yellow alert in effect from tomorrow (Friday 27 June) to Tuesday 1 July.
To stay safe and well during this period of hot weather, people are advised to:
Avoid going out during the hottest part of the day (11am–3pm)
• Plan physical activities such as exercise or dog walking for the cooler hours of the
morning or evening
• Keep indoor spaces cool by closing curtains or blinds on sun-facing windows
• Wear light, loose-fitting clothing, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat if you go outside
• Stay in the shade and use sunscreen regularly
• Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol
• Check in on elderly relatives, neighbours, and anyone who may be more vulnerable
• Be aware of the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and know when to seek help.
Dr Ananta Dave, Chief Medical Officer for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, said: “It’s vital that we all take sensible steps to stay cool and hydrated, especially as prolonged periods of heat can pose significant health risks. People who are older, very young, or living with medical conditions are particularly at risk, so keeping an eye on those around us is more important than ever.
“The main risks of hot weather include dehydration, overheating, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. These can also worsen symptoms for people with heart or breathing problems.
“If you or someone else starts to feel unwell, dizzy, weak, or very thirsty, move to a cooler place, rehydrate, and rest. If symptoms persist or get worse, visit NHS 111 online or call 111 for advice.”
Advice and Information
Dementia UK Summer School 2025 programme and registration
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.
News
Parents encouraged to use Pharmacy First this summer
Parents and carers in the Black Country are being reminded to use their local community pharmacy if their child needs help with minor illnesses or ailments.
The NHS Pharmacy First service allows children to access treatment for five common conditions from
their local pharmacy, without needing a GP appointment.
The aim is to make it easier for people to get the help they need and free up millions of GP
appointments.
Through the Pharmacy First service, children can receive NHS treatment, including antibiotics where
appropriate, for five common conditions including:
• impetigo (aged 1 year and over)
• infected insect bites (aged 1 year and over)
• earache (aged 1 to 17 years)
• sore throat (aged 5 years and over)
• sinusitis (aged 12 years and over).
Parents can simply walk into a participating pharmacy and request a consultation for their child. If further
treatment is needed, pharmacy teams will signpost families to the most appropriate local health service.
Sukhy Somal, Head of Community Pharmacy Clinical Services, NHS Black Country Integrated Care
Board (ICB), said: “The Black Country ICB is one of the top referrers into the Pharmacy First service.
“As summer begins, we are encouraging parents and carers to think Pharmacy First if their child is
unwell, allowing them to be seen quickly and conveniently at their local pharmacy.
“The scheme enables community pharmacists, who are trained health professionals, to supply
prescription-only medicines, where clinically appropriate, to treat five health conditions for children which
would previously have required a GP appointment.”
The Pharmacy First scheme is also available for adults and covers the following seven common conditions:
• sinusitis (adults and children aged 12 years and over)
• sore throat (adults and children aged 5 years and over)
• earache (children and young adults aged 1 to 17 years)
• infected insect bite (adults and children aged 1 year and over)
impetigo (adults and children aged 1 year and over)
• shingles (adults aged 18 years and over)
• uncomplicated urinary tract infection (women aged 16 to 64 years).
The NHS has created a local social media campaign to encourage people to use this service. You can
view this on the NHS Black Country ICB social media channels.
The NHS Pharmacy First service allows children to access treatment for five common conditions from
their local pharmacy, without needing a GP appointment.
The aim is to make it easier for people to get the help they need and free up millions of GP
appointments.
Through the Pharmacy First service, children can receive NHS treatment, including antibiotics where
appropriate, for five common conditions including:
• impetigo (aged 1 year and over)
• infected insect bites (aged 1 year and over)
• earache (aged 1 to 17 years)
• sore throat (aged 5 years and over)
• sinusitis (aged 12 years and over).
Parents can simply walk into a participating pharmacy and request a consultation for their child. If further
treatment is needed, pharmacy teams will signpost families to the most appropriate local health service.
Sukhy Somal, Head of Community Pharmacy Clinical Services, NHS Black Country Integrated Care
Board (ICB), said: “The Black Country ICB is one of the top referrers into the Pharmacy First service.
“As summer begins, we are encouraging parents and carers to think Pharmacy First if their child is
unwell, allowing them to be seen quickly and conveniently at their local pharmacy.
“The scheme enables community pharmacists, who are trained health professionals, to supply
prescription-only medicines, where clinically appropriate, to treat five health conditions for children which
would previously have required a GP appointment.”
The Pharmacy First scheme is also available for adults and covers the following seven common conditions:
• sinusitis (adults and children aged 12 years and over)
• sore throat (adults and children aged 5 years and over)
• earache (children and young adults aged 1 to 17 years)
• infected insect bite (adults and children aged 1 year and over)
impetigo (adults and children aged 1 year and over)
• shingles (adults aged 18 years and over)
• uncomplicated urinary tract infection (women aged 16 to 64 years).
The NHS has created a local social media campaign to encourage people to use this service. You can
view this on the NHS Black Country ICB social media channels.
Advice and Information
We have just launched our latest project survey. Access to Primary Care Mental Health Services from experiences of people of Walsall ethnic minority backgrounds
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.
Your feedback will be anonymised. Your information is important to us and we need to ensure that it is used appropriately and stored securely.
News
Health advice in hot weather
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.
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.
Advice and Information
Nurse chiefs: Protect your children against measles
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.
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.
News
Our Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment report is now available
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.
Report
Are you a young carer? You Are Not Alone…
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.
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.
News
Are you a young carer?
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.
News
Insight Report: Patient experience of Phlebotomy services at Walsall Manor Hospital
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.
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.
Report