NHS waiting lists reach record levels, but what about the 'hidden waiting list'?
News - 20 April 2023
The latest NHS data shows that a record number of people are waiting for care. However, our new research indicates that there is also a hidden waiting list, and more needs to be done to understand what it's like for people trying to get referred.
New NHS data indicates that over seven million people are on waiting lists for specialist clinical care or surgery.
NHS and social care staff are doing everything they can to keep us well during these challenging times, but there might be things that can be improved for you and your loved ones, both in the area you live in and across the country.
We’re inviting partners, organisations and residents across Walsall to share their views on three draft plans and strategies that will help shape health, wellbeing and care services in the borough.
These are:
Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy (2026-2030)
Neighbourhood Health and Care Plan
Adult Social Care Strategy (2026-2031)
We are asking for your views because the decisions we make about health, care and support affect everyday life for children and adults in Walsall. By listening to your views, we can understand what matters most and what we need to focus on. Your feedback will help shape the final plans. They will inform how we deliver services, help us work better together and meet the needs of people now and in the future.
Visit the Consultation and Engagement Hub on the Walsall Council website by clicking the button below to find out more and have your say.
Have your say
Support to complete the survey online is available at Walsall Connected centres at libraries and community locations all over the borough.
Paper questionnaires are also available at libraries, which can be returned by post using the pre-paid envelope.
If you (or anyone you know) needs this information in an alternative format in order to have your / their say, i.e. Easy Read, large text, audio, or a community language, please email consultations@walsall.gov.uk or call 01922 650000 and we will work with you to meet your / their needs.
Consultation closes at midnight on 28 August 2026.
With temperatures expected to rise over the next few days, people in Birmingham, the Black Country and Solihull are being advised to take precautions.
The Met Office, in partnership with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), has issued a red heat 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.
Over the next few days temperatures are expected to reach up to 35 degrees celcius, with the red alert in effect from today (Monday 22 June) to Thursday 25 June.
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.
Sally Roberts, Chief Nurse, Birmingham, Black Country and Solihull (Cluster) ICBs, said: “It’s important that everyone takes simple steps to stay cool and drink enough water during hot weather, especially when temperatures this high remain for several days.
“Hot weather can be dangerous, and looking out for ourselves and each other really matters. Older people, very young children, and people with health conditions are most at risk, so please check in on family, friends, and neighbours where you can.
“The main risks in hot weather are dehydration, overheating, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. Heat can also make existing health problems worse, especially heart and breathing conditions.
“If you or someone else starts to feel unwell – for example dizzy, very thirsty, weak, or confused – move somewhere cool, drink water, and rest. If symptoms do not improve or get worse, get advice from NHS 111 online or call 111.”
Following the completion of our project in 2023 The Maternity Experience of Black and Asian Women in Walsall, we undertook a series of revisits to maternity services to assess how the recommendations from the original work have been taken forward. These revisits also provided an opportunity to observe the continuation of the good practice already in place, and to ensure that women from Black and Asian backgrounds continue to feel supported, respected, and well cared for throughout their maternity journey.
