Virtual Wards experience?

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.

I am writing to invite your support in helping us recruit Lived Experience Partners (LEPs) across The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust and Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust.

Lived Experience Partners are people who use their lived experience as patients, carers, parents or service users to help shape and improve NHS services. We work with partners using a co‑design approach, meaning services are developed with people who use them, not just for them.

Why this may be of interest to your organisation

We are particularly keen to involve people whose voices are not always heard in healthcare decision‑making, including individuals who may experience barriers related to:
Culture or background
Disability or long‑term health conditions
Caring responsibilities
Language or digital access
Confidence engaging in formal settings
This is where trusted VCSE partners like you play a vital role.

What involvement looks like

Lived Experience Partner involvement is flexible and choice‑based. People can choose what suits them best, including:
Completing surveys or questionnaires
Reviewing patient information such as letters or leaflets
Sense‑checking ideas or communications
Attending events, forums or discussion sessions (online or in person)
Optional involvement in improvement or patient safety work
There is no minimum time commitment, and people are supported at every stage.

Support, recognition and onboarding

Lived Experience Partners receive:
A welcoming induction and ongoing support from our Patient Experience Team
Training and development opportunities
Reimbursement of out‑of‑pocket expenses (in line with Trust policy)
Recognition of their contribution, including annual thank‑you and feedback on the impact of their involvement
How to share this opportunity

We would be grateful if you could share this opportunity with your networks, members or communities.