Our 2024 Winter Newsletter is now available.

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.

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.”

This Deaf Awareness Week (5-11 May), people in the Black Country are being encouraged to engage in conversations about improving accessibility and inclusivity for the Deaf community.

Deaf Awareness Week is an annual campaign that aims to raise awareness of the challenges faced by Deaf individuals while challenging common misconceptions about deafness.

This year’s theme, “Beyond Silence”, calls on individuals, organisations, and communities to go beyond simply acknowledging deafness and actively work towards meaningful change.

In recognition of Deaf Awareness Week, the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB) is using this opportunity to raise awareness of a current co-design opportunity aimed at improving interpretation and translation services.

The ICB is recruiting an expert advisory group to help enhance these services, ensuring they better meet the language and communication needs of individuals accessing NHS primary care in the Black Country.
Applications are invited from local organisations, community groups, and leaders with experience supporting individuals facing language barriers or communication challenges.

Stephen Terry, Head of Involvement at NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, said: “Deaf Awareness Week is an important opportunity to raise visibility, promote understanding, and break down barriers for the Deaf community.

“It reminds us of the need for inclusive healthcare and accessible services, ensuring everyone, regardless of communication challenges, can access the care they deserve.

“We are pleased to offer local organisations and community leaders with lived and learned experience the opportunity to contribute to the development of these services through our codesign expert advisory group.

“By sharing valuable insights, experiences and ideas, the group will help ensure healthcare services are more accessible and inclusive for everyone in the Black Country.”