News and reports

Healthwatch Sandwell will champion the interests of people who use health and social care services and ensure that they have an opportunity to speak out about their concerns and health and social care priorities.

Residents of Sandwell regularly express frustrations with obtaining G.P. Surgery appointments and there are not enough G.P. appointments available to meet daily demand.

We received 59 survey responses, 27 participants took part in focus groups, and we conducted semi-structured interviews. Participants in the focus group were able to complete the survey as well if they chose to. Survey respondents were asked a series of demographic questions but were free to choose not to answer those questions.

NHS GPs in England can be paid to undertake annual health checks for people registered with them who have learning disabilities and meet the eligibility criteria. They must be aged 14 and over and on the practice learning disability health checks register. People with autism without a learning disability are not included.

We expect effective, high-quality support to manage existing conditions and help us live healthy lives and people with learning disabilities and or autism should expect no less and receive the same service as everyone else. People with a learning disability generally have poorer outcomes in life, experience inequalities in access to healthcare and have significantly lower life expectancy (Care Quality Commission, CQC, 2016).

Championing what matters to you - To make sure people’s experiences help make health and care better.

Pharmacy 365 Churchv View is a dispensing chemist providing a service for local people.

Sidhu Pharmacy
369 High Street
West Bromwich
West Midlands
B70 9QL
A visit was planned but the Owner refused the visit – no explanation given.

Healthwatch Sandwell Advisory Board
26 April 2022 9.30 – 11.30 am – Virtual Microsoft Teams
Public Board Meeting Agenda

Healthwatch Sandwell Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
26th April 2022 Minutes

A number of patients had contacted Healthwatch Sandwell during the COVID-19 pandemic as they have been unable to register with a National Health dentist. Dentists were not taking on new patients and were not offering routine checks (due to COVID-19 restrictions). However, some patients were able to access a dentist for emergency treatment.

We heard from a person who was concerned as their consultant had requested a referral from the GP for further treatment and this had not been actioned by the GP.