News and reports

Al-Shafa Pharmacy is a dispensing chemist providing a service for local people.

This pharmacy operate ‘Pharmacy First’ which means the team can give clinical and practical medical advice or over-the-counter medicines to help safely manage minor health issues such as: sore throats, coughs, colds, tummy troubles, teething problems and aches and pains.

Our Healthwatch activities involve signposting the public to relevant support agencies to assist them with their concerns.

HWS proposed to engage with people with Sickle Cell (an inherited blood disorder, which predominantly affects people of African and African Caribbean ethnicity).

The Healthwatch Sandwell report “The hidden impact of Covid-19 on carers” reflects the experiences of being a carer in Sandwell during the Covid-19 pandemic and highlights the hidden impacts on carers health and wellbeing 18 months on from the outbreak of the pandemic.

This project was undertaken by HWS on behalf of the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The aim of the project was to hear from seldom heard communities about what they know about what they can expect from:
➢ Health and social care services in Sandwell
➢ CQC

Healthwatch Sandwell often hears from patients saying that it is very difficult to get an appointment at a GP Surgery.

During the period April to June 2021, Healthwatch Sandwell has collated patient experiences. These are sourced from phone contact with residents/patients, focus groups we facilitate, focus groups we attend, local online forums, and service user groups and service user experiences/feedback via our web-based ‘Feedback Centre’.

A priority that was identified is mental health and well-being services. A survey conducted by HWS in February 2020 found that 60 % of respondents indicated that accessing and the quality of mental health and well-being services were a priority area for them.

Throughout the year a total of 9 Youth Healthwatch volunteers have been recruited and attending regular meetings.

Minutes of Healthwatch Sandwell Advisory Board
4 May 2021, 2021

Healthwatch Sandwell Advisory Board
4 May 2021 2021
Public Board Meeting Agenda