News and reports

Black Country NHS needs your help to develop an all-age autism roadmap that will guide how organisations across the Black Country support autistic children, young people and adults, and their families and carers.

Health issues unfortunately don't leave us alone at the weekend and people are often in need of medical assistance out of hours. Using NHS guidelines, we have provided some advice and information on where you can go for help when your GP is closed.

Everyone will have 2 vaccines, one now and the 2nd one 8 weeks later. After 3 months you will need a booster vaccine. It is very important now the lockdown has ended and we are returning to normal life.

Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospital Trust are inviting Sandwell residents to workshops about the new hospital, Midland Metropolitan University Hospital:
Proposed changes to Day Case Surgery

Midland Metropolitan University Hospital in Smethwick is opening in 2023 and in order for us to provide the highest standard of care we need to make some changes now in preparation for the opening of the new hospital.

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.

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

Healthwatch Sandwell would like to hear from people in Sandwell to help decide their main priorities for the next 12 months. We are asking for people to complete a short survey about their experiences with local health and social care services.

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.

Have you been referred by your GP to hospital for an appointment, treatment, or operation? Are you still waiting? If so Healthwatch Sandwell would like to hear from you.

The Accessible Information Standard is mandatory for all organisations that provide National Health Service (NHS) or adult social care.

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