News and reports

What is a the GP Showcase?

Healthwatch Sandwell are aware the challenges people face regarding getting GP appointments. We would like to capture the other side of GP surgeries, what are surgeries doing to improve the patient experience?

This will help:

• Inform patients about improvements the surgeries are making

• Build relationships with Practice Managers and Patient Participation Groups (PPG)

• Promote PPGs

A self-testing kit, which detects human papillomavirus (HPV), a group of viruses that can lead to cervical cancer, helps women carry out cervical screening in the privacy and convenience of their own homes. HPV home kits are currently available to buy at pharmacies at costs of between £29 to £129 but they’re currently not available on the NHS.

Earlier this year, a trial led by Kings College London to offer women a self-testing kit concluded it could boost the number of women undergoing cervical screening by 400,000 a year.

SANDWELL Metropolitan Borough Council has awarded the new Healthwatch Sandwell contract to existing provider Engaging Communities Solutions Community Interest Company.
This means ECS (Engaging Communities Solutions) will continue to deliver the contract they have held since 2018 and maintain the high level of support offered to local residents throughout the borough.

Three-quarters of women who are hesitant about cervical screening would use a self-testing kit if it was available for free on the NHS.

A poll of 2,444 women highlights that pain, fear, and misconceptions make them hesitant about taking up invitations for cervical screening appointments.

Would you like help with stopping smoking?
Do you want to give up smoking to improve your health and well being ?
Are you pregnant and want to give up to protect your unborn baby?

Then this resource is for you!

Join us at our next Independent Strategic Advisory Board meeting. All meeting details can be found below.

Our July Insight Report is now LIVE. Use the link below to take a look at what Healthwatch Sandwell have been doing.

Our July 2024 Insight Report is now ready for you to see! If you want to keep up to date with what local people are telling us, take a look at our Insight reports.

Here are the meeting minutes from our Independent Strategic Advisory Board meeting July 2024

People of South Asian, Black African, and Caribbean backgrounds are at a higher risk of developing certain eye conditions, and almost half of those with sight loss are from households with low incomes.
We are trying to gather as many experiences as possible from people who have used NHS eye care services recently. Help us spread the word by sharing our survey with your supporters.
Each response we receive will help shape eye care services and improve the care people receive.

Your Space Your Way - a support group for people with hoarding behaviour.

Sandwell Carers Sessions.