News and reports

Our priority project for 2023/24 is looking at peoples’ experiences of living with and managing
diabetes, and of health, care and support services. We have teamed up with Diabetes UK and are working in partnership local community organisations to reach and hear from Sandwell residents with diabetes, or pre-diabetes. Diabetes UK has highlighted that more research is needed on the impacts of becoming elderly and
managing diabetes. As people age some may become frail and have other health conditions including having an increased risk of vascular dementia with diabetes.

The Department of Foot Health cares for a wide range of foot and lower limb problems amongst the population of Sandwell and West Birmingham community, with the primary focus on preventative care to minimise the risk of complications which are associated with, but are not exclusive to, diabetes. A number of specialist clinics are provided, tailored to the needs of each patient. These include: nail surgery, neurological foot service, biomechanics, diabetic foot care and specialist wound care management, rheumatology, podopaediatric clinics and Peripheral Arterial Disease.

Asda is the first supermarket in the UK to offer NHS Diabetic Eye Screening in its stores as part of a partnership with In Health Intelligence. The clinic rooms are rented from Asda, but there is no other link with the Asda organisation.

We will be back open on 28th December as normal.

Message from Healthwatch Sandwell Manager Alexia Farmer and update from the team!

Opticians are at the frontline of eye care. By carrying out detailed examinations, they are helping to improve eye health across the country. They also prescribe and fit glasses and contact lenses. Chapman Opticians have a wide variety of frames and lenses giving lots of choice and can advise on styles of eyewear that suit individual needs.

The Department of Foot Health cares for a wide range of foot and lower limb problems amongst the population of Sandwell and West Birmingham community, with the primary focus on preventative care to minimise the risk of complications which are associated with, but are not exclusive to, diabetes. A number of specialist clinics tailored to each Patient’s need are provided, including: nail surgery, neurological foot service, biomechanics, diabetic foot care and specialist wound care management, rheumatology, podopaediatric clinics and Peripheral Arterial Disease.

Phlebotomy is the process of taking blood samples from Patients, to aid doctors in their investigations and diagnosis. At Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, all blood tests are by appointment only and can be carried out at a number of locations including Victoria Health Centre.

The Department of Foot Health cares for a wide range of foot and lower limb problems amongst the population of Sandwell and West Birmingham community, with the primary focus on preventative care to minimise the risk of complications which are associated with, but are not exclusive to, diabetes.

Our Authorised Representatives facilitated the visit and spoke to 7 patients, both male and female of mixed ethnicities and observed the environment on 1st August 2023.

A pre-set of questions were asked that covered:

• Patient experience of the service including booking appointments, care by
staff, accessibility to the building and information and any suggestions to improve the service.
• How staff meet individual needs of patients including the communication needs
of patients who have impairments, handling anti-social behaviour from
patients / relatives, how to support patients who want to raise a complaint /
concern about the service and suggestions to improve the service.

Good mental health is essential for individuals, families and communities to thrive.

Mental health is not just about preventing mental illness, but also improving the things that keep us well in our communities.

Our social connections, the environment we live in and the opportunities we have all affect our health and wellbeing, including our mental health.

Mental health is a natural part of everyday life, and individuals with mental health challenges can lead fulfilling lives and actively participate in our community.

The Sandwell Better Mental Health strategy 2023-2026 focuses on improving population wellbeing and preventing mental health issues. Our goal is to make sure that people experiencing mental health problems can get the right care at the right time and at the right place, while also supporting everyone in Sandwell to have good mental wellbeing.

Here are our October Insights. Find out what the team have been up to and listen to what local people in Sandwell are telling us!