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Advice and Information -
People have told us they can have problems registering with a GP. This article explains more about your rights and what do to if you are refused the right to register. -
Advice and Information -
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. -
Advice and Information -
Four questions staff should ask you or a loved one about your oral health if you’re a care home resident, according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence quick guide. -
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It's so important that you feel supported as a new parent. Read the article below to find out where you can go to get the help you need. -
Advice and Information -
Find out what support is available to help you when travelling to your GP, hospital or other NHS services. -
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Take a look at our advice article on the organisations and groups that can support you if you’re grieving. -
Advice and Information -
If you are experiencing or feel at risk of domestic abuse, or are worried about someone who might be, find out where you can go for advice and help. -
Advice and Information -
With more and more appointments happening online, we've put together some tips on how to get the most out of the virtual health and care appointments both for patients and health and care professionals. -
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Many people who provide unpaid care are unaware of their rights. Find out more about the help and support you are entitled to. -
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Waiting for planned medical care or surgery can be a frustrating time. That’s why it’s so important that while you wait, you get regular, clear and accessible updates so that you can plan your next steps. -
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Your mental wellness is as important as your physical health but seeking help can be daunting. Here's what to expect when you seek support for your mental health. -
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Do you or a loved one need help with social care? Read the article below and find out answers to key questions about who can access adult social care and how to pay for it. -
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Find out the signs and symptoms of monkeypox, what to do if you think you have it and who is eligible for a vaccine. -
Advice and Information -
If you are struggling, feel alone or need a little help, then check out our guide on how you can get the support you need. -
Advice and Information -
Confused about Long Covid? Find out the common symptoms and how to get support. -
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Do you know about your rights to language support in NHS settings? -
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Are you having trouble finding an NHS funded dentist? Read our tips on what to do if you’re facing problems. -
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As a consumer champion for the public, Healthwatch Sandwell (HWS) regularly listens to experiences about unsatisfactory care and signposts to themost appropriate complaints handler. -
Advice and Information -
Healthwatch Sandwell Advisory Board
Decision making Policy (DMP) – Escalation report
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Advice and Information -
Healthwatch Sandwell Advisory Board
Decision Making Policy (DMP) – Breach report
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Healthwatch Sandwell Advisory Board
27 January 2021 – Virtual Microsoft Teams
Public Board Meeting Agenda
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Advice and Information -
A priority project for 2022/23 is exploring The patient experience of accessing primary care services – this report gives an insight to initial findings. -
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As we progress toward confirming a go-live date for One Health and Care, the new digital shared care record for the Black Country and West Birmingham, we are seeking your support to make local people aware of this new system before launch. -
Advice and Information -
Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council.
Supporting Sandwell with the cost of living. -
Advice and Information -
World AIDS Day
World AIDS Day brings together people from around the world to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and demonstrate international solidarity in the face of the pandemic.
Today gives people the opportunity to spread awareness of the pandemic and and encourage progress in HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care. -
Advice and Information -
Healthwatch Sandwell have worked directly with residents with disabilities, impairments or sensory loss, families, carers, and local community support organisations to look at and identify the key issues where services are failing to meet people’s accessible information and communication needs and provides guidance and suggestions on what could work to better meet needs. -
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Cancer awareness sessions in the Sandwell area. -
Advice and Information -
As Muslims begin to prepare for the month of Ramadan, the NHS has shared a reminder about how to stay safe and healthy during the holy month. Ramadan is expected to start on the evening of Sunday 10 March, subject to moon sighting, and end on Tuesday 9 April, during which time many Muslims will fast and not eat or drink during daylight hours. Fasting during Ramadan can be challenging, especially for those living with a long-term health condition such as diabetes, those who take prescribed medicines or anyone who needs a medical appointment during the holy month. The NHS has issued important advice to ensure a healthy and safe Ramadan, including:
If you have a long-term health condition:
Having a medical condition doesn’t mean people can’t fast, but they may need to take precautions such as reviewing their medication and closely monitoring how they’re feeling. There is also an exemption for people with diabetes, especially for those on insulin or those with any medical complications. If you have diabetes and want to fast during Ramadan, please speak to your GP or diabetes nurse about the safest way to do this. If you monitor your blood glucose levels, you should continue to do so while fasting.
If you take prescribed medication:
If you are taking prescribed medicines to control an illness, you should continue taking them during Ramadan to prevent further, serious complications developing. You can check with your GP or pharmacist if the doses need to be adjusted or the times that you take them need to be changed. This will allow you to control your illness while completing a fast safely. Those who are unsure about fasting should always seek advice from their healthcare professional.
If you have a medical condition:
It is important that people keep all medical appointments where possible in Ramadan. If you feel you are unable to keep your appointment, please contact your GP or hospital to re-schedule your appointment for as soon as possible after the Holy Month ends.
If you are due an MMR vaccine:
Vaccines play an important part in maintaining our health and with an increase of measles across the West Midlands, getting your measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is vital. Measles is a highly infectious disease which can lead to serious complications if it is not treated. The British Islamic Medical Association (BIMA) scholars have confirmed that getting an MMR vaccine will not invalidate the fast, so if you or your child has missed the first or second dose of MMR vaccine, you should still have the vaccine during Ramadan to stay protected. In the UK, there are two types of MMR vaccines. One of these, (Priorix®), does not contain pork and can be requested from your GP practice.
If you become unwell during fasting:
The BIMA advises that if you become unwell during Ramadan, you should stop fasting and seek medical advice. Your local pharmacy can offer advice and some medicines, and this can help you treat your condition yourself at home. Pharmacists can also help you see the right person, if you need to see someone else. If you have a more serious illness, you should visit your GP practice website or NHS 111 online for advice. If you cannot access the internet, call 111 or your GP practice directly. It’s important to remember fasting is not considered compulsory for many groups, including people who are unwell, people with learning difficulties, people who are travelling and women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or menstruating. -
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10.1%Sandwell adults are registered with diabetes. People from ethnic communities African, African Caribbean and South Asian (Indian, Bangladeshi & Pakistani) have a higher risk of developing diabetes and at younger age than white population. -
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Lets spread awareness of Bowel Cancer this Month. -
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The Accessible Information Standard is mandatory for all organisations that provide National Health Service (NHS) or adult social care. -
Advice and Information -
Do you struggle to speak to your doctor about your medical concerns? You’re not alone. Take a look at our top tips to make the most out of your GP appointment. -
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Five things you should expect from home care, domiciliary care or help in the home. -
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How can I get the most out of my next visit to the dentist? Take a look at our tips to help you prepare for your appointment and make sure you understand your treatment and how much it will cost.