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ISSUE 03 In this issue Partnership News March 2021 Introduction Blue print for integrating health Introduction and care Three cheers for community volunteers This will be our last newsletter as a Sustainability and These new partnerships will work towards improving population NHS frontline heroes Transformation Partnership (STP) as NHS England and health outcomes and they will be decision-making forums that enable the adjustment of services and resources to better meet the needs of Don’t write off a Improvement recently confirmed our designation to an local people. cough as coronavirus Integrated Care System (ICS) from 1 April 2021. – get it checked As the 2020/21 financial year draws to a close, the biggest reflection The move to an ICS is timely with the publication of the Government is of pride in our heath and care workforce. For all those who have People with learning White Paper, ‘Integration and Innovation: Working together to gone above and beyond to care for people at their most vulnerable disabilities: Annual improve health and social care for all’ which sets the blue print for and protect many more from the impact of COVID-19. Through Health Checks (AHCs) the future of integrated health and care. This coming 12 months will the challenges of the last 12 months the strength, compassion and be a year for us to set the ground to become a statutory ICS in April Covid-19 Vaccine determination of our people has been outstanding. Thank you for all 2022 (subject to these legislative changes). Roll-out Update that you have done and continue to do. COVID-19 Community The Black Country and West Birmingham is already in a good place to › For NHS partners, as we start to see the reduction in covid pressure formalise our partnership, the formation of a new CCG will happen on Champions on our systems, a new challenge arises. Restoring services is key to us 1 April 2021 with more focus on strategic commissioning. New Black Country ensuring that people are seen for the care they need in as timely a way and West Birmingham We are developing five 'place-based collaboratives', integrating health as possible. We recognise however, that with this new focus we must CCG – merger update and care for citizens in each locality; and three 'system-wide providers ensure that our NHS workforce are supported to rest, decompress and Public encouraged collaborative' to focus on acute care, 111/999 services and Mental recover from the year of unprecedented demands placed upon them to call NHS 111 First Health/ Learning Disabilities services. both physically and emotionally. Our People Board is steering the Each of these eight Place and System groupings will form meaningful wellbeing support required to ensure we are there for those who have Supporting patients been there for so many people when they were needed the most. with ‘Long Covid’ partnerships that will provide a mechanism for the relevant NHS, Local Authority, community and voluntary sector and other providers Continue reading > Supporting your to collaborate around the provision of linked services, supporting wellbeing through population health and wellbeing. Covid-19 Young people engaged on mental health matters The Black Country and West Birmingham STP welcomes new leaders Mind Over Natter COVID-19 Got symptoms? Get a Test Building Healthier, Happier Communities 1 For local government partners the and Minority Ethnic communities role of supporting communities and worryingly the uptake of and people to safely shop and the vaccine is also much lower socialise again is key as is people’s amongst these groups. As the experience of care and support. data is now becoming clearer Testing capacity and support for and we continue to develop our local businesses will play a key insight into the reasons for people part of this, along with supporting having hesitancy with regard to the In this issue those people and families who vaccine, we will increase efforts to need extra help to manage their get the right information to people Introduction new circumstances. Care and and, if necessary, change the mode Blue print for support environments will also of vaccine delivery to improve integrating health move into a new phase. accessibility. Working with Public and care As you will read examples of in Health in each place, the NHS are Three cheers for this newsletter, the voluntary and creating a network of Community community volunteers community sector has played a Champions, facilitating many discussions with community and NHS frontline heroes really important role throughout the pandemic, supporting people faith leaders, we are asking trusted Don’t write off a to stay connected to communities community voices to get the right cough as coronavirus and building resilience in the messages out. Your support as key – get it checked darkest of times. The kind spirit stakeholders to help us with this is People with learning of a few has shone through our welcomed. disabilities: Annual communities and been a lifeline We hope you enjoy this edition of Health Checks (AHCs) for many. This edition pays tribute our stakeholder news. Covid-19 Vaccine to some of those people who have Roll-out Update given so much. Best wishes COVID-19 Community ‹ At the time of writing this › Champions newsletter, our vaccination programme is continuing at New Black Country pace. Having stood up over 30 and West Birmingham Jonathan Fellows CCG – merger update vaccination locations we are rapidly moving through the STP Independent Public encouraged cohorts of eligibility, starting with Chair to call NHS 111 First those most vulnerable. Whilst Supporting patients uptake is generally high, we are with ‘Long Covid’ seeing some areas of concern. We Paul Maubach know the reasons for lower uptake Supporting your STP Senior in some areas will be for a number wellbeing through Responsible Covid-19 of factors including confidence Officer and Chief in the vaccine, convenience of Executive Officer Young people access and also complacency with BCWB CCGs engaged on mental regard to whether people feel health matters they need it. We already know that The Black Country and COVID-19 has disproportionately West Birmingham STP impacted on our Black, Asian welcomes new leaders Mind Over Natter COVID-19 Got symptoms? Get a Test Building Healthier, Happier Communities 2 Blue print for integrating health and care

In February the Government published Key measures included in the ‘Integration and • The pandemic has shown the impact of a White Paper which they say gives the Innovation: working together to improve health inequalities on public health outcomes blue print for future NHS and Social and social care for all’ White Paper include: and the need for Government to act to In this issue Care reforms. It is hoped that the new • The NHS and local government to come help level up health across the country. Legislation will help to support the proposals, which build on the NHS’ together legally as part of statutory Introduction integrated care systems to plan health and introduction of new requirements about Long Term Plan, will join up health calorie labelling on food and drink Blue print for care services around patients’ needs, and and care services and embed lessons packaging and the advertising of junk food integrating health quickly implement innovative solutions to learned from the pandemic. before the 9pm watershed. and care problems which would normally take years The paper details plans to support recovery to fix, including moving services out of Three cheers for The establishment of statutory ICSs would community volunteers by stripping away unnecessary legislative hospitals and into the community, focusing see the creation of an ICS NHS Board and an bureaucracy, empowering local leaders and on preventative healthcare. ICS Health and Care Partnership (together NHS frontline heroes services and tackling health inequalities. The • Under today’s proposals, the NHS will only referred to as the ICS), to strengthen the Don’t write off a government is proposing a Bill will be laid in need to tender services when it has the decision-making authority of the system cough as coronavirus Parliament, when parliamentary time allows, to potential to lead to better outcomes for leadership and to embed accountability – get it checked carry the proposals into law. The Government patients. This will mean staff can spend for system performance into the NHS intends to bring forward separate proposals on People with learning more time on patients and providing care, accountability structure. social care reform later this year. disabilities: Annual and local NHS services will have more The ICS NHS Board will be responsible for Health Checks (AHCs) The measures include proposals to make power to act in the best interests of their developing a plan to meet the health needs communities. Covid-19 Vaccine integrated care the default, reduce legal of our population, developing a capital plan • The safety of patients is at the heart of NHS Roll-out Update bureaucracy, and better support social care, for the NHS providers within the ICS and public health and the NHS. The reforms will services. The upcoming Bill will put the securing the provision of health services to COVID-19 Community ‹ › enable the health and care sector to use Healthcare Safety Investigations Branch meet the needs of the system population. The Champions technology in a modern way, establishing it as permanently into law as a Statutory Body so ICS Health and Care Partnership, will bring New Black Country a better platform to support staff and patient it can continue to reduce risk and improve together health, social care, public health (and and West Birmingham care, for example by improving the quality safety. The Healthcare Safety Investigations potentially representatives from the wider CCG – merger update and availability of data across the health and Branch already investigates when things public space where appropriate, such as social go wrong without blaming people, so that Public encouraged care sector to enable systems to plan for the care providers or housing providers). This body mistakes can be learned from, and this to call NHS 111 First future care of their communities. will be responsible for developing a plan that strengthens its legal footing. addresses the wider health, public health, and Supporting patients • A package of measures to deliver on social care needs of the system – the NHS ICS with ‘Long Covid’ specific needs in the social care sector. This board and Local Authorities will have to have Supporting your will improve oversight and accountability regard to that plan when making decisions. wellbeing through in the delivery of services through new Covid-19 assurance and data sharing measures in Continue reading > Young people social care, update the legal framework to engaged on mental enable person-centred models of hospital health matters discharge, and introduce improved powers for the Secretary of State to directly make The Black Country and payments to adult social care providers West Birmingham STP where required. welcomes new leaders Mind Over Natter COVID-19 Got symptoms? Get a Test Building Healthier, Happier Communities 3 It is therefore proposed that the majority of CCG functions will be exercised by the ICS NHS Board, as well as a number of commissioning functions Roadmap out of lockdown currently undertaken by NHS England, for example taking on responsibility for commissioning some specialised, primary care and other services currently commissioned by NHS England. In this issue The legislation will also fold Monitor and the NHS Trust Development Authority into NHS England, while Introduction maintaining the clinical and day to day operational Blue print for independence of the NHS. integrating health A key responsibility for our system will be to support and care place-based joint working between the NHS, Local Three cheers for Government and other partners such as the voluntary community volunteers and community sector. The White Paper proposes that frequently, place level commissioning within an NHS frontline heroes integrated care system will align geographically to a Don’t write off a local authority boundary, and the Better Care Fund cough as coronavirus (BCF) plan will provide a tool for agreeing priorities. – get it checked We know that the boundaries for some ICSs, People with learning including our own will be reviewed due to the West disabilities: Annual Birmingham geography, no change is confirmed but Health Checks (AHCs) these conversations are happening. Covid-19 Vaccine With this in mind I wanted to reconfirm our Roll-out Update commitment, if changes are to be made affecting COVID-19 Community ‹ West Birmingham this will be shared as soon at that › Champions is known. Any change to ICS boundaries will not directly affect current NHS provision of services and New Black Country any existing commitments (e.g. capital investments) and West Birmingham will not be affected. It is our intention to continue CCG – merger update to develop positive relationships between the Public encouraged Birmingham and Black Country systems to work to call NHS 111 First together for the mutual benefit of both the people Supporting patients who live in West Birmingham and our staff who with ‘Long Covid’ deliver the health and care services to them. Supporting your As an aspiring Integrated Care System we will review wellbeing through the White Paper and consider the actions that Covid-19 we need to take to ensure that we can align our Young people governance to any new proposals. We still have a way engaged on mental to go before we fully understand the implications health matters for our future ICS footprint but I wholeheartedly support the intention for greater collective effort on The Black Country and improving outcomes for our population, which is the West Birmingham STP ultimate purpose of our work. welcomes new leaders Mind Over Natter COVID-19 Got symptoms? Get a Test Building Healthier, Happier Communities 4 Three cheers for community volunteers! In this issue

Introduction Across the Black Country and West Birmingham we are privileged to Blue print for integrating health have such a thriving community and care and voluntary sector. Supported by strong Community and Voluntary Three cheers for community volunteers Sector Councils there are multiple organisations creating a network of NHS frontline heroes resilience through assets at the heart of Don’t write off a our communities. cough as coronavirus – get it checked Over the last year these groups and individuals have become more important than ever. People with learning Whole communities have benefited from the disabilities: Annual Dudley Council for Voluntary Service (Dudley Andy Gray, Chief Officer at Dudley CVS said: generosity of local people who have given up Health Checks (AHCs) CVS) led on co-ordinating the community their time to support others. “Dudley is fortunate in having active Covid-19 Vaccine response to COVID-19 in the borough of voluntary, community and faith-based We wanted to shine a light on just a few Roll-out Update Dudley, working with existing voluntary and organisations and volunteers, enabling the examples of the many ways that volunteers community groups and the volunteer centre COVID-19 Community ‹ area to develop plans to support vulnerable › have supported the Black Country and West and connecting people that need support to people in localities. There was an additional Champions Birmingham through the darkest of years. assets in their local community. They worked groundswell of local people wanting to play New Black Country COVID vaccination centres have been in partnership with Dudley Council (and a role in supporting COVID-19 efforts. We and West Birmingham springing up across the NHS since the it’s Public Health team in particular), West harnessed this support in a safe and effective CCG – merger update first vaccine was approved for UK use in Midlands Police, Fire Service manner, ensuring efforts were well co- Public encouraged December. Our centres rely on the efforts of and local NHS organisations. ordinated and duplication minimised. to call NHS 111 First their many volunteers to ensure that patients Six virtual COVID-19 Support Networks are kept safe and well while they visit to receive “We also supported the recruitment of Supporting patients were established in localities across the their jab… but volunteers have been working COVID Champions in Dudley, to help find with ‘Long Covid’ whole borough, from Stourbridge and across the community since the start of the people who could get information and Halesowen in the south to Sedgley and Supporting your pandemic a year ago. In this edition, we hear messages out to their family, friends and Coseley in the north, working in partnership wellbeing through from the volunteers and the centres which wider community. COVID Champions to mobilise support for vulnerable individuals Covid-19 co-ordinate them, and we learn about some of helped to ensure people weren’t and groups. As experienced recruiters of Young people their experiences over the last year, and those misinformed by fake news and stayed up- engaged on mental of some of the people they’ve helped. volunteers, they helped to recruit COVID to-date with changing restrictions, guidance health matters Champions and, as focus moved onto the and vaccine messages. They also played an vaccination programme, Dudley CVS also important role by reporting back to Dudley The Black Country and helped vaccination sites to find volunteers to Council what was working well in their West Birmingham STP help with patient orientation and support. communities and what could improve.” welcomes new leaders Mind Over Natter COVID-19 Got symptoms? Get a Test Building Healthier, Happier Communities 5 Sandwell For three months from March 2020 SCVO ran a volunteer response to Since the first lockdown was announced in March 2020, One Sandwell’s COVID-19 crisis. As the call went out for members of the public to Walsall received a huge volunteer response, with 300 signing offer their time to help those in need, SCVO set up a volunteer database to up in the first week and around 600 by the end of August, house useful information such as special skills and access to transport. offering to help residents and health and care organisations, First of all, requests for support came from existing voluntary organisations with tasks such and grocery or medication delivery, In this issue who themselves were responding to the crisis, such as foodbanks. Volunteers befriending and support for local foodbanks. were allocated to organisations as drivers, chefs, kitchen staff and carers. In response to the vaccine rollout announcement in Introduction In tandem, Sandwell Council developed a practical response unit, taking calls December, One Walsall’s Health and Wellbeing Manager offered the prospect of recruiting volunteers to provide Blue print for from residents in need, and it was agreed that SCVO volunteers could be deployed to support some individual residents. Volunteers quickly began to general support on vaccine sites, such as managing the flow integrating health of patients, signposting and other peripheral tasks. and care support hundreds of residents by collecting shopping, medication and walking dogs for example. One Walsall launched a recruitment campaign prior to the Three cheers for vaccine sites being announced, so that volunteers could community volunteers Kim Fuller, Growing Participation and Volunteering Mentor at Sandwell Council of Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), said: be registered in good time before sites became live. Our NHS frontline heroes Health and Wellbeing Manager spoke on Free Radio and “In total, 732 Sandwell residents signed up to the SCVO database. More Don’t write off a BBC Radio WM to launch the campaign, supported by our than 400 were actively deployed, with around half supporting individual cough as coronavirus Communications Officer with social media content and residents and the rest divided between voluntary organisations and – get it checked advertising. telephone befriending. People with learning As part of this response, the Volunteer Centre made contact disabilities: Annual “The quick-fire response was only ever intended as a short term fix to an with the Workforce Bureau, co-ordinated by Dudley Group Health Checks (AHCs) emerging crisis, and SCVO gained much insight during the three months. NHS Foundation Trust, as part of the Black Country STP’s plan As the scheme wound down, residents with ongoing needs were referred to for vaccination sites, ensuring that volunteers were vetted Covid-19 Vaccine the newly-developed Community Offer.” appropriately before offering on site support Roll-out Update Sarah Taylor, Health and Wellbeing Team Manager COVID-19 Community ‹ › at One Walsall, said: Champions “Since December, the Volunteer Centre has been working New Black Country “When I got furloughed from work I sat at very effectively with the Workforce Bureau and have and West Birmingham home, alone, and realised that couldn’t be my CCG – merger update recruited an additional One Walsall Volunteer Co- life. When I was asked to shop for two people I ordinator to ensure that local demand is being met with Public encouraged thought ‘Well, that’s not much help!’ but how a more centralised approach, which has resulted in very to call NHS 111 First wrong I was. They literally would not have positive feedback. Supporting patients been able to get food if it wasn’t for me. One with ‘Long Covid’ “We placed 82 volunteers in the third quarter, with 62 was a lady in her 90s and the other a young of those at vaccine sites, either at the Manor Hospital Supporting your man with a lifelong disability. I became their or centres run by Primary Care Networks. We are fast wellbeing through lifeline, and it did me as much good as it did approaching well over 100 placed in our final quarter, as Covid-19 we have provided 56 volunteers to a Lateral Flow Test site Young people them.” in March and still counting. engaged on mental – Derrick health matters Since the first lockdown in March 2020, we have registered 1,366 volunteers signing up to support community The Black Country and resilience and COVID vaccination work. We’ve particularly West Birmingham STP used email and social media to find volunteers.” welcomes new leaders Mind Over Natter COVID-19 Got symptoms? Get a Test Building Healthier, Happier Communities 6 “I just don’t know what Mom would have At the beginning of the COVID-19 situation, when the country was done without Laura helping her out. I felt going into its first lockdown, Wolverhampton Volunteer Centre so helpless, knowing she needed things but was tasked with coordinating the voluntary and community sector not being able to travel to Rowley myself response. Between March and July, over 600 people from the communities of Wolverhampton came forward to help out with to help her. Laura rang me every time she foodbanks, delivering supplies to isolated and vulnerable people and In this issue dropped something off, just to let me know many other tasks. As lockdown restrictions were eased, the need to Mom was OK. It was a great comfort.” support organisations and individuals continued. Introduction – Sandra In November 2020, Wolverhampton Volunteer Centre helped to Blue print for recruit volunteers for the City of Wolverhampton Council for lateral integrating health flow testing. and care Pete Emms, Wolverhampton Volunteer Centre Co-ordinator, said: Three cheers for community volunteers “Volunteers were requested by the CCG, to help out in various roles at GP surgeries and health centres. With over 100 enquiries since NHS frontline heroes West Birmingham January, this recruitment continues into 2021 where volunteers are Don’t write off a playing a crucial role in the vaccination programme.” cough as coronavirus Birmingham Voluntary Service Council (BVSC) tried to ensure that the – get it checked services offered by the voluntary, community and faith sectors were aligned as closely as possible with those being offered by other key People with learning agencies in the city, such as the NHS, local authority and police. The disabilities: Annual existing Neighbourhood Network Schemes across Birmingham helped “Completed “We managed to Health Checks (AHCs) to register those willing to volunteer in different ways, according to two sessions vaccinate 1164 Covid-19 Vaccine their abilities and time available. at Darlaston patients in a day and Roll-out Update To help match those in need of support with those offering it, the Medical Centre a half, a fantastic COVID-19 Community ‹ › BVSC website hosted details on how self-isolating individuals could this weekend. achievement and Champions access food supplies, information on local mutual aid groups, Well organised something we New Black Country contact details for Neighbourhood Network hubs, access to the and West Birmingham Route2Wellbeing online portal (a searchable directory of wellbeing and very could not have CCG – merger update services in the city, including foodbanks); and information on welcoming. done without the accessing the City Council's COVID-19 helpline for vulnerable citizens. Public encouraged An enjoyable volunteers. They were to call NHS 111 First Stephen Raybould, Programmes Director at BVSC, said: experience.” all superb and my Supporting patients “Many bodies, including local NHS services, saw an increase in the – Gill team are grateful; we with ‘Long Covid’ number of volunteers coming forward, particularly from among hope they enjoyed Supporting your furloughed workers, but more than half of voluntary organisations their experience.” wellbeing through have experienced a fall in volunteering, maybe because established Covid-19 volunteers were forced to isolate. – Practice Manager Young people “But we have also been able to use our existing networks to find engaged on mental volunteers to work in different ways, particularly in intelligence health matters gathering on the ground which has allowed everyone involved in The Black Country and the response to COVID-19 to understand what local people think.” West Birmingham STP welcomes new leaders Mind Over Natter COVID-19 Got symptoms? Get a Test Building Healthier, Happier Communities 7 NHS frontline heroes

Across our system, over the past year we have seen unprecedented demand placed our hospitals and community health locations. One area in particular that has continued to see constant pressures and demand like no other, has been Critical Care. In this issue NHS staff have continually stepped up to the challenges with many being redeployed to areas they are unfamiliar with, like Critical Care. Since Christmas some of the capacity seen on these wards has doubled and pressure has been intense. As a recognition of the work that has been going Introduction on, we shine a spotlight the work of Intensive and Critical Care colleagues across the Black Country and West Birmingham. Blue print for “Fantastic” support from military colleagues something I’ve any experience of,” he said. “The sickest patients are integrating health here and it really brings it home to you how Covid-19 is affecting and care patients. It isn’t a virus that only affects the elderly, we’ve seen Three cheers for relatively young patients become so ill. The teams in Critical Care community volunteers and ED have been so friendly and welcoming to us and we’ve really learned a lot. It is very humbling to see the staff who have been NHS frontline heroes working like this for nearly a year now.” Don’t write off a cough as coronavirus Scott added: – get it checked “I knew Critical Care would be a very different environment to People with learning what we’re used to, but I knew the staff would look after us and disabilities: Annual they have. It has been a humbling experience to, I didn’t realise Health Checks (AHCs) the sheer volume of patients that would need critical care. As Liam Covid-19 Vaccine says, the staff have had to deal with this for so many months now Roll-out Update and they have been amazing.” COVID-19 Community ‹ Royal Signals Technician Ajay Ale is supporting the hospital’s Acute › Corporal Liam Quantock and Staff Sergeant Scott Green, who are Champions Combat Medical Technicians, have been supporting the Critical Medical Unit. New Black Country Care Unit at Walsall Manor Hospital where staff have described their The 28-year-old said: and West Birmingham contribution as “fantastic.” “I did feel a bit nervous at first CCG – merger update Matron Angie Dixon said: - being in an area with so many Public encouraged “They started off working in Clinical Support Worker roles but it Covid patients, but now I’ve got to call NHS 111 First became clear they had more skills we could use and they have used to the routines and the Supporting patients been setting up ventilators and have shown real initiative in staff are so friendly. The patients with ‘Long Covid’ wanting to help out wherever possible.” love talking to you because they are obviously really bored Supporting your Ward Manager Rachael Brett added: in hospital, and sometimes wellbeing through worried, and they like someone Covid-19 “They have been fantastic, and we’ve really got used to having them around; it has been a real benefit to the unit.” to have a chat with. It makes Young people you appreciate all the effort that engaged on mental Liam explained that his first role with Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust had staff are putting in and it’s good health matters been in its Emergency Department. to think we’ve been able to help The Black Country and “The hustle and bustle and fast pace of the ED is a very different in some way.” West Birmingham STP environment to Critical Care and I was a little nervous as it’s not Continue reading > welcomes new leaders Mind Over Natter COVID-19 Got symptoms? Get a Test Building Healthier, Happier Communities 8 on anything other than the crisis as it’s happening, she explained. Now we can see some of our long-term patients making real progress on their recovery journey. Rehabilitation following a period in ICU covers a whole host of areas and includes physical as well as psychological support. In this issue It is a real team effort that not only involves healthcare professionals such as Introduction myself, physiotherapists and dietitians, it also includes the patient’s family and Blue print for friends. Post ICU patients can experience integrating health extreme tiredness, weakness, depression, and care hallucinations, insomnia, nightmares and Three cheers for guilt. They may have been in the unit at the community volunteers time that others have died, they have been NHS frontline heroes on medication that makes them drowsy or confused, they may not remember a Don’t write off a single thing about being there. And as cough as coronavirus well as these issues, there are a number of – get it checked patients who might be their family’s main People with learning wage earner, or a carer for another relative disabilities: Annual or friend. Their illness may have massive Health Checks (AHCs) Helping Covid-19 patients on their repercussions for others. All of these Covid-19 Vaccine factors need to be taken into account when Roll-out Update road to recovery we look at their rehabilitation. Window rehabilitation has proved a real turning COVID-19 Community ‹ › Staff who have been working on the at a plateau have suddenly and swiftly point for those patients who have been able Champions Critical Care Unit at Walsall Manor Hospital deteriorated and the speed with which to be weaned off a ventilator and move into throughout this time all have one thing in this has happened has been alarming. New Black Country a room with a window to see their loved common – they have never experienced We’ve cared for patients who we didn’t and West Birmingham ones who remain outside the unit. CCG – merger update anything as challenging and frightening as think would survive who have proved us “One of our patients saw his first grandchild Public encouraged Coronavirus. wrong and gone on to improve slowly and for the first time as she was born while he to call NHS 111 First “People use the word “unprecedented” a lot steadily. We’ve seen younger patients with was on a ventilator,” said Xana “To be able but this really has been unknown territory no previous health conditions who have Supporting patients to see our patients on a ward, continuing for us all, no matter how many years we’ve not survived. The only certainty we have with ‘Long Covid’ their recovery and preparing to go home spent in critical care,” said Consultant taken so far is that this virus can affect is also a boost for staff. We have been with Supporting your Anaesthetist Derrick Clarence. anyone and that full recovery, if it can be wellbeing through achieved, may take up to two years.” that patient for a long time, talking to them Covid-19 “There are so many things we have although they may be unresponsive and Xana Marriott is Senior Sister for Critical Care Young people witnessed and experienced. Prior to the treating them like we would treat a member pandemic it would have been unusual to Rehabilitation who has been working with of our own family. When we can have a engaged on mental patients and their families. health matters have ventilated a patient for longer than proper chat and make plans to see them in two weeks; some of our COVID-19 patients “There have been times in the last few our follow-up clinics it’s fantastic and you The Black Country and have been on a ventilator for over 40 weeks that the pace has been relentless do feel as proud as if it were a member of West Birmingham STP days. Patients whose condition has been and there has been no time to focus your own family.” welcomes new leaders Mind Over Natter COVID-19 Got symptoms? Get a Test Building Healthier, Happier Communities 9 Physio Positivity Logs project across four wards with Caroline record special milestones Yates, Senior Sister in Quality, to improve mouth care within the Trust, but that of recovery has been put on hold due to COVID-19. Despite her vast experience Caroline felt underprepared for her new role. In this issue “My main concern was ‘what I could give, being dental?’ and I had a few Introduction sleepless nights. I consider myself to be Blue print for a strong person and I like a challenge, integrating health but this was the biggest one of my life”, and care Dental Specialist said Caroline. Three cheers for Caroline gets her teeth Thankfully, a familiar face also redeployed community volunteers into ICCU at Royal from dental – Sam Carter, who works NHS frontline heroes in the head and neck department – Wolverhampton Hospital helped her settle in, while the staff there For the physiotherapists working within Don’t write off a also made her feel at home. She also Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust’s cough as coronavirus Caroline says she’s experienced ‘the received regular calls and support from critical care unit, watching a patient speak – get it checked biggest challenge of my life’ cutting her Matron Louise Duce, her line manager or stand for the first time in weeks is a truly People with learning teeth on the Integrated Critical Care Unit and person who approached her to special moment. disabilities: Annual (ICCU) – after switching from dental care. be redeployed, plus the staff on ICCU. In fact, each time a patient reaches a milestone Health Checks (AHCs) Redeployed from the Special Care Dental Caroline admits it has been challenging in their care, the team records it in a positivity Service at Pennfields Medical Centre in and has sometimes seen staff in tears, Covid-19 Vaccine log – as Vanessa van de Bovenkamp, senior Wolverhampton, her journey to ICCU has exhausted from working through the Roll-out Update rotational physiotherapist explains: been an eventful one. pandemic since last March. COVID-19 Community ‹ › “The past year has been like a After working as a dental nurse on “Seeing patients desperately ill and Champions rollercoaster. There have been highs and outpatients in the Head and Neck passing away was upsetting,” she said. lows as we have seen some very poorly New Black Country Department almost 20 years ago, “This is something the ICCU team do and West Birmingham patients, especially during the second Caroline left to complete a degree in day-in, day-out and I admire them so CCG – merger update wave. But we also keep a positivity log teaching and afterwards taught the dental much. I can honestly say they treat every where we record special moments where Public encouraged nurse qualification and the oral health patient as if they were one of their own.” to call NHS 111 First post graduate qualification for over we have seen ‘patient firsts’. This maybe 16 years at Birmingham Metropolitan Caroline has really appreciated her time the first time a patient has spoken after Supporting patients on the ward though is now looking having a tracheostomy fitted, or when with ‘Long Covid’ College. Returning to the Trust in 2015, Caroline joined the Special Care Team forward to returning to dental work, they have been able to stand up. They Supporting your as a specialist in dental health, and now which she is scheduled to do at the end may have been unconscious for weeks or wellbeing through works with staff promoting oral health of March. even months and we have been involved Covid-19 in delivering intensive physiotherapy with in various wards, including children’s “I’m proud to have worked alongside them to aid their recovery. Young people outpatients, the Renal Unit and the such a wonderful team, yet I’ll be glad engaged on mental Heart and Lung Centre. For the last two to get back to the job I love”, added Continue reading > health matters years she has been working on a pilot Caroline. The Black Country and West Birmingham STP welcomes new leaders Mind Over Natter COVID-19 Got symptoms? Get a Test Building Healthier, Happier Communities 10 The team meets once a week and we Dudley Group Foundation Trust – frontline go through the log to talk about these moments. It’s a really uplifting session staff pulling together which we all agree is really important Frontline staff at Russells Hall have spoken of how the hospital pulled together in unprecedented during such challenging times.” times to face one of the biggest challenges the NHS has ever seen. Vanessa has worked at the Trust for nearly five years, but has been based with the Beth Farney A theme told by staff at Russells Hall is how In this issue respiratory service since September. It the hospital pulled together in unprecedented means much of her work has led her into the times to face one of the biggest challenges Introduction intensive care unit, where she sees many of the NHS has ever seen. Staff had to take on Blue print for her patients fighting for their lives. extra work alongside their existing jobs, while retired health workers and volunteers were integrating health She adds: and care drafted in to help. “COVID-19 is a respiratory disease and Dr Veerabahu described the pandemic as a Three cheers for physios play an integral part in the “once in a 100 years event”. community volunteers recovery of a patient who has been NHS frontline heroes ventilated, supporting doctors and nurses working within intensive care. Those who Dr Murali Veerabahu Don’t write off a have had the virus will need physio for cough as coronavirus their chest but also for their limbs, having – get it checked been unable to move for a long period People with learning of time. We check the patient’s chest for For NHS staff who have been working disabilities: Annual any build up and will give them physio non-stop on the coronavirus frontline, they Health Checks (AHCs) to loosen this. By focusing on all of their have endured a year never to forget – one Covid-19 Vaccine limbs we are able to help them avoid they will talk about for years to come. Beth Roll-out Update having issues in these areas in the future. Farney, 34, a Practice Development Nurse, Physios also assist with proning, which COVID-19 Community ‹ and Dr Mulrali Veerabahu, 40, who oversees › helps with the pumping of the heart and Champions two departments at the Dudley Group improves oxygen delivery to the body.” shared their thoughts on the pandemic and New Black Country their hopes for a brighter year in 2021. and West Birmingham She added: Ms Farney, from Dudley, who has worked at CCG – merger update “The role of a physio within intensive Dudley NHS Trust since 2009, said: He said: Public encouraged care has certainly increased during the to call NHS 111 First pandemic and although it has been “I remember one of the first shifts and I “I have a little daughter, she talks about challenging, it is an important one which looked through the ITU [intensive care the virus, she has been restricted in her Supporting patients unit] doors and it reminded me, you know with ‘Long Covid’ will help patients in the long term who movement. We tell her, because of the have battled this virus.” the scene out of ET, where they are all restrictions, we can’t do many things. She Supporting your in their sort of hazmat suits, it actually is beginning to understand but I think we wellbeing through reminded me of that. I thought, on ET will tell her, as she grows up, about this Covid-19 everyone was like ‘what is going on?’ And being a momentous time for us, and how Young people that is one of the first things that I saw and we pulled through this. Because this was a engaged on mental thought, when I first came [to the hospital once in a 100 year event.” health matters at the start of the pandemic]. It was very strange, it didn’t feel comfortable, it still Continue reading > The Black Country and West Birmingham STP doesn’t feel comfortable now.” welcomes new leaders Mind Over Natter COVID-19 Got symptoms? Get a Test Building Healthier, Happier Communities 11 Dr Veerabahu says most staff have not had a chance to re-charge Dr Veerabahu said: their batteries, with many working extra hours due to colleagues being “Hopefully there will be less restrictions in 2021 and from a off sick or self-isolating. hospital point of view, hopefully it will be back to where it was.” Ms Farney described this year as being “very challenging” with the Ms Farney added: pandemic being “something completely new and different”. “Yes I’m definitely looking to brighter times. Hopefully, this is the In the first wave, a lot of routine treatment was cancelled due to light at the end of the tunnel. For me, hopefully with the vaccine In this issue the uncertainties around Covid. However in the second wave, many coming through, everyone is starting to get vaccinated against services, including in the emergency department and elective care, it. It won’t be a quick fix. People will still need to comply with the has returned – putting more pressure on staff. Introduction things that the Government has put in place. It is not just about Ms Farney, who works in critical care, said: having the vaccine, the vaccine is not everything. It is one of a Blue print for combination of things that will help with this pandemic.” integrating health “Wave one, it was like adrenaline kicked in almost, because we and care had to get on with it. We didn’t know what we were dealing with, the teams worked immensely hard. Wave two has been slightly Three cheers for different because you actually know what you are going into. We community volunteers knew how hard it would be. On top of that, it is not just covid NHS frontline heroes patients that we have in intensive care. We have people who come in and need intensive care beds for other reasons. That in waves Don’t write off a cough as coronavirus two and three has been just as demanding as covid in wave one. – get it checked This time we have had lots and lots of patients with covid and without covid. Our workload has increased dramatically.” People with learning disabilities: Annual Dr Veerabahu added: Health Checks (AHCs) “It has made it a bit harder at the front door, essentially stretching Covid-19 Vaccine the resources and the care the NHS has to offer, compared to Roll-out Update what we did, where we cancelled a lot of activity to support the COVID-19 Community ‹ pandemic [in the first wave]. This has been harder the second time › Champions around.” New Black Country But Ms Farney paid tribute to her colleagues who have “really pulled and West Birmingham together”. She said, CCG – merger update “People have gone really above and beyond what their duties Public encouraged would be to come and help us, we are so very grateful for that. to call NHS 111 First It has been difficult, it has been challenging, but we have stuck Supporting patients together. We have laughed together, we have cried together, with ‘Long Covid’ they are normal emotions actually. At the end of the day, we are stronger team for it.” Supporting your wellbeing through With the development of vaccines, Dr Veerabahu and Ms Farney are Covid-19 hoping for a better 2021. Young people engaged on mental health matters The Black Country and West Birmingham STP welcomes new leaders Mind Over Natter COVID-19 Got symptoms? Get a Test Building Healthier, Happier Communities 12 Don’t write off a cough as coronavirus – get it checked

Anyone who develops a persistent new cough should immediately self-isolate In this issue and book a COVID-19 test. If the test is negative and the Introduction cough doesn’t go away after three weeks, it’s time to seek Blue print for further advice. integrating health and care Other symptoms of lung cancer, which may Three cheers for occur with or without a community volunteers cough, include: NHS frontline heroes • Chest infections that keep Don’t write off a coming back cough as coronavirus • Coughing up blood – get it checked • A long-standing cough People with learning gets worse disabilities: Annual Health Checks (AHCs) • An ache or pain when breathing or coughing Covid-19 Vaccine Roll-out Update • Persistent breathlessness • Persistent tiredness or lack COVID-19 Community ‹ › of energy Champions Dr Angela Morgan, consultant respiratory physician • Loss of appetite or New Black Country A new national NHS campaign is urging at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, said: unexplained weight loss. and West Birmingham people to get checked out if they have a CCG – merger update cough that lasts three weeks or more, “A cough that lasts three weeks or more could For more information, visit Public encouraged and isn’t COVID-19, as it could be a sign of have all sorts of causes, and many of them won’t nhs.uk/cancersymptoms to call NHS 111 First lung cancer. be anything serious, but in some cases it could be an early warning sign of lung cancer. The Supporting patients During the pandemic, many people have been sooner we diagnose cancer, the more treatable Continue reading > with ‘Long Covid’ putting off seeking medical advice, either because it is and the better a person’s chances become. If they are worried about being exposed to the Supporting your you have a cough that won’t go away after three wellbeing through virus, or because they don’t want to be a burden weeks, and you know you don’t have coronavirus, Covid-19 on the NHS. Lung cancer is a particular concern please make an appointment with your GP as because its most common early warning sign – a Young people soon as possible. Cancer services continue to persistent new cough – could easily be mistaken be an absolute priority, and hospital staff have engaged on mental for COVID-19. health matters been working extremely hard to maintain them throughout the pandemic and keep our premises The Black Country and COVID-safe. The NHS is here to see you, safely.” West Birmingham STP welcomes new leaders Mind Over Natter COVID-19 Got symptoms? Get a Test Building Healthier, Happier Communities 13 Jim’s story Fit, healthy, and recently retired from running his own chain of People with health food shops, Jim Mawdsley didn’t take much notice of the learning disabilities: irritating cough that he developed at In this issue the beginning of 2020. Annual Health Although his wife Vivienne had Introduction been urging him to get checked, it was a bout of pneumonia some Checks (AHCs) Blue print for weeks later that sent Jim to New integrating health Cross Hospital, where investigations and care revealed that he had Stage 2 Black Country and West Birmingham CCGs have Three cheers for lung cancer. Jim, now 77, was published an update to primary care setting out community volunteers immediately started on treatment, support to encourage LD AHCs. NHS frontline heroes and says he noticed almost no impact from having his treatment The newsletter focuses on the Annual Health Checks to Don’t write off a during the pandemic. which all people with learning disabilities are entitled. You’ll cough as coronavirus find details ofthe toolkit which is available for all practices to – get it checked He said: use with this group of patients, and an exemplary case study People with learning “A year ago it was the start of coronavirus, so it’s been a long, difficult featuring Lynn Fellows, a healthcare assistant at a practice in disabilities: Annual year for everyone. But the staff at Royal Wolverhampton have been Wolverhampton, who has changed the lives of a local family via Health Checks (AHCs) excellent and everything has run on time, no hold-ups or difficulties a Learning Disability Health Check. There's also a look at some at all. For me it’s been good having meetings with the oncologist on of the themes which emerge from Learning Disability Mortality Covid-19 Vaccine the phone, as it meant not having to go into hospital with my reduced Reviews (LeDeR), which can help to shape good practice. Roll-out Update immune system so much.I particularly want to thank the lung nurses The CCG are keen to hear from practices, individuals and COVID-19 Community ‹ › team at New Cross, who have kept in touch throughout, checking on colleagues about the work you’re doing to improve these Champions me and answering our questions. It has been an invaluable help and AHCs, and to understand any successes and challenges. New Black Country reassuring at a difficult time.” and West Birmingham Although the gruelling regime of chemotherapy followed by CCG – merger update radiotherapy was difficult to go through, Jim feels the early start to his Public encouraged treatment has helped give him a fighting chance. to call NHS 111 First He said: Black Country and West Birmingham CCGs – Primary Care Restoration & Supporting patients “It’s different for everybody, but I felt worse with the radiotherapy. Recovery of Services with ‘Long Covid’ I can’t do much physical activity as I feel tired and get out of Learning Disabilities Health Check Resource Pack 2020/21 Supporting your breath more easily, but I still enjoy cooking and walking, and we’ve October 2020 wellbeing through booked a holiday to Scarborough later in the year. I would say to Version 4.2 Covid-19 anybody who has any symptoms, don’t put it off. I was a typical man Young people and I ignored mine. They caught it at stage 2, but if I hadn’t had pneumonia when I did and had the x-rays it would have progressed. engaged on mental NHS Dudley Clinical Commissioning Group NHS Sandwell and West Birmingham Clinical Commissioning Group Most of the time it will be just a cough, but you want to be able to do NHS Walsall Clinical Commissioning Group health matters NHS Wolverhampton Clinical Commissioning Group something if it’s not. My only regret is not getting sorted a couple of The Black Country and months earlier.” West Birmingham STP welcomes new leaders Mind Over Natter COVID-19 Got symptoms? Get a Test Building Healthier, Happier Communities 14 Covid-19 Vaccine Roll-out Update

We are making strong progress with our vaccination rollout across the Black Country and West Birmingham. Thanks to all those involved in In this issue delivering the programme, to date we have given the vital first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine to more Introduction than 540,000 people. Blue print for The job isn’t done yet, though, and we continue to go full integrating health and care steam ahead with letters being sent to people aged 50 years and over, plus those who have been added to the Three cheers for Shielded Patient List who haven’t been vaccinated yet, community volunteers inviting them to book their vaccine at a number of sites, NHS frontline heroes including three large Vaccination Centres located at the Black Country Living Museum, Saddlers Centre, Walsall Don’t write off a and Tipton Sports Academy or one of our community cough as coronavirus pharmacy sites across the Black Country and West – get it checked Birmingham. GPs also continue to invite people who People with learning are eligible locally to have their jab at one of 27 Local disabilities: Annual Vaccination Services, this includes every adult registered Health Checks (AHCs) as having a learning disability following the change in Covid-19 Vaccine Government guidance. Roll-out Update For those that are eligible, the easiest way to arrange a COVID-19 Community ‹ vaccination is through the national booking service which › Champions can be accessed at www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination The system allows patients to choose a time slot and location New Black Country and West Birmingham that suits them. Anyone unable to book online can call CCG – merger update 119 free of charge, anytime between 7am and 11pm seven days a week. Public encouraged to call NHS 111 First Early signs suggest the success of the vaccination programme is contributing to the welcome fall in people Supporting patients in hospital with coronavirus. But the large numbers with ‘Long Covid’ of very sick patients that hospitals are still seeing Supporting your demonstrates that we cannot let our guard down now. wellbeing through So until the virus is under control, even those who have Covid-19 received a vaccine still need to follow all the guidance Young people and do everything they can to stop the spread of the engaged on mental virus. This means continuing to follow the Hands, health matters Face, Space guidance and adhering to the lockdown The Black Country and restrictions which remain in place. West Birmingham STP welcomes new leaders Mind Over Natter COVID-19 Got symptoms? Get a Test Building Healthier, Happier Communities 15 COVID-19 Community Champions In this issue

Introduction Across the Black Country and West Birmingham people of all ages and Blue print for integrating health backgrounds are becoming Covid-19 and care Community Champions, helping to get information and messages out to their Three cheers for community volunteers family, friends and wider communities. NHS frontline heroes Throughout the pandemic, councils have worked hard to ensure residents receive Don’t write off a regular and accurate information to keep cough as coronavirus them safe and well. Covid Community – get it checked Dudley Facebook advert to recruit Community Champions Champions help to ensure these messages People with learning reach everyone and people aren’t In Walsall, local community and voluntary groups have already been instrumental in disabilities: Annual misinformed by fake news. There are supporting both the council and NHS in their COVID-19 efforts, including volunteering at Health Checks (AHCs) incorrect myths, restrictions regularly change vaccination services, assisting with local enhanced testing, and producing materials to help Covid-19 Vaccine and the amount of information and guidance communicate key vaccination messages such as Black Country Innovate’s collection of videos Roll-out Update can be overwhelming. COVID Community Champions are at the forefront, helping for Muslims: www.youtube.com/channel/UCIfxjWWlcOXB_aCZUIBDu1g/videos COVID-19 Community ‹ › people to make sense of the information. Champions Wolverhampton Community Champions are working closely with GP’s to support the rollout The Covid Champions also play an important of the vaccine by developing targeted community activity and interventions to increase vaccine New Black Country role in helping to inform the council’s uptake. They will be hosting two workshops in coming weeks to discuss the barriers that are and West Birmingham creating vaccine hesitancy within communities and identify ways of overcoming them. CCG – merger update response to the pandemic, by sharing what is working well in their communities and letting Sandwell community vaccination leaders and organisations are also doing mailshots about Public encouraged councils know the things they can improve. vaccination in translated languages, online Q&A sessions, focus groups and phone calls to to call NHS 111 First Community Champion Coordinators engage with hard to reach groups. One of the vaccination leaders has also done some social Supporting patients in Dudley have regular drop in sessions media analysis to understand what the common themes are on why people don’t want to be with ‘Long Covid’ using MS Teams as well as staying in touch vaccinated in order to tailor their communication messages. Supporting your through email, WhatsApp and social media. If you are interested in becoming a Community Champion or you would like to find out more wellbeing through There are lots of ways you can play a role as information, please go to: Covid-19 a Covid Champion, and you can do as little Dudley: www.dudley.gov.uk/covidchampions Young people or as much as you are able: it may be talking engaged on mental to your friends and family about Covid Walsall: www.walsall.gov.uk/covid-19_information/covid_community_champions and explaining the guidance, or it could health matters Sandwell & West Birmingham: www.birmingham.gov.uk/COVID-19_community_champions be sharing messages through social media The Black Country and channels or community networks. Wolverhampton: www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/communitychampions West Birmingham STP welcomes new leaders Mind Over Natter COVID-19 Got symptoms? Get a Test Building Healthier, Happier Communities 16 New Black Country and West Birmingham CCG – merger update

As of 1 April 2021, the four CCGs (Dudley, Walsall, Sandwell & With the formation of a new organisation, comes a fresh new identity, In this issue West Birmingham and Wolverhampton) will formally merge. website and new social media accounts. Introduction The new organisation has a vision for a healthier place with healthier We are asking for your help to share our new accounts. With more people and healthier futures. followers, we can disseminate even more key information about Blue print for health within our area. integrating health The new CCG will be driven by the need to deliver two key outcomes: and care Our new Twitter and Instagram name is @NHSinBCWB 1 Across the Black Country and West Birmingham we know that Three cheers for there are too many health inequalities. Health inequalities are Our new Facebook is www.facebook.com/NHSinBCWB community volunteers unfair and avoidable differences in health across the population, and Our current CCG accounts will close shortly after 1 April, so it’s NHS frontline heroes between different groups within society. Health inequalities arise important that you follow our new account to stay in touch with us as because of the conditions in which we are born, grow, live, work we start our new CCG journey. Don’t write off a and age. These conditions influence our opportunities for good cough as coronavirus health, and how we think, feel and act, and this shapes our mental – get it checked health, physical health and wellbeing. Eliminating Health inequalities People with learning in our local population is a key outcome for the Black Country and disabilities: Annual West Birmingham CCG. Health Checks (AHCs) 2 Sadly, COVID-19 has increased the heath inequalities that local Covid-19 Vaccine people and communities face. Directly in terms of COVID-19 rates Roll-out Update and deaths being higher amongst our more deprived and our Back COVID-19 Community ‹ Asian and Minority Ethnic communities and in directly in the wider › Champions economic impact of COVID-19 also hitting these communities harder. Long after our Critical Care demands reduce the NHS New Black Country and partners will work together to tackle the long term impact of and West Birmingham COVID-19 on people health, and wellbeing. CCG – merger update Addressing the impact and legacy from COVID-19 on both our Public encouraged population, our staff and our services is a key outcome for the to call NHS 111 First Black Country and West Birmingham CCG. Supporting patients with ‘Long Covid’ Supporting your wellbeing through Covid-19 Young people engaged on mental health matters The Black Country and West Birmingham STP welcomes new leaders Mind Over Natter COVID-19 Got symptoms? Get a Test Building Healthier, Happier Communities 17 Public encouraged to call NHS 111 First

In November 2020 organisations across In this issue the Black Country and West Birmingham Introduction Sustainability and Transformation Partnership (STP) launched a new way of working. Blue print for integrating health Patients and the public are encouraged to contact and care NHS111 first if they have an urgent – but not serious or life-threatening – need that they think might require Three cheers for treatment at an ED. Arrangements will not change for community volunteers people with serious or life-threatening illnesses or NHS frontline heroes injuries and people will be advised to continue to dial Don’t write off a 999 as before. cough as coronavirus A national public campaign launched in December – get it checked 2020 to support the public to use NHS 111 and NHS 111 People with learning online – which is now able to refer and book people disabilities: Annual into a number of services, such as GP services, EDs and Health Checks (AHCs) Urgent Treatment Centres. Covid-19 Vaccine Booking slots helps to manage the volume of people in Roll-out Update our ED waiting areas and minimise Covid-19 infection COVID-19 Community ‹ risks. In the future people arriving at EDs without an › Champions allocated time slot, may experience longer waits, unless they need immediate treatment. New Black Country and West Birmingham Rachel Tomkins, matron ED, The Dudley Group said CCG – merger update “The system is working well, I would encourage Public encouraged people who make an appointment to attend or let to call NHS 111 First us know they no longer need it so we can make best use of the appointments we have. We will be seeking Supporting patients feedback from patients who have used the service to with ‘Long Covid’ see how it can improve” Supporting your wellbeing through Covid-19 Young people engaged on mental health matters The Black Country and West Birmingham STP welcomes new leaders Mind Over Natter COVID-19 Got symptoms? Get a Test Building Healthier, Happier Communities 18 Supporting patients with ‘Long Covid’

While we are looking towards a brighter and somewhat Lisa explained: more ‘normal’ future in 2021, we recognise COVID-19 will “These patients have been struggling for months now, not have a prolonged impact on many, particularly for those knowing what was wrong with them, and are extremely grateful In this issue who have been ill with the virus and are experiencing further for the help being offered. Many of them are not back at work health complications, weeks or months after the event. and are experiencing regular fatigue, breathing problems and Introduction cognitive impairments, but we are here to signpost patients to Between two and ten percent of COVID-19 patients suffer from Blue print for the relevant services. Often this means working with our therapy what is commonly known as ‘long covid syndrome’, with varying integrating health and psychology teams to support with both their physical and and care symptoms including a high temperature, fatigue, ‘brain fog’, anxiety, mental wellbeing. It has been a challenge and of course we are all breathlessness and generalised pain. still learning about the virus and its impact, but there are already Three cheers for community volunteers In October 2020, NHS England / Improvement announced a plan to lots of resources to help people, including online literature and create new ‘long covid clinics’ in an effort to provide physical, cognitive support groups. Due to the variety of symptoms, we have had the NHS frontline heroes and psychological assessments for these patients, and we are pleased input of many disciplines and it has been great to link in with those Don’t write off a to say we now have such clinics at each acute hospital site in the specialist healthcare professionals who can provide expert advice; cough as coronavirus midlands, with over 500 referrals being made across the sites so far. at heart it is a great example of collaborative working.” – get it checked At New Cross Hospital, patients with ongoing symptoms (12 weeks A patient who attended the clinic recently commented: “It is so good People with learning after COVID-19 diagnosis) and no other explanation for their illness to talk to someone who believes me”, while it is clear that many are disabilities: Annual are seen by Lisa Hickman, Respiratory Physiotherapist Specialist not coping: “I am grieving the person I once was,” said another. Health Checks (AHCs) (supported by Dr Helen Ward, Respiratory and Emergency Care If you are experiencing any of the long covid symptoms listed on Consultant). These three-weekly clinics run alongside a clinic held Covid-19 Vaccine the NHS website, please contact your GP first who will carry out an by the Trust’s Respiratory Team who support patients with on-going Roll-out Update assessment. Visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ chest problems. COVID-19 Community ‹ long-term-effects-of-coronavirus-long-covid/ to find out more. › Champions GPs can also direct patients to www.yourcovidrecovery.nhs.uk for New Black Country general support, information and wellbeing advice. and West Birmingham CCG – merger update Public encouraged to call NHS 111 First Supporting patients with ‘Long Covid’ Supporting your wellbeing through Covid-19 Young people engaged on mental health matters The Black Country and West Birmingham STP Lisa Hickman and Dr Helen Ward ready to greet patients at The Royal Wolverhampton Trust welcomes new leaders Mind Over Natter COVID-19 Got symptoms? Get a Test Building Healthier, Happier Communities 19 Supporting your wellbeing through Young people engaged Covid-19 on mental health matters In this issue We know the pandemic and resulting lockdown has had Introduction The Hub will take a quite an impact on our younger population, so Dudley collaborative approach with Integrated Health and Care NHS Trust (DIHC) hosted a Blue print for the WM Provider Alliance session with the Dudley Young Health Champions and integrating health (previously known as MERIT) and care to implement the outreach Dudley Youth Council with local GPs and Clinical Leads, Dr Three cheers for and engagement inclusive to Mann and Dr Horsburgh. community volunteers all staff groups. The online sessions provided an opportunity for young people to NHS frontline heroes Over the coming weeks, ask the GPs questions on a range of topics from Covid, to mental health and a typical day in the life of a GP. Don’t write off a Black Country Healthcare will be working with DIHC and Black Country Healthcare also facilitated a workshop cough as coronavirus Black Country Healthcare – get it checked partners to provide further with college students around the Dudley Talking Therapy Service. NHS Foundation Trust information on the Hub and We wanted to explore with young people what kind of things they People with learning have set up a staff how this can support staff thought they could get help for when thinking about mental health disabilities: Annual psychological wellbeing and organisations across the and wellbeing and where would they go for help. Health Checks (AHCs) hub to enable all NHS and Black Country. Using an interactive jamboard we worked through some questions Covid-19 Vaccine social care workers to get Self-referrals can be and shared the website link to the service with students and asked Roll-out Update rapid access to support made to the Hub via the them to tell us how easy it was to navigate and whether they would COVID-19 Community ‹ BCHFT website: www. consider using the service or sharing with friends and family. Some › in managing their students had heard of the service and others liked the fact that Champions wellbeing, recognising blackcountryhealthcare.nhs. you could get help online without having to actually speak with New Black Country uk/our-services/hub. For the psychological impact someone. The workshop was useful for us to explore how we and West Birmingham any further information or that Covid-19 is having promote the service. CCG – merger update queries, please contact on our workforce. [email protected] or Public encouraged call 0121 8031444. to call NHS 111 First Support is offered to any NHS or social care worker Please note this is not a crisis Supporting patients across the system who is service. If urgent mental with ‘Long Covid’ feeling stressed, worried health support is required, Supporting your or burnt out. Wellbeing please call the Black Country wellbeing through practitioners can offer 24/7 mental health helpline Covid-19 confidential telephone, on 0800 008 6516. Young people video, face-to-face or digital Call the 24/7 mental health engaged on mental support tailored to individual helpline on 0121 262 3555 health matters needs. If more intensive for confidential advice (in support is needed, priority Birmingham). The Black Country and pathways for all mental West Birmingham STP services are available. welcomes new leaders Mind Over Natter COVID-19 Got symptoms? Get a Test Building Healthier, Happier Communities 20 The Black Country and West Birmingham STP welcomes new leaders

In this issue Sir David Nicholson appointed Sir David said: “I am very excited to be part of an organisation dedicated to Introduction Chairman for Sandwell and West improving health and tackling health inequalities and at the same Blue print for Birmingham NHS Trust time opening a fantastic hospital that will not only provide excellent integrating health healthcare facilities but will help regenerate the wider area.” and care Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust is pleased to announce that NHS Richard Samuda said: Three cheers for England/Improvement has confirmed “It has been a real privilege to serve the population and the staff as community volunteers the appointment of Sir David Chairman. I have welcomed the contribution from so many Trust NHS frontline heroes Nicholson KCB CBE as Trust Chairman leaders, Non-Executive and Executive colleagues as we have jointly from 1 May 2021. led the Trust through some significant achievements. I wish the Don’t write off a Trust every success in the years ahead and am delighted that Sir cough as coronavirus Richard Samuda is retiring having – get it checked completed three terms as Trust David is taking the helm. His experience, knowledge and passion Chairman, over the past nine years. for the NHS and the people it serves will be a real asset to the Trust People with learning in moving forwards through recovery and restoration and the disabilities: Annual Sir David will retain his role as opportunities that the new hospital will bring.” Health Checks (AHCs) Chairman of Acute Hospitals NHS Trust which he has held During his tenure, the Trust has secured the approval for the new Covid-19 Vaccine Midland Metropolitan University Hospital including partnering Roll-out Update for the past two years. His career in NHS management has spanned more with Balfour Beatty as a replacement contractor and progressing COVID-19 Community ‹ construction despite the coronavirus pandemic. The new hospital will › than 30 years and has included the Champions most senior posts in the service. provide a legacy of improved healthcare provision for the population for decades to come as well as regeneration opportunities for the New Black Country He was Chief Executive of the NHS for seven years from 2006-2013 and West Birmingham wider area. and then, following a major national restructure, became the first CCG – merger update Chief Executive of the organisation now known as NHS England from He is looking forward to a well-earned break and maintaining his links Public encouraged 2013-2014. Since his retirement from the NHS in 2014, he has taken within the local area. to call NHS 111 First on a number of international roles providing advice and guidance to Richard Beeken, Interim Chief Executive said: Supporting patients governments and organisations focused on improving population “Richard Samuda has completed nine years of incredible public with ‘Long Covid’ health and universal healthcare coverage. service as Chairman and helped the Trust make significant Supporting your strides forward, for which we are very grateful. Sir David brings wellbeing through wisdom and considerable experience to the Trust and I have every Covid-19 confidence he will use this to best lead the Board for the benefit of the people we serve. I am looking forward to welcoming him to Young people the organisation.” engaged on mental health matters Continue reading > The Black Country and West Birmingham STP welcomes new leaders Mind Over Natter COVID-19 Got symptoms? Get a Test Building Healthier, Happier Communities 21 Appointment of new Chair of Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust Daren Fradgley, Acting Chief Executive said “ We are delighted to welcome our new Chair , Professor Steve Field In this issue who has joined the organisation this week (1 March). Steve will be pivotal Introduction in helping to lead the organisation Blue print for to achieve its ambition of becoming integrating health Outstanding by 2022. Understanding and care not only healthcare but how partners across the Black Country Three cheers for community volunteers system are working in strategic collaboration will also underpin this NHS frontline heroes vital work in the future.” Don’t write off a Steve holds a number of Board roles at various organisations including Mind Over Natter cough as coronavirus Chair of Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, Trustee at Nishkam – get it checked Healthcare Trust and Trustee of Pathway-Healthcare for Homeless People with learning People. Steve has a wealth of experience in healthcare being a GP, During Children’s Mental Health Week, (1 – 7 February) disabilities: Annual Chief Inspector of General Practice and Integrated Care at CQC and Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Health Checks (AHCs) Regional Post Graduate Dean for the West Midlands. recorded a special podcast in their Mind Over Natter Covid-19 Vaccine Steve added series focusing on children’s mental health. Roll-out Update “I am delighted to have taken up position of Chair of Walsall Aimed at parents and carers, the podcast explores what COVID-19 Community ‹ › Healthcare . I have been deeply impressed with the strong families can do to support positive mental health and Champions leadership and vision for the future for this organisation and wellbeing in their children. In particular the podcast discusses: New Black Country have heard so much admiration for the staff that have worked • The impact of lockdown and the Covid-19 pandemic and West Birmingham tirelessly for the past year through the pandemic to keep patients • Importance of sleep and how to improve sleeping patterns CCG – merger update and colleagues safe. As Chair I will want to be assured that the • How to spot the signs if your child might need some mental Public encouraged wellbeing of our staff continues to be a priority and that the health support to call NHS 111 First ongoing work to improve our culture delivers an organisation that makes it attractive to people to work here." • How to lessen the impact of social media Supporting patients with ‘Long Covid’ You can listen to the podcast via Supporting your https://anchor.fm/black-country-healthcare-nhs- wellbeing through foundation-trust Covid-19 or search ‘mind over natter’ on your podcast platform. Young people engaged on mental health matters The Black Country and West Birmingham STP welcomes new leaders Mind Over Natter COVID-19 Got symptoms? Get a Test Building Healthier, Happier Communities 22 COVID-19 got symptoms? Get a test In this issue

Introduction It's important that people do what they can to prevent the spread of coronavirus. If you Blue print for integrating health think you have symptoms, no matter how and care mild, then you must self-isolate and book a test immediately. Three cheers for community volunteers You can have a swab test to check if you have NHS frontline heroes coronavirus (COVID-19) now. Don’t write off a You can only get a free NHS test if at least one of cough as coronavirus the following applies: – get it checked • you have a high temperature People with learning • you have a new, continuous cough disabilities: Annual • you’ve lost your sense of smell or taste Health Checks (AHCs) or it’s changed Covid-19 Vaccine • you’ve been asked to get a test by a local council Roll-out Update • you’re taking part in a government pilot project COVID-19 Community ‹ • you’ve been asked to get a test to confirm a Champions positive result. New Black Country and West Birmingham You can also get a test for someone you live with if CCG – merger update they have symptoms. Public encouraged If you’re going into hospital to have surgery or to call NHS 111 First a procedure, you may need to get tested. The hospital will arrange this for you. Contact your Supporting patients hospital department if you have any questions. with ‘Long Covid’ You cannot use this service to get a test if: Supporting your wellbeing through • you’ve come to the UK from a high-risk country Covid-19 • you’re planning to leave the country Young people • your employer or school has asked you to get a engaged on mental test but you have no symptoms. health matters If you have symptoms, get a test as soon as The Black Country and possible. Call 119 for information on booking a test. West Birmingham STP welcomes new leaders Mind Over Natter COVID-19 Got symptoms? Get a Test Building Healthier, Happier Communities 23