Reports Hub

This report describes the changes that Birmingham and Solihull ICB made following Healthwatch Birmingham and Healthwatch Solihull’s 2024 report Access and Barriers to NHS Community Pharmacies. It explores improvements in pharmacy access, awareness, and consultation quality, including interpreting services. As a result, more people are seen quickly for minor illnesses, easing GP demand and increasing confidence in local pharmacy services.

This report explores patient experiences on the NHS prostate cancer pathway, following Healthwatch Birmingham and Healthwatch Solihull’s joint report Experiences of the NHS Prostate Cancer Pathway in Birmingham and Solihull (July 2023). It highlighted concerns around information, delays, and follow-up care. As a result, University Hospitals Birmingham made improvements to appointment access, needs assessments, and post-treatment support.

This report explores the experiences of Solihull residents accessing urgent care, following Healthwatch Solihull’s 2023 report The Experiences of Solihull Residents Who Try to Access Urgent Care. In response, the ICB and University Hospitals Birmingham improved communication, service signposting, and awareness of the Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC). As a result, steps were taken to make urgent care more accessible and better understood, though challenges around clarity and access remain.

This report outlines changes made following Healthwatch Birmingham and Healthwatch Solihull’s 2022 report How Easy Is It to Access NHS Dentistry in Birmingham and Solihull?. In response, NHS England introduced measures to expand access, improve prevention, and better support vulnerable groups. While positive steps were taken, feedback shows that many residents still face significant barriers to NHS dental care, and further improvements are needed.

This report explores the experiences of young people accessing self-harm support services in Solihull, following Healthwatch Solihull’s 2022 report What Support Is Available and How Does It Impact Young People and Their Families?. In response, SOLAR introduced new care pathways, enhanced collaboration with schools, and expanded support while young people wait. As a result, early improvements aim to reduce delays and deliver more consistent, person-centred care.

This report explores the experiences of 276 Solihull residents accessing GP services through technology, based on Healthwatch Solihull’s 2022 report Accessing GP Services via Technology. It highlighted barriers related to booking systems, clarity of information, and digital access. In response, Solihealth and local PCNs improved websites, appointment options, and patient engagement, leading to more flexible, inclusive, and user-informed services.