We welcomed the CCG’s plan to ensure that it stops variation in accessing NHS-funded services across the CCG population and ensuring that access is equal and fair. However, we highlighted that the effectiveness of this service in meeting the needs of West Birmingham residents will depend on how they are implemented and the principles that govern their implementation.
We asked the CCG to consider:
- How West Birmingham residents with osteoporosis will be identified and contacted, bearing in mind the inconsistency with their care to date.
- How West Birmingham residents at risk are identified and contacted.
We also asked the CCG to take into accounts clinical standards identified by the Royal Osteoporosis Society, namely:
- West Birmingham residents have clear information available in a range of formats and languages, particularly as this population may have additional language needs.
- People feel supported and empowered to make informed choices and reach shared decisions about their care plan.
- Patient experience and feedback is used to further improve the service.
The CCG thanked us for our comments and for sharing feedback on behalf of Healthwatch Birmingham. They indicated that they will take our comments into account when drafting their feedback report. They also indicated that they will ask the Commissioner if they can address the questions raised and draft a response to us. We are still waiting for the response and we will also be checking the consultation report.
| Sandwell and West Birmingham CCG - Listening Exercise: Improving services for people with Osteoporosis (weakened bones) in Sandwell and West Birmingham | Download File (pdf 181.09 KB) |