What should the new Health Secretary’s priorities be?

Thanks to everyone who took part in our recent poll on what the new Health Secretary’s priorities should be. Although the Health Secretary has changed again since we ran the poll, the results are still a vitally important insight into what most concerns the people of Birmingham.

Over 1,000 people told us your thoughts, with just over half choosing ‘Access to GPs’ as their main concern. You can see the full results and read more about the work Healthwatch Birmingham is doing around each area below.

Remember that we’re always keen to hear about your experiences of health and social care so we can improve services for you and everyone in Birmingham. Please share your views on our website or email feedback to info@healthwatchbirmingham.co.uk

Access to GPs (51%)

In response to our report on GP access earlier this year, Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board (BSol ICB) is working on providing extended opening hours, better communication with patients and improving telephone systems and websites.

Ambulance response times (17%)

We have raised the issue of ambulance waits and delays with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and called for immediate extra investment in ambulance services.

Hospital waiting lists (17%)

People who left feedback about long waiting times with us have been interviewed by Birmingham Live, to highlight the personal impact of delays to operations in Birmingham.

Improving social care (10%)

Following our investigation into day opportunity services, Birmingham City Council is now undertaking a review of day services for people with disabilities and other needs.

Access to NHS dentists (5%)

After over 800 local residents shared their experiences in our report on NHS dentistry, we have secured commitments from NHS England and the Birmingham Local Dentist Committee (LDC) to review NHS dental capacity, improve communication with patients and clamp down on dentists who only offer private care advertising for NHS patients.