Reports Hub

Consultation by: Care Quality Commission

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) consulted on proposed changes to assessing and rating health and social care providers. Healthwatch Birmingham & Solihull responded to ensure patient and public views shaped clearer, more transparent regulatory frameworks. We supported sector-specific assessment frameworks and clearer rating characteristics, stressing accessible information and meaningful engagement. However, we raised concerns about the lack of examples in the consultation, noting that draft rating formats or multimedia explanations would have helped people understand the impact of the proposed changes.

Consultation by: Department of Health and Social Care

The Department of Health and Social Care consulted on proposals to allow pharmacists to substitute medicines when the prescribed item is unavailable. Healthwatch Birmingham & Solihull supported increased flexibility where it helps prevent delays to treatment. We emphasised the need for clear, accessible information for patients when substitutions are made, consistent monitoring of how decisions are applied, and notifying prescribers so they can respond to any follow up concerns. We recommended that dedicated training should be implemented ahead of the suggested changes. We also highlighted risks for patients who may struggle to understand changes without clear explanations and noted that strict word limits in the consultation restricted respondents’ ability to fully outline their views.

Consultation by: Department of Health and Social Care

The Department of Health and Social Care consulted on proposals to widen the range of medicines that Optometrists and Contact Lens Opticians can supply directly to patients. Healthwatch Birmingham & Solihull responded in support of measures that could improve access to timely care in community settings. We highlighted the need for clear referral pathways for patients who cannot be treated in the community, accessible information about the changes, and straightforward feedback and complaints routes. We also raised concerns about the potential for increased inequalities and the cost of medicines acting as a barrier for people on low incomes.

In recent months, we’ve been listening to your experiences across Birmingham and Solihull, and turning what you tell us into real improvements in health and care.

With the independence of patient voice under threat, your feedback matters more than ever.

Consultation by: Birmingham City Council

Birmingham City Council consulted on proposals to repurpose children’s centres and family hubs across the city. Healthwatch Birmingham & Solihull raised concerns about how feedback was gathered, including unclear messaging, late publication of key documents, and limited opportunities for people to attend drop-in sessions. We also highlighted a lack of clarity in the supporting information, which made it difficult for families to understand what service changes would mean in practice. We warned that the proposals risk deepening health inequalities particularly where families may no longer have services within walking distance and recommended that a formal Health Impact Assessment be undertaken. We will continue to listen to local people about the impact of these changes and share relevant feedback with the council.

Earlier this year, women in Solihull told Healthwatch about the challenges they faced getting support for menopause. Their feedback has already driven real change.

Now, thanks to their feedback, NHS teams and local partners are taking clear steps to improve care.

Every care home has its own story, shaped by the people who live and work there. As demand for care continues to grow, it’s more important than ever to understand what life is really like for residents. 

Our new report shares the voices of Solihull care home residents and their families, highlighting what’s working well and where improvements are still needed.

Healthwatch Birmingham and Solihull heard from over 1,000 people about their experiences of Urgent Treatment Centres (UTCs).

We partnered with the Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board (ICB) to support their review of UTCs, and your feedback is already making a difference. Our findings are shaping how urgent care will be delivered in the future by directly informing the ICB’s review and upcoming consultation.

Consultation by: Birmingham City Council

Birmingham City Council carried out a third phase of consultation on the future of its Residential Care Centres, building on feedback from earlier rounds. This phase introduced a new alternative preferred option and included updated Health and Equalities Impact Assessments. Healthwatch Birmingham & Solihull submitted a response to ensure that the views and experiences of patients, residents, and carers continued to shape the proposals and decision-making.

Our latest report shows how families’ experiences have driven real improvements in autism and ADHD services across Birmingham—supporting the NHS 10-Year Plan’s ambition for more personalised, preventative, and joined-up care.