Reports Hub

Consultation by: Department of Health and Social Care

Healthwatch Birmingham and Solihull responded to the government’s call for evidence on regulating AI in healthcare, emphasising the importance of transparency, clear consent processes and strong patient voice. We highlighted the need for patient feedback to form part of long term monitoring of AI systems, and for clear accountability when decisions are influenced by AI. We also called for national consistency in how AI use is communicated to patients, and stressed the importance of human safeguards, especially in higher risk areas such as mental health.

Consultation by: Department of Health and Social Care

Healthwatch Birmingham and Solihull responded to the government’s consultation on proposed changes to how NICE sets cost‑effectiveness thresholds. We raised concerns about risks to NICE’s independence and the potential for ministerial priorities to override clinical evidence, which could disadvantage people with rare or complex conditions. We warned that removing consultation requirements may limit patient voice and transparency. We also highlighted the risk of widening health inequalities if changes to thresholds are not fully assessed for their impact on public health.

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.

Consultation by: NHS England

Healthwatch Birmingham & Solihull responded to NHS England’s consultation on the revised Children and Young People’s Gender Service Specification. We welcomed the holistic approach to assessing need, the National Provider Network’s role in consistency, and a separate pathway for prepubertal children. However, we raised concerns about flexibility, support for those using unregulated medication, and paediatric endocrinology capacity. We questioned safeguards for referrals outside specialist pathways and stressed that patient experience data must inform service quality metrics.

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.

Consultation by: NHS England

Healthwatch Birmingham & Solihull responded to NHS England’s consultation on the Professional Strategy for Nursing and Midwifery, which included proposals to expand community-based working. We highlighted opportunities for closer neighbourhood working, improving understanding of local needs and reinforcing nurses and midwives as trusted sources of information. We raised concerns about communication and stressed early community involvement to build trust. We expect a clear public communication plan and detail on ongoing engagement in the final strategy and will continue sharing local insights.

Consultation by: Birmingham and Solihull Health and Wellbeing Board

Healthwatch Birmingham & Solihull responded as a stakeholder to the draft Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) for 2025–2028. We welcomed its quality and recognition of our Think Pharmacy First findings. We called for greater use of patient experience data and ongoing reviews of geographical coverage, noting concerns about rural and deprived areas like Meriden and Hampton in Arden. We highlighted difficulties accessing information on specialist services and urged clear, accessible formats. We supported expanding community pharmacy services but stressed public understanding and continuity of care.

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.