Raising awareness about the danger of cardiovascular disease
Call to end violence against staff
New multi-faith spiritual care centre opens at Birmingham Treatment Centre
Thank you for taking the time to look at this our first newsletter sharing news from across both Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust and The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust.
Whilst there is much to highlight in terms of our services, I must start with an apology and commitment to change as we process the findings from the Baroness Amos Maternity and Neonatal Review.
The report published recently highlighted experiences from women, families and staff in Sandwell and West Birmingham that we must listen to and learn from. To everyone whose care fell short of the standards they deserved, we are deeply sorry.
The accounts of racism and discrimination in the report are unacceptable. No woman or family should ever feel unheard or treated unfairly. Serving our diverse community is a privilege, and we are committed to delivering safe, respectful and equitable care for all.
While our new hospital has improved the environment, we recognise that cultural and organisational change must go much deeper. We fully accept this responsibility and are taking action.
You can read about our plan on our website here: www.swbh.nhs.uk/services/maternity/
Improvements matter, but we know there is more to do. We are determined to act on the report’s recommendations and make lasting change.
To expectant mothers in Sandwell and West Birmingham: we are here to listen, support and provide safe, compassionate care. You are welcome to visit our maternity department during one of our open days to meet our midwives and see the environment for yourself.
We want to hear from you. Please contact swbh.maternitylistening@nhs.net to share your experiences or concerns. We will continue to be open about the actions we take and the progress we make as we work to rebuild trust and improve care.
Group Chief Executive
In June we launched Fit for the Future, our first shared group strategy marking a major step forward in the formal partnership between our two Trusts established in April 2026.
The strategy sets out a joint commitment to improving health outcomes, strengthening community‑based care, and creating a more resilient and sustainable NHS for Dudley, Sandwell, and West Birmingham. It responds directly to rising demand, increasingly complex patient needs, and ongoing financial pressures, outlining how our two Trusts will work together to deliver modern, high‑quality care.
Shaped by what patients say matters most including timely access, clear pathways, and compassionate support, the strategy aligns with the national 10‑year plan, focusing on shifting care from hospital to community, treatment to prevention, and analogue to digital.
Adam Thomas, Group Chief Strategy and Digital Officer, says the strategy reflects a united commitment to tackling rising demand, more complex patient needs, and ongoing financial pressures. Since forming a Group model in April 2026, the two organisations have aligned leadership and pooled expertise to address challenges that “no single organisation could solve alone.”
The strategy centres on three major shifts: bringing care closer to home, prioritising prevention, and embracing digital innovation. These changes are already visible. Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust has introduced Aquablation therapy for prostate treatment and England’s first AI‑supported radiology referral vetting system. Meanwhile, Dudley’s virtual ward has supported more than 2,200 patients at home, freeing thousands of bed days and reinvesting £200,000 each month into frontline care.
The Black Country Lung Cancer Screening Programme is also gaining national recognition, with 144 lung cancers detected so far—90% at an early stage—and more than 33,000 lung health checks completed.
Fit for the Future is built on four commitments: Community First, Prevention Through Partnerships, Focus on People and Culture, and Make Money Matter. Together, these will guide service redesign, workforce development, and neighbourhood‑level health improvements. You can read more on our group strategy here: www.dgft.nhs.uk/our strategy/
Marking Emergency Medicine Day 2026, this year we raised awareness about the stark reality about rising violence and aggression toward emergency and urgent care staff.
This year’s international awareness theme, Ending Violence and Aggression in Emergency Care, highlights a growing problem affecting clinicians, nurses, healthcare assistants, reception teams and support staff. National figures show that abuse toward NHS workers is driving sickness absence, damaging morale and pushing experienced staff out of the profession, ultimately impacting patient care and waiting times.
Local data paints an alarming picture. At the Midland Met Hospital, more than 2,000 incidents of abuse were recorded in the past year, which is almost four times the previous year’s total, with half occurring in A&E. Staff describe daily experiences of verbal threats, intimidation and physical assault.
A&E Senior Sister Sanna Yafai shared how routine abuse leaves lasting emotional harm: “We chose this profession to help people, but the memory of abuse comes home with us.”
Dr Benjamin Jefferies, Emergency Medicine Registrar at Russells Hall Hospital, echoed the concern, noting that assaults directly affect clinicians’ ability to care for patients both immediately and long after an incident.
Trust leaders say the trend is deeply worrying. Group Chief Executive Diane Wake stressed that violence toward staff is “simply not acceptable,” while Group Chief Medical Officer Dr Jonathan Odum warned that rising incidents risk undermining the stability of emergency services.
Both Trusts are strengthening security, improving reporting processes and launching public awareness campaigns to promote respectful behaviour. They are urging the public to show patience and kindness especially during busy periods and to remember that emergency teams are there to help people at their most vulnerable.
Emergency Medicine Day serves as a reminder of the vital, lifesaving work carried out in emergency departments every day, and the collective responsibility to protect those who provide it.
A calm, inclusive space for reflection is now available at the Birmingham Treatment Centre, following the official opening of a new multi-faith spiritual care centre designed to support patients, visitors and staff.
The centre was opened with a joint blessing ceremony led by chaplains from several faith traditions, a moment that highlighted both the diversity of the local community and the Trust’s commitment to holistic, person‑centred care.
Open to people of all faiths and none, the centre offers a peaceful retreat away from busy clinical areas. It provides room for prayer, quiet reflection or simply a moment of stillness during what can often be emotionally challenging times.
Lead Chaplain Rev. Eddie Briones emphasised the importance of spiritual wellbeing in healthcare, noting that “holistic care includes spiritual care, and spaces like this are an important part of supporting patients, visitors and staff.”
He added that the team hopes everyone who enters will “find comfort” and leave “in peace.”
The new centre joins a wider network of spiritual care spaces across Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust sites, including Midland Metropolitan University Hospital, Sandwell Health Campus and Rowley Regis Hospital. Each space is designed to offer sanctuary, support and connection for the communities they serve.
The Trust’s chaplaincy team provides pastoral and spiritual support across all beliefs, ensuring care extends beyond physical treatment to emotional and spiritual needs. The new centre strengthens this mission, offering a dedicated environment where people can pause, breathe and feel supported.
Young people across Sandwell and West Birmingham are helping shape the future of local NHS services through Youth Space, a growing forum giving 13–21-year-olds a direct voice in how care is designed and delivered.
Youth Space, run by Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, brings young people together to share their views, learn about NHS careers, and get a behind‑the‑scenes look at how different services operate. Each session focuses on a specific area of healthcare, with members offering feedback on what works well and what could be improved. The programme also supports young people with CVs, UCAS applications, and career development.
A recent session saw 15 members take part in a dedicated sexual health focus group led by senior clinicians from the Trust’s sexual health service. With the team keen to ensure young people’s voices guide future improvements, participants highlighted immediate changes they would like to see as well as longer‑term ambitions for the service.
The group has now agreed to become the Trust’s Young Persons Sexual Health Reference Group, continuing to advise on service development. Members will visit The Lyng, where the service is based, later this summer to give feedback on the venue and environment.
Youth Space ambassador Justyna said she wants young people to feel “confident, informed, and listened to” when accessing healthcare, adding that helping shape services means “making a difference” for her peers.
Jayne Salter Scott, Engagement Lead for the Trust, said young people’s insight is vital: “They see things adults often miss. Their honesty and creativity help us design services that truly work for them.”
Youth Space will continue exploring a wide range of topics — from surgical services and mental health to palliative care — giving young people a unique opportunity to influence how their local NHS evolves.
Caring, committed and community-focused was how NHS staff across the Black Country were recognised for their exceptional work supporting cancer patients, earning four major honours at the recent Black Country ICB Cancer Awards.
Group Chief Executive Diane Wake praised colleagues across both Trusts for their “remarkable dedication,” as each organisation secured two awards.
Sandwell Individual of the Year went to Claire Murphy, Health Promotion Specialist for the City, Sandwell and Walsall Breast Screening Service. Claire’s work has significantly improved breast cancer screening uptake and awareness, particularly among diverse communities where inequalities persist.
She was joined by Beth Harvey and her team, who won Sandwell Team of the Year for their innovative Cuppa and Catch Up sessions which are monthly informal meet‑ups offering patients and carers a safe space to talk, share concerns, and build connections. The initiative has already attracted interest from other cancer teams across the region.
At Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, John Schneider was named Dudley Individual of the Year for his inspirational leadership of Cancer Services. His team also secured Dudley Team of the Year, reflecting their unwavering commitment to supporting patients and families throughout their cancer journeys.
Lucy Smith, DGFT Lead Cancer Nurse, said the awards highlight “the tireless work” of John and his team, whose focus on compassionate, patient‑centred care continues to make a
Jenny Donovan, Cancer Services Manager at SWB NHS Trust, praised Beth’s community‑building approach: “Patients can share concerns or simply enjoy a friendly chat. We’re delighted other teams want to replicate this.”
Claire’s colleague, Shamima Jeewa, described her as a driving force for reducing inequalities: “She consistently embodies the values of Black Country Cancer Services. Her work is instrumental in improving engagement, accessibility and outcomes.”
Each year, around 58,000–60,000 women are invited for breast screening across the service. Early detection dramatically improves outcomes, often identifying cancers before symptoms appear. Women aged 50–71 receive screening invitations every three years, while those over 71 can self‑refer via their local breast unit.
Diane summed up the achievement: “Claire’s dedication has changed lives and strengthened our commitment to early detection. John’s inspirational leadership is remarkable, and both his individual award and team win demonstrate the values we hold dear.
“These awards shine a light on the compassion, innovation and determination of our very own NHS staff who go above and beyond every day ensuring patients across the Black Country feel supported, informed and cared for.”
Women in Dudley who are pregnant or have given birth within the past year were invited to a free pelvic health session aimed at boosting confidence, knowledge and wellbeing during pregnancy and after childbirth.
The event, run by the NHS Perinatal Pelvic Health Service in partnership with local community organisations, offered practical guidance on pelvic floor exercises, postnatal recovery and maintaining pelvic health before and after birth. Attendees also learned about wider community support available through social prescribing and personalised care services.
Pelvic health challenges such as bladder weakness, pelvic pain and reduced core strength affect many women during and after pregnancy, often impacting daily life. Early education and support can play a key role in improving recovery and helping women understand when to seek further help.
Anna Baker Barnes, Listening and Guidance Social Prescribing Link Workers Team Lead for the Black Country, said many women are unaware of the support available or may feel uncomfortable discussing pelvic health concerns.
“These sessions create a safe, supportive environment where women can access expert advice, ask questions and learn more about caring for their bodies during pregnancy and beyond,” she said. “Connecting women with community support and personalised care can make a real difference to their wellbeing, helping them feel listened to, supported and empowered.”
Grace Namwanj, Migrant Support Worker for Dudley & Netherton Primary Care Network, supported the event by sharing information on accessing social prescribing and personalised care through local GP practices.
The Black Country Lung Cancer Screening Programme brought patients, carers, clinicians and support organisations together for Living Beyond Lung Cancer Screening, an inspiring community event highlighting the transformative power of early detection.
Sponsored by the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, the day created space for honest conversations about diagnosis, treatment and life beyond screening. Clinicians from The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust and Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust reflected on how early detection is reshaping outcomes, but it was the voices of patients and carers that resonated most.
Debra, diagnosed through the programme despite having no symptoms, described her experience as “like a miracle”, praising the speed, compassion and clarity of the care she received.
Support organisations showcased services available to individuals and families navigating lung cancer, reinforcing that no one should face the disease alone. Leaders from the programme and NHS England emphasised how listening directly to patients is driving continuous improvement and helping reduce long standing health inequalities.
The programme’s impact is already remarkable. When it launched in August 2024, around 70% of lung cancers in the Black Country were diagnosed late. Today, 74% are detected at an early stage, demonstrating a dramatic shift that is now being recognised nationally as a model for faster cancer diagnosis.
The event closed with a shared commitment to keep improving, keep listening and keep ensuring that early detection and strong support remain at the heart of lung cancer care across the Black Country.
More than 115 people came together at the African Caribbean Community Centre in Dudley for Pressure Drop 2026, a major community-led health event aimed at improving awareness, detection and management of high blood pressure within African Caribbean communities across the Black Country.
Delivered in partnership by The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust and local community organisations, the event tackled long‑standing health inequalities, with African Caribbean residents continuing to face poorer blood pressure control and higher risks of stroke and heart disease. With up to 45% of stroke deaths considered preventable through better hypertension management, organisers emphasised the urgency of accessible, community‑driven support.
The day offered free blood pressure checks, cardiovascular risk assessments, clinical advice, referrals, and health education sessions. Attendees also took part in open conversations about barriers such as trust, access and awareness. Eighteen stallholders from healthcare, voluntary and public health sectors joined the event, alongside wellbeing and support services.
Cultural performances from reggae artist Macka B and the one‑woman show Miss Ida helped deliver health messages in an engaging, relatable way. Many attendees reported leaving with a stronger understanding of blood pressure and renewed motivation to adopt healthier lifestyles.
Leaders from The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust praised the event as a powerful example of co‑production with the African Caribbean community and highlighted the high demand for accessible, local health checks.
Following its success, organisers have committed to quarterly health clinics at the community centre, expanded screening services and continued partnership working to reduce health inequalities.
Diane Wake, Group Chief Executive said the event showed “the power of working in partnership with our communities to improve health outcomes and reduce inequalities,” adding that bringing services directly into trusted spaces is key to helping people access early support and advice.
More than 150 residents attended a free heart health event in Lozells, held in memory of the late Councillor Waseem Zaffar and designed to help local people understand and reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease.
Organised by the West Birmingham Locality Partnership, the event brought together NHS colleagues, community organisations, volunteers and residents at Aspire & Succeed for health checks, practical advice and support. The venue had special significance for Cllr Zaffar, a former non executive director at Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, who was closely connected to the organisation and its work with local communities.
Cllr Zaffar was a passionate advocate for clean air, health equity and the wellbeing of local people. His family attended the event, which continued his commitment to improving health outcomes in communities where cardiovascular disease has a greater impact.
Residents accessed free diabetes and blood pressure checks, spoke to health professionals, and received advice on healthy eating, physical activity, stopping smoking and basic life support.
The checks identified 31 people with significantly raised blood pressure, 16 with elevated blood glucose levels and five with abnormal pulse rhythms. One attendee required urgent onward assessment at hospital because of the severity of her blood pressure readings.
Professor Derek Connolly, a leading cardiologist from SWB NHS Trust, said: “Cardiovascular disease remains one of the biggest health challenges facing our communities, but together we can make a real difference. It is a privilege to be part of a day that honours Cllr Waseem Zaffar’s legacy.”
Dr Stephanie Dawe, Chair of the West Birmingham Locality Partnership, said:
“We were delighted to welcome over 150 local residents for health checks and prevention advice. Encouragingly, some people who attended earlier returned later with family members so they could also access support.”
Local resident Kiran Zaman, 36, said the event gave her a better understanding of heart health risks and the opportunity to ask questions.
“It’s been reassuring to ask questions and learn more about heart health,” she said.
The event was the first in a planned series of locality led prevention events. The West Birmingham Locality Partnership hopes it will encourage more people to protect their heart health, seek support early and make positive lifestyle changes.
More than 200 people attended a community health fair at Midland Met Hospital, bringing local residents, staff and partner organisations together to learn more about prevention, wellbeing and healthier lifestyles.
Hosted by Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, the event was the second Health Promotion Fair at Midland Met, following the success of the first event held shortly after the hospital opened in winter 2024.
Healthcare teams, community groups and local organisations offered practical advice and support on nutrition, hydration, movement, smoking cessation, mental wellbeing, relaxation and prevention. Visitors were able to speak with experts, visit information stalls, take part in engagement activities and collect useful health and wellbeing resources.
Contributors included Healthy Sandwell, Your Health Partnership, Stop for Life, Black Country Healthcare NHS Trust, Macmillan, Alcoholics Anonymous, Sandwell College, the Seventh day Adventist Church, M&S, Pure essential life, Sweet Joys, Wyrley Rose and Staffordshire Honey. Speakers and specialists included UK International Health Coaching Association CEO Izabella Natrins, consultant orthopaedic surgeon Dr George Ampat, and consultant in HIV and sexual health Dr Anjum Tariq.
Community partners donated fruit, vegetables, water, honey, healthy magazines, essential oils and testing strips, while NHS teams from across the Trust helped make the event welcoming, informative and accessible.
Diane Wake, Group Chief Executive, said: “Our Health Promotion Fairs show what can be achieved when we work alongside our communities to focus on prevention and wellbeing. I’m proud of the collaboration behind this initiative and excited to see it continue to grow as part of our long term vision for healthier lives across Sandwell and West Birmingham.”
The Trust now plans to develop the programme into a sustainable, prevention driven model that helps people make positive changes and strengthens community health for the long term.
Dudley Group NHS Charity made a splash at this year’s Himley Dragon Boat Race, raising an incredible £12,000 to support patients, staff and services across the Trust.
Despite torrential rain, the annual event brought together nearly 40 teams for a day of racing, fundraising and community spirit. Organised by Wolverhampton Rotary Club, the race saw five boats represent Dudley Group NHS Charity, made up of Trust colleagues, alongside a headline sponsor boat from the Jack Wolf Group, which finished in the top eight overall.
Teams were raising money for a range of important causes, including the Trust’s Children’s Emergency Department. Funds raised will help purchase sensory toys and equipment to better support children with additional needs when they visit the department.
Another team took to the water in support of the Corbett and Dudley Guest Outpatient Centres, helping to create a more comfortable and positive experience for patients attending appointments.
Away from the water, the charity’s fundraising tent kept visitors entertained throughout the day. The tombola proved popular with participants and families, while Aati the Fox made a special appearance and posed for photographs with children attending the event.
Nithee Patel, from Dudley Group NHS Charity, said: “Taking part in the Dragon Boat Race for a second year was an incredible experience and it was fantastic to see so many colleagues, supporters and local businesses come together to support our charity.
“The atmosphere throughout the day was brilliant and we are so grateful to everyone who donated, volunteered and cheered our teams on. Every pound raised will help us continue supporting our staff, patients and services across the Trust.”
The day was made possible thanks to the support of sponsors including the Jack Wolf Group, IPL Plastics and Barratt Homes, whose backing helped the charity build on last year’s success.
For more information on our charity please click here: www.dgnhscharity.org
Supporters, sponsors and partners from across the Midlands gathered at Millennium Point for the inaugural Your City & Metropolitan Hospitals Charity Black-Tie Quiz Night, hosted by broadcaster Manish Bhasin.
The event combined networking, entertainment and friendly competition while raising awareness and vital funds for projects that support patients, staff and communities across City Hospital, Sandwell Hospital, Rowley Regis Hospital and Midland Metropolitan University Hospital.
Jemma Martin highlighted the purpose of the evening, saying the event brought the charity’s community together “for an engaging evening of fun and friendly competition, while raising vital funds to support our work.”
Guests learned more about the charity’s role in supporting Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, which cares for more than 530,000 patients each year with the help of 8,000 staff. Funds raised help provide equipment, improved environments, wellbeing initiatives and services beyond standard NHS provision.
Thanks to generous donations, the quiz night raised an impressive £22,000 for local healthcare initiatives. Forvis Mazars and team Life on Mazars took home the winner’s trophy.
Johnny Shah thanked attendees, sponsors and volunteers for making the night a success, recognising their contribution to projects that “make a real difference to patients, families and NHS staff.”
The charity also acknowledged its Mastermind sponsors Mills & Reeve, Unity Trust Bank and Birmingham City University along with table hosts, donors and volunteers.
For more information on our charity please click here: www.swbh.nhs.uk/ charity fundraising/contact/
Our engagement teams are working hard across the areas we serve and would love to hear from you if you would like to get involved in community events, or suggest an activity which will help them ensure our communities have a voice in future health plans. To contact them please email:
Sandwell and West Birmingham: swbh.engagement@nhs.net
Dudley: dgft.place.comms@nhs.net
To keep up to date with all our activity and news please follow us on social media through the accounts below:
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