Self Help

Support With Your Mental Health

Mental Health Support Services 

Please find details for the following mental health services:

For general advice about anxiety during the coronavirus outbreak, please visit: https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/

It is important that if you feel your mental health is worsening you should get in contact with your GP or NHS 111. In an emergency, if you feel you cannot keep yourself safe or someone else safe or you feel someone’s life is at risk you should call 999 or go to A&E now.

Bereavement Support

We wish to support residents and key workers in Birmingham and Solihull who have suffered a loss. Help is available, via a range of services. These have been brought together with an advice line that can help guide you through at this difficult time. Please call 01216878010 or email support@crusebirmingham.co.uk

Substance Abuse Problems

The Change, Grow, Live team provide support for patients over 18 years suffering from substance abuse problems. For further information to access the service, see https://www.changegrowlive.org

Aquarius provides specialist services to support children and young people under 18 years who use substances or who are affected by a parent or carer’s substance misuse.  For further information and to access the services see https://aquarius.org.uk/our-services/young-peoples-services/birmingham-yp/

Counselling and support through Living Well Consortium 

The Living Well Consortium provides a range of free mental health services in Birmingham to help individuals and groups to improve their mental and psychological well being.  They can see anyone over 16 years old with a Birmingham GP (and may see 14 and 15 year olds). They provide a range of support including:  

  •  1 to 1 counselling and support
  • Telephone counselling and support
  • Couples counselling
  • Group therapy
  • Bereavement counselling
  • Guided self-help
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Creative therapies
  • Art therapy
  • Dramatherapy
  • Culturally sensitive support
  • Walking for wellbeing
  • Books on prescription
  • Community wellbeing
  • Employment support
  • Substance misuse support

They are contactable on 0121 663 1217 Monday to Friday, between 9am and 5pm. For more information, see https://livingwellconsortium.com/

This self-assessment will help you assess whether you could be suffering from depression, based on how you’ve been feeling over the last fortnight.

Concerned Of Safety Adults and Children

Are you worried about a child?

If you have concerns about the welfare or safety of a child, please contact the surgery or 111 urgently. In an emergency, or if someone is in immediate danger, call 999.The neglect or abuse of a child is a criminal offence. You can report concerns about a child directly to West Midlands Police on 0845 113 5000. You can report or discuss a concern about a child by contacting Birmingham children’s information and advice service on 0121 303 1888.  Outside office hours, call the emergency duty team 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 0121 675 4806. Please see https://www.bhamcommunity.nhs.uk/professionals/safeguarding/safeguarding-children-in-birmingham/ for more information.

Birmingham Safeguarding Adults Board

We are committed to listening to the voice of the citizens of Birmingham. To prove this we will ensure that, wherever possible, safeguarding responsibilities across the city are delivered in a way that empowers the community and individual citizens.

Our priorities include working with our partner organisations to develop effective preventative and early intervention strategies that minimize the risk of abuse and neglect occurring. We wish to work together to establish safer communities for people with care and support needs and citizens who are vulnerable.

Telephone: N/A

Web Link: https://www.bsab.org/

Email: BSABsupportteam@birmingham.gov.uk

Patients suffering domestic abuse. 

If you are feeling isolated or in need of support, there is help available both online and by phone. The National Domestic Abuse Helpline is a free and confidential helpline, available 24 hours a day on 0808 2000 247. If possible, try to memorise this number for when you need it. Further advice is available from Refuge (https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/) and Women’s Aid (https://www.womensaid.org.uk/covid-19-coronavirus-safety-advice-for-survivors/)

If you are concerned that you may be in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police. Keep your phone charged and with you at all times if safe to do so.

If you are in danger but are not able to talk safely on the phone, you are still able to safely contact the police. Call 999, then press 55. This transfers your call to the police and alerts them that there is an emergency without you having to say anything.

Other sources of support:

  • Birmingham Women’s Aid. https://bswaid.org/ Telephone 0808 800 0028 open 7 days a week 9.15am-5.15pm
  • Mankind (for male victims of domestic violence). https://www.mankind.org.uk/ Telephone 01823334244 (weekdays 10 am to 4pm)

LGBT Domestic Violence advocate. https://blgbt.org/domestic-violence/ Telephone 0121 643 0821

National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans+ Domestic Abuse Helpline, GALOP helpline. http://www.galop.org.uk/ Telephone 08009995428

Are you worried about abuse or neglect of an adult with care and support needs?

If you have a concern regarding possible abuse or neglect of an adult with care and support needs, please contact the surgery or 111 urgently.  In an emergency, or if someone is in immediate danger, call 999. Otherwise, report crimes to West Midlands Police by calling 101.

Members of the public are able to report possible abuse or neglect of an adult with care and support needs to Birmingham City Council by telephone on 0121 303 123, email CSAdultSocialCare@birmingham.gov.uk or text relay –  dial 18001 followed by the full national phone number.  for more information see https://www.birmingham.gov.uk

Help for Victims of Modern Slavery

If you suspect that you or someone you have come across may be an adult victim of modern slavery and in need of help, please contact The Salvation Army’s confidential and anonymous referral helpline on 0800 808 3733 – available 365 days a year, 24/7 with interpretation services where needed.

Honour based violence and forced marriage

Further support for people experiencing or at risk of honour based violence and forced marriage is available by contacting 0800 953 9777

https://mcusercontent.com/fc496e37a02fff5979483df7e/files/b43aa1fc-219d-4ac9-96d6-8f1d5243b1f9/Roshni_A5_Consortium_Leaflet_25_08_2020.pdf

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) refers to all procedures involving partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or any other cutting, injury or changes to female genital organs for non-medical reasons. It is also sometimes called female circumcision or cutting.

It is illegal to perform FGM in the UK. It is also illegal to arrange or assist in arranging for anyone in the UK to be taken abroad for the purpose of FGM.

Help is available if you have had FGM or you are worried that you or someone you know is at risk.

  • If someone is in immediate danger, contact the police immediately by dialling 999.
  • If you are in the UK and concerned that someone may be at risk you can also ring a support service especially for girls at risk of FGM, like the NSPCC Helpline on 0800 028 3550 or fgmhelp@nspcc.org.uk, FORWARD on 0208 960 4000 or the Police on 101
  • If you’re under pressure to have FGM performed on your daughter, ask a GP, your health visitor or another healthcare professional for help, or contact the NSPCC helpline.
  • ChildLine For support and advice: 0800 1111 (Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
  • If you have had FGM, you can get help from a specialist NHS gynaecologist or FGM service – ask a GP, your midwife or any other healthcare professional about services in your area. For information on clinics in your area, see: National FGM Support Clinics – NHS – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

For more information, see:

Birmingham Safeguarding Children Partnership http://www.lscpbirmingham.org.uk/fgm

Birmingham and Solihull  https://www.birminghamandsolihullccg.nhs.uk/about-us/publications/safeguarding/528-female-genital-mutilation-leaflet/file

Carer Support

CERS (Carers Emergency Support Service) – Birmingham Carers Hub

Forward Carers is a West Midlands based Carer and family support organisation. We pride ourselves on making a real difference to the lives of people caring for elderly, frail, sick or disabled family members through working in partnership.

Birmingham Carers Hub also offer a range of support and services to carers in Birmingham, further information available at: https://forwardcarers.org.uk/local-services/birmingham/. They run an information and advice line on 0333 006 9711 (Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri: 8.45am-5.15pm | Weds: 8.45am-6.45pm | Sat: By appointment)

Telephone: 0121 442 2960

Web Link: www.forwardcarers.org.uk

Carers UK

We’re here to make sure that no matter how complicated your query or your experience, you don’t have to care alone.
Our expert telephone advice and support service is here if you want to talk about caring. If you’re looking for answers, our online information and support is the best place to start.

Carers UK also runs an independent helpline, available by calling 0808 808 7777 Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm or by emailing advice@carersuk.org

Telephone: 020 7378 4999

Web Link: www.carersuk.org

Alzheimers Society

Alzheimer’s Society is the UK’s leading dementia charity. We campaign for change, fund research to find a cure and support people living with dementia today. Alzeimers UK also run a dedicated helpline through Dementia Connect Support Line which can be found below.

Telephone: 03331503456

Website: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/

Useful Documents

Cancer Support

Cancer Resource Pack

Bowel Cancer

Breast Cancer

Cervical Cancer

Mouth Cancer

Lung Cancer

Oesophageal Cancer

Ovarian Cancer

Prostate Cancer

Testicular Cancer

Skin Cancer

Macmillan Cancer Support 

Macmillan run a cancer support dedicated helpline on 0808 808 00 00 7 days a week, 8am – 8pm

Further advice and support for patients suffering with cancer during the coronavirus outbreak can be found at: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/coronavirus

Patients receiving palliative care support

For patients receiving palliative care treatment (or end of life care), the palliative care team can be contacted for advice and guidance through the Hospices of Birmingham and Solihull (HoBS) direct number on 0121 809 1900.

Screening

The new ‘Help Us, Help You’ national campaign launches 20th Feb 2023; encouraging everyone has been sent an NHS bowel cancer screening kit to complete the test.

Anyone aged between 60 and 74, living in England and registered with a GP, will automatically receive a test in the post every two years.

Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK, and detecting it at the earliest stage makes you up to nine times more likely to be successfully treated yet almost one third of people who were sent an NHS bowel cancer screening test in England last year did not go on to complete it.

The bowel cancer screening kit can save your life. Just a tiny sample can detect signs of cancer before you notice anything wrong.  So, the NHS is asking anyone who is sent a bowel cancer screening test to remember to complete it.

“Put it by the loo.  Don’t put it off.  Your next poo could save your life.”

Visit nhs uk/conditions/bowel screening for more information.

The NHS runs a National Screening Programme. This is a programme to find out if people are at risk of a particular health problem so early treatment and information can be offered.

For further information on the NHS screening programme see: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/nhs-screening/

Cervical Screening

Women aged 25 to 64 are offered a smear test to check the health of cells in the cervix. It is offered every 3 years for those aged 26 to 49, and every 5 years from the ages of 50 to 64.

Web Link: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-screening/

To find out more about the smear test for patients suffering with Learning Disabilities, see the attached easyread guide:

CSP05_an_easy_guide_to_cervical_screening(1)

Breast Screening

Breast screening is offered to women aged 50 to 70 to detect early signs of breast cancer. Women over 70 can self-refer.

Web Link: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer-screening/

To contact the breast cancer screening services at Birmingham Women’s Hospital, Tel: 0121 335 8050.  Email: SouthBirminghamBreast.ScreeningService@uhb.nhs.uk

Bowel Cancer Screening

Everyone aged 60 to 74 is offered a bowel cancer screening- a  home test kit will be sent every 2 years.

If you’re 75 or over, you can ask for a kit every 2 years by phoning the free bowel cancer screening helpline on 0800 707 60 60. For further information, see https://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/about-bowel-cancer/screening/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4fb4lubh7gIVj7rtCh3uLQHREAAYASAAEgIzqfD_BwE

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bowel-cancer-screening

NHS Screening advice for trans and non-binary people

Please see NHS Screening advice for trans and non-binary people. It explains about the adult NHS screening programmes that are available in England and explains who is invited for screening.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nhs-population-screening-information-for-transgender-people/nhs-population-screening-information-for-trans-people

This information is for trans (transgender) and non-binary people in England.  Public Health England use trans as an umbrella term to embrace the diverse range of identities outside the traditional male/female definitions – including transgender, gender fluid and non-binary.

Screening In Pregnancy

Pregnant women are offered the following types of screening:

Screening for infectious diseases (hepatitis B, HIV and syphilis)

Web Link: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/your-pregnancy-care/screening-for-hepatitis-b-hiv-and-syphilis/

Screening for Down’s syndrome, Patau’s syndrome and Edwards’ syndrome

Web Link: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/your-pregnancy-care/screening-for-downs-edwards-pataus-syndrome/

Screening for sickle cell disease and thalassaemia    

Web Link: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/your-pregnancy-care/screening-for-sickle-cell-and-thalassaemia/                     

Screening for physical abnormalities (mid-pregnancy scan)  

Web Link: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/your-pregnancy-care/20-week-scan/

Screening For Newborn Babies

Newborn babies are offered:

  • A newborn physical examination ( includes the eyes, heart, hips and testes)

Web Link: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/newborn-screening/physical-examination/

  • A hearing test       

Web Link: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/newborn-screening/hearing-test/

  • A blood spot test (checking for any of 9 rare conditions)

Web Link: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/newborn-screening/blood-spot-test/

Diabetic Eye Screening

From the age of 12, all people with diabetes are offered diabetic eye checks to look for early signs of diabetic retinopathy.

Web Link: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/diabetic-eye-screening/

For further information on diabetic eye screening in Birmingham, see https://www.retinalscreening.co.uk/patient-information/about-retinopathy-and-your-screening-visit/

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening

AAA screening  is offered to men in their 65th year to detect abdominal aortic aneurysms (a dangerous swelling in the aorta). Men over 65 can self-refer.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/abdominal-aortic-aneurysm-screening

To self-refer yourself to the service, please contact the screening team. Tel: 0121 424 3612 / 0121 424 1200.  Email: bhs-tr.AAA-screening@nhs.net

Dementia

Dementia UK

Dementia UK offers specialist one-to-one support and expert advice for people living with dementia.

Telephone: 0800 888 6678

Web Link: www.dementiauk.org

Alzheimers Society

Alzheimer’s Society is the UK’s leading dementia charity. We campaign for change, fund research to find a cure and support people living with dementia today. Alzheimer’s UK also run a dedicated helpline through Dementia Connect Support Line which can be found below.

Telephone: 03331503456

Website: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/

Social Prescribing

Many things can affect your health and wellbeing. Some people may feel isolated or lonely, and for others they might be stressed due to work, money or housing problems.

 A social prescriber helps provide support in the community to address some of these issues that might impact on your health and wellbeing.  A support worker will discuss how they can best support you and link you with further services and activities.

For more information please see the links below. If you think a social prescriber may be able to help please speak to one of our team.

Web Link:

Witton Lodge Community Association

Social Prescribing – Gateway Family Services (gatewayfs.org)

To find out more about social prescribing see:

Web Link: https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/social-prescribing-link-worker-A5.pdf  

Birmingham

Connect to Support is a Birmingham City Council run website supporting Adult Social Care, for citizens of Birmingham and professionals to use. 

It provides information and resources for individuals to access directly and for professionals to enable additional support. This includes a community directory with over 1,000 activities and groups that can be accessed for free.

Heart Age

The Heart Age Test tells you your heart age compared to your real age and explains why it’s important to know your blood pressure and cholesterol numbers.

General lifestyle interventions to improve heart health:

  • Stopping smoking. It is never too late for this to be beneficial. Smoking-cessation services have been shown to be the most effective way to stop smoking. This can reduce your risk of developing other conditions such as heart disease, COPD and cancer.

Please contact the surgery to book an appointment with the nurse for smoking cessation advice.

For further information on other measures for a healthier lifestyle, see NHS Live Well website https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/

Asthma

Asthma

Asthma is a chronic long-term condition that may cause breathing difficulties including coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and breathlessness if not controlled. People can be affected by these symptoms to different degrees, with some people having severe symptoms and others experiencing relatively mild symptoms. These symptoms can vary with time, and occasionally can gradually or suddenly worsen – this is known as an ‘asthma attack’. In severe cases, asthma attacks can be life threatening and require hospital treatment.

It is important that people experiencing any immediate concerns with their asthma should get in contact with their GP or NHS 111 urgently, or 999 in an emergency.

Asthma annual reviews

It is very important if you have asthma that you have regular asthma reviews (at least once a year) with your asthma nurse to check that you are on the right treatment, are using your medication correctly and know what to do if your asthma is becoming worse. This can help keep you well and keep your asthma under control, which can prevent your condition worsening and leading to hospital admission. It is an opportunity to see if there are any changes necessary to your medication, and is an opportunity for you to discuss any concerns you may have with your asthma.

At your asthma review, the asthma nurse will review your current treatment and check you are happy using the medication and check your inhaler technique.  They will discuss alternatives if needed, discuss how to identify if your asthma is getting worse and what steps to take if it does worsen– they will complete a written personalised asthma action plan with you. Please ensure that you keep this somewhere safe but visible to ensure that you know what to do if your asthma worsens (see: https://www.asthma.org.uk/advice/manage-your-asthma/action-plan/ for more information). They may do other checks including checking your weight and height and taking your peak flow measurement. It is also an opportunity to look at other factors that might trigger or affect your asthma such as smoking and allergies.

What lifestyle interventions can help?

Although there is no ‘cure’ for asthma, it can be well controlled with medication. Other lifestyle factors that can help include:

  • Stopping smoking. It is never too late for this to be beneficial. Smoking-cessation services have been shown to be the most effective way to stop smoking. This can reduce your risk of developing other conditions such as heart disease, COPD and cancer.

Please contact the surgery to book an appointment with the nurse for smoking cessation advice.

  • Increase your daily exercise if needed.Birmingham City Council has produced a useful leaflet highlighting a number of useful exercise schemes throughout Birmingham: https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/downloads/file/8106/lifestyles_leaflet
  • Maintain a healthy weight. Weight loss if your BMI is greater than 25.
  • Have a flu vaccine every year. Contact your GP or practice nurse for an appointment.
  • Practice inhaler technique with your practice nurse. Additional information including on inhaler technique can be found at the Asthma.uk website (asthma.org.uk) or by telephone 0300 222 5800.

Asthma and coronavirus:  For general health advice regarding asthma please click on the following link https://www.asthma.org.uk/advice/triggers/coronavirus-covid-19/

Further Information:

Live Well

General lifestyle interventions to improve heart health:

  • Stopping smoking. It is never too late for this to be beneficial. Smoking-cessation services have been shown to be the most effective way to stop smoking. This can reduce your risk of developing other conditions such as heart disease, COPD and cancer.

Please contact the surgery to book an appointment with the nurse for smoking cessation advice.

For further information on other measures for a healthier lifestyle, see NHS Live Well website https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/

The Live Well widget displays advice, tips and tools to help you make the best choices about your health and wellbeing.

Living Well

Back Pain

Further resources

Please find useful resources for managing low back pain:

Safe Surgery

A Safe Surgery is a GP practice which commits to taking steps to tackle the barriers faced by the socially excluded groups, such as: migrants, rough sleepers, the homeless, and gypsy travellers in accessing healthcare. At a minimum, this means declaring your practice a ‘Safe Surgery’ for everyone and ensuring that lack of ID or proof of address, immigration status or language are not barriers to patient registration. 

Registering as a Safe Surgery means practices can receive a range of support, including resources to support practice staff, but will also enable the socially excluded groups of people – many of whom may be vulnerable and at risk to access primary care with ease and confidence.

The Safe Surgeries initiative is endorsed by the Royal College of GPs. For more information about Safe Surgery, please see the NHS website.

NHS Diabetes Advice Helpline

The NHS Diabetes Advice helpline is provided by NHS England and NHS Improvement in response to disruption to normal services due to the COVID-19 pandemic and response.
The helpline is for adults living with diabetes who use insulin to manage their condition and require advice from a team of clinical advisors.
Where routine care has been disrupted, the helpline can provide clinical advice to help them understand how to effectively manage their diabetes

How to access the helpline:

The advice line is accessible via Diabetes UK’s Helpline on 0345 123 2399. It is open Monday to Friday from 9am – 6pm (excluding bank holidays).

Contraception and Sexual Health

UMBRELLA – Contraception and Sexual Health

Umbrella provide free, accessible and confidential sexual health services in Birmingham and Solihull, including all types of contraception, and sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing and treatment.

For further information see: https://umbrellahealth.co.uk/

To arrange a clinic appointment see: https://umbrellahealth.co.uk/service-locator/

For further information on different options of contraception, please see Your contraception guide – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

For further information on sexual health, please see Sexual health – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

COPD

COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) refers to a group of lung conditions that cause breathing difficulties. These include emphysema, a condition in which there is damage to the air sacs in the lungs, chronic bronchitis where a lot of phlegm production occurs almost daily. It is a common condition that mainly affects middle-aged or older adults who smoke or have smoked a significant amount in the past

COPD causes narrowing of the airways, and people with COPD may find breathing more difficult.   They may also have symptoms such as breathlessness when exercising, a persistent chesty cough with phlegm, wheezing and frequent chest infections

COPD annual review

COPD is a condition that can worsen over time. Although there is no cure for COPD, there are medicines that can help slow the progression of the condition and help keep symptoms under control. People with COPD should have  a review with their COPD nurse at least once a year. This is an opportunity to discuss your symptoms, any concerns you may have with your condition and discuss how to use your medication and any changes that may be needed. The COPD nurse will assess the severity of your symptoms, review any medication and discuss inhaler technique. Your COPD nurse will also discuss if a referral for pulmonary rehabilitation is needed. Pulmonary rehabilitation refers to a specialised programme of  group exercise and education sessions to help people with COPD improve daily activities without getting breathless. There are also exercises that you can do at home. Exercise is proven to help slow down the progression of COPD.

Your COPD nurse will also discuss a self-management  plan giving information about your medication and what to do if your condition gets worse or if you develop an infection. If you are having a face to face review, the COPD nurse may  also do a small breathing  test to see if there has been any progression of your COPD.  

Other things you can do to keep well

    • Stopping smoking. It is never too late for this to be beneficial. Smoking-cessation services have been shown to be the most effective way to stop smoking. This can reduce your risk of developing other conditions such as heart disease, COPD and cancer.

    Please contact the surgery to book an appointment with the nurse for smoking cessation advice.

    • Increase your daily exercise if needed. Birmingham City Council has produced a useful leaflet highlighting a number of useful exercise schemes throughout Birmingham: https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/downloads/file/8106/lifestyles_leaflet
    • Maintain a healthy weight. Weight loss if your BMI is greater than 25.
    • Have a flu vaccine every year. Contact your GP or practice nurse for an appointment.
    • Have a pneumococcal vaccine. This only needs to be given once.
    • Practice your inhaler technique with your practice nurse
    • In cold weather make sure you have enough indoor heating, and wrap up warmly when outside ensuring that you wear a light weight scarf coverinyour mouth as this wil help your breathing  and also wear a hat !
    • Make sure you have your reliever inhaler with you and use it about five to ten minutes before you do anything that you know causes  you to be breathless  such as inclines  or stairs
    • Maintain a healthy diet and eat a balanced diet.
    • Avoid sedatives or too much alcohol. These can worsen your breathing.

    COPD and Coronavirus

    It is important that people experiencing any immediate concerns with their COPD or lung condition should get in contact with their GP or NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency

    For general advice about coronavirus for patients with chronic lung conditions, please follow: https://www.blf.org.uk/support-for-you/coronavirus

    The British Lung Foundation offer an independent general advice helpline on 03000 030555 available Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm.

    The following questionnaire can help you and your healthcare professional measure how much impact your COPD is having on your daily life. It is important that people experiencing any immediate concerns with their COPD or lung condition should get in contact with their GP or NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.

    Further Information:

    https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-copd/living-with

    The NHS website has also produced myCOPD app available from the Digital Apps Library – a tool to help you better manage your COPD.

    SPA Maternity Referral

    If you have a positive pregnancy test you can now make your own online self-referral for your maternity care, without needing to see a doctor or nurse at the practice.

    Our practice is now registered and listed on the online referral portal, so all you need to do to refer for your maternity care is visit the secure link below and provide the information requested. You’ll need your NHS number and the name of the practice, with which you must be registered.

    The information you provide will be used to process your referral by both the community maternity team assigned to our practice and the booking office of your chosen hospital within Birmingham and Solihull. A copy of your referral will also be shared with us, your GP Practice, for information.

    Click on this link or type into your browser using your mobile phone or digital device (laptop/ computer) https://www.badgernotes.net/SelfReferral/CareLocation/BUMP

    – it’s quick and easy and will just take a few minutes. This link can also be used to refer a pregnancy on behalf of someone else, providing you have her consent.

    IMPORTANT: You need to search for the GP practice site by the POSTCODE in the drop-down list to complete your SPA portal referral. Your referral can only be processed based on the information you provide and can delay your care if incorrect information is provided.

    You’ll be able to select from a number of hospitals to provide your antenatal care and for the birth of your baby; we have a number of birthing facilities:

    Hospitals sites include:Review websites for further information
    UHB – Good Hope Hospitalhttps://hgs.uhb.nhs.uk/good-hope-hospital/
    UHB – Birmingham Heartlands Hospitalhttps://hgs.uhb.nhs.uk/obstetrics-heartlands-hospital/
    Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospitalhttps://bwc.nhs.uk/maternity 

     If you would like to refer to any other hospital then please speak with your community midwife at your first ante-natal booking appointment or contact your GP.

    Useful information: to support you throughout your pregnancy
    Information guides on all you need to know about trying for a baby, pregnancy, labour and birth.https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/
    The Ask the Midwife – a  live zoom session hosted by consultant midwives, Health Visitors and clinical staff to answer questions on pregnancy, birth and caring for your baby.https://yourbump.nhs.uk/ask-the-midwife/
    Maternity Voices Partnership (MVP) a team of people who provide feedback about local maternity systems to a panel of maternity health professionals from service users on co-production to improve services.https://gatewayfs.org/our-work/health-and-wellbeing-services/maternity-voices-partnerships-mvps/
    Bump (Birmingham & Solihull United Maternity and Newborn Partnership). Uniting maternity services; in Birmingham and Solihull to improve your maternity experience. Together Bump partners offer you personalised care, with more choice about your care – for both you and your baby.https://yourbump.nhs.uk/

     The community midwifery team assigned to your GP Practice will contact you by the time you are eight to nine weeks pregnant, however if you do not hear from the team, by then, please contact the midwife directly via the details listed below:

    Community Midwife contact details:

    Charlotte Rd Team: 0121 444 4758 Mon-Friday 9-10am 4-5pm.

    One of the team members will contact you once your referral is processed. If you have any technical problems using the web address please email project.bump@nhs.net

    MMP Helping The World To Stay Green

    Stay Green

    This can be published on your surgery or NHS Network website. Please edit so that it is relevant for the specific patient group and your surgery.

    Air pollution impacts us all. It can move from your lungs into your bloodstream and reach many organs in the body.

    If you suffer from long term lung disease including asthma or COPD, heart and circulatory disease, diabetes, dementia or are pregnant, you may be more vulnerable to the impacts of air pollution.

    Find health expert approved guidance with simple steps that you can take to tackle air pollution and protect your health at http://cleanairhub.org.uk

    Child Health

    Please see patient leaflets for managing common childhood illnesses, produced by Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital. These guides have been produced to help parents and carers of children to care for children at home, know when to call the GP and when to contact the emergency services. If you are worried about a child you must call the surgery, 111 or 999 in an emergency.

    Guide for parents and carers of children from 0 – 5 

    Abdominal Pain information for parents 

    Asthma wheeze information for parents 

    Bronchiolitis information for parents 

    Croup information for parents 

    Fever information for parents 

    Gastroenteritis information for parents 

    MSK

    The Birmingham and Solihull MSK app (powered by getUBetter) is provided free of charge by Birmingham and Solihull ICS for patients registered at Midlands Medical Partnership. It can be accessed on a Smartphone or on the Web, and guides you day by- day through a sequence of exercises and tips to help you recover from a range of new or recurrent conditions:
    • Lower back pain
    • Back and leg pain
    • Neck pain
    • Shoulder pain
    • Ankle pain
    • Knee pain
    • Soft Tissue Lower Limb pain
    • Hip pain

    Your practice team (GP, physio or nursing team) can refer you to the app. The app will also connect you to your local treatment, healthcare providers or support services, if needed, such as Physiotherapy.