From research opportunities to fundraising activities and support available through Walsall Palliative Care Centre – visitors to a Palfrey health and wellbeing event this Saturday will be able to access a wealth of information.
Staff from Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust will attend the event organised by One Palfrey Big Local at the Hub in Dale Street, Walsall, between 11am and 2pm. There will also be an opportunity for communities to find out more about the joint vision for the future between Walsall Healthcare and The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust which focuses on staff, patients and health inequalities.
Catherine Dexter, Research and Development Manager, is looking forward to highlighting the many research projects and studies that are taking place in Walsall. These include the DELTA Teen study – Walsall is the first in Europe to offer a potential breakthrough new clinical trial for youngsters who suffer from severe hand eczema.
Catherine will attend with Managing Director for Research and Development, Pauline Boyle, who oversees research across Walsall Healthcare and The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust and is keen to ensure it is accessible to all communities.
She said: “Research can involve patients trialling new medications or simply answering questions. It is wide-ranging and we are always keen to speak to people of all ages across all communities and raise their awareness of the opportunities available to potential participants. Research transforms people’s lives and we’re really proud of the work we’re doing here in Walsall.”
Georgie Westley is the Trust’s Fundraising Manager and she will be explaining the work of its Well Wishers charity which raises money for items above and beyond what the NHS is expected to provide.
She said: “Our charity has some fantastic support from local groups and businesses and this helps us to make such a difference to the patients who use our services in the hospital and community.
“We have regularly supported this event over the years and it is a great way for us to reach out to local people and share details of all the projects we’re involved in. At the moment we’re working on our Community Stroke Rehab Garden Appeal. This is to create a potting area, pergola, coloured planters, a sensory spot and seating area for recovering stroke patients, their families and staff at Hollybank House in Willenhall.”
The support available through Walsall Palliative Care Centre to patients living with cancer will also be featured at the free event which is focusing on education, prevention and empowerment. COVID-19 and flu vaccinations will be offered and balloon modelling and face painting are among activities for younger visitors.