How is Covid-19 impacting on people's access to and experience of health and social care services in Sheffield?

Healthwatch Sheffield produced this briefing in August 2020 to summarise emerging issues relating to access to health and social care services during the Covid-19 pandemic. The report drew on feedback from local residents and voluntary sector organisations to identify areas where people were experiencing difficulties accessing support. While some positive experiences were reported, concerns focused mainly on communication, service disruption and the impact of service changes on vulnerable groups. 

One positive example related to Covid-19 testing, with a resident describing a local walk-in testing service as efficient, friendly and quicker than expected. However, confusion remained around other aspects of pandemic-related healthcare, including uncertainty about the availability of seasonal flu vaccinations. Face coverings continued to be a significant issue, particularly for people unable to wear them because of health conditions, anxiety or sensory impairments. Some individuals reported negative experiences when exemption cards were not recognised by organisations or when they were refused services because they could not wear a face covering.

The impact of delays and service changes was another key theme. Healthwatch heard from people whose planned treatments had been postponed during lockdown, causing worsening physical symptoms and emotional distress. Concerns were also raised about changes to mental health respite services, with carers reporting that respite beds were no longer available and that they had received little information about alternative support. People using direct payments to arrange social care packages expressed confusion and frustration where support had been reduced but charges remained unchanged. 

The report also highlighted concerns about access to specialist services. One example involved a person with diabetes who was unable to access podiatry appointments after routine care was suspended. Alternative support was offered through telephone advice, but this was difficult to use because of a hearing impairment. Overall, the briefing identified communication, accessibility and the consequences of disrupted services as key issues affecting people’s experiences of health and social care during the pandemic.