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

Healthwatch Sheffield’s June 2020 Covid-19 briefing highlighted a range of issues affecting access to health and social care services during the pandemic. A significant theme was confusion surrounding changes to NHS dentistry. Patients reported receiving inconsistent communication from dental practices, with some receiving updates about reopening arrangements while others had heard nothing since lockdown began. People whose treatment had been paused remained uncertain about when care would resume, while some dental professionals also reported difficulties interpreting changing guidance and concerns about access to appropriate PPE. 

The report also identified uncertainty around face covering guidance as requirements continued to evolve. Healthwatch heard from people who were unsure how the rules applied to them, including individuals with hearing impairments who found face coverings difficult to wear because they interfered with hearing aids. Concerns were raised about how people with particular health conditions or disabilities would be supported as restrictions changed.

Mental health was another important issue. Healthwatch continued to hear from people who felt lockdown was having a negative impact on their wellbeing. Some individuals who had been receiving support before the pandemic reported difficulties accessing services, while others who had not previously experienced mental health problems found isolation increasingly challenging and struggled to access early support. In contrast, positive feedback was received about community nursing services, with one service user highlighting the efforts being made to maintain support during lockdown. 

The briefing also highlighted concerns affecting people with ongoing health and care needs. These included shortages affecting continence products, where reduced supplies could not always be replaced with suitable alternatives, and reports that some people with increasing health needs were not being offered Continuing Healthcare assessments. Healthwatch noted difficulties accessing up-to-date information about current assessment arrangements, adding to uncertainty for service users and support organisations. Overall, communication, access to support and clarity about changing services remained key concerns throughout the pandemic response.