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

Healthwatch Sheffield’s April 2020 Covid-19 briefing summarised emerging issues affecting access to health and social care services during the early stages of the pandemic. A major theme was confusion about how to access services that had rapidly changed their operating arrangements. People reported uncertainty about patient transport services, urgent dental care, repeat prescriptions and new routes into health services. Individuals with sensory impairments also described difficulties accessing GP services when telephone contact became the primary method of communication. Fear of infection was making some people reluctant to access services such as A&E, NHS 111 and mental health support, creating additional barriers to care. 

The report highlighted a range of concerns relating to vulnerable groups. People with mental health conditions were struggling with reduced access to community support, peer networks and voluntary sector services. Carers of people living with dementia described the challenges of maintaining care and shielding arrangements when individuals did not fully understand restrictions. Healthwatch also heard concerns about refugees and asylum seekers facing barriers to healthcare, including limited access to technology, language difficulties, confusion about NHS charging arrangements and the psychological impact of isolation. Similar issues were identified through work with Sheffield’s Chinese community, where language barriers, limited access to local information and concerns about discrimination were affecting wellbeing. 

Feedback about cancer services was mixed. Many patients valued telephone consultations and some reported that diagnosis and treatment pathways were continuing efficiently. Others were worried about delays to chemotherapy, radiotherapy and monitoring appointments, and felt anxious about the impact of postponed treatment. Concerns were also raised about infection control measures and communication within some clinics. In contrast, Weston Park Cancer Support Centre received particularly positive feedback for the support it provided to people whose treatment plans had been disrupted. 

The briefing also identified practical issues affecting day-to-day wellbeing. Continuing difficulties with repeat prescriptions were creating risks for people dependent on regular medication, particularly those who were shielding. Healthwatch heard concerns about access to basic facilities for members of the Traveller community and about the wider need for clearer, more accessible information about the city’s Covid-19 response. Overall, the report highlighted the importance of communication, accessibility and targeted support for vulnerable groups as services adapted to unprecedented circumstances.