Covid-19: impacts on health and care

Healthwatch Dudley undertook research on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on access to health and care services. They spoke to 46 people from local communities, health and care services and voluntary organisations through an online forum, alongside gathering additional feedback through a snap survey.

Participants highlighted several positive changes introduced during the pandemic, including telephone consultations, online prescription ordering, video meetings, virtual support groups and stronger community volunteering. Many praised the efforts of NHS staff, pharmacists, carers, volunteers and community organisations, and felt that new ways of communicating had made some services easier and more convenient to access. People also valued regular contact from healthcare professionals and community groups, particularly where this helped reduce loneliness and maintain wellbeing. 

However, concerns were raised about difficulties accessing non-COVID healthcare, especially GP and dental services, problems obtaining COVID tests, poor communication with families of hospital patients and barriers faced by people who were deaf, blind, digitally excluded or otherwise vulnerable. Participants also felt public health messages could have been clearer and highlighted inconsistencies in service delivery, problems contacting some services and the risk that people without internet access could be left behind. 

The report concluded that many of the innovations introduced during the pandemic should be retained, including digital access, virtual appointments and new community support networks. Participants called for better integration of health and social care services, clearer communication, greater support for people unable to access online services, increased use of pharmacy services and stronger collaboration between health organisations, voluntary groups and local communities.