How does it feel for me during Covid-19? Week commencing 20 July

Healthwatch Leeds reported on what they had been hearing from their local stakeholder organisations and the public, during the week commencing 20 July 2020.

Healthwatch Leeds heard from support services for: people with cancer and their loved ones; people who have experienced a stroke; and people with Parkinson's disease. Healthwatch Leeds also reported initial findings from a survey launched to find out about how people in Leeds were keeping informed about care and treatment that had been paused under lockdown.

Overall, people reported being worried about their treatment and appointments being cancelled or paused. People were also apprehensive about returning to hospital as many were shielding, and families were facing difficulties due to ongoing visiting restrictions. Some people who had experienced a stroke during lockdown felt they were discharged without much information, and were unable to have rehab therapy at home that they would have otherwise had. Accessing remote services was difficult for people with additional communication needs or those who do not use technology. People did not always feel they had receive all of the clear information they needed about their care, with some being uncertain about when services are due to restart. Information was not always reaching people with autism or a learning disability in a way that met their communication needs.

Healthwatch Leeds also saw a spike in queries about how to register with a local NHS dentist, and what the new rules on face coverings. Healthwatch Leeds was also gathering the views and experiences of care home workers via an online survey.