Behind closed doors

Healthwatch Bedford Borough reported on a survey they carried out online and by phone during the COVID-19 pandemic. Key conclusions and recommendations included:

• Future communication plans must consider in greater detail how views are sought from seldom heard communities, particularly looking at those who are digitally excluded.
• The use of terms such as ‘High Risk’ and ‘Shielding’ need to have clear definitions which are shared across the local population to ensure compliance and a sound understanding.
• The pandemic led to healthcare being delivered differently. Whilst understanding the rationale for this, people reported feeling ‘rushed and not listen to’.
• Whilst looking at additional communication needs and risk, there also needs to be consideration under Public Sector Equality Duty to cover those that are protected by the Equality Act 2010.
• A significant number of people remained concerned about accessing Emergency and Outpatient treatment. People need to be assured that treatment is available and safe to access.
• Two thirds of those asked felt that impact on their mental health and wellbeing during the pandemic ranged between moderate and affecting them greatly. More information and support on mental health was needed and further advertisement of the current support already available.
• Local schemes and community activities should be adapted to reduce social isolation and loneliness as a strong objective moving forward.
• The wider development and use of social media as a provider of information was welcomed and should continue for the foreseeable future, for those able to access it.
• A wider piece of work is needed to look at the specific needs for those that are digitally excluded as well as those requiring sound bytes, in the cases of visually impaired people and those with low level of literacy, and alternative methods of communication should be provided to comply after completion of Equality Impact Assessments (EIA).