Supporting Boaters to access primary care and COVID-19 vaccinations
Download (PDF 1.71 MB)Summary of report content
During March to May 2021 Healthwatch Cheshire worked in partnership with the Waterways Chaplaincy to raise awareness of a new GP Access Card and arrange for Boaters to receive them, as well as discuss the COVID-19 vaccine with the Boating Community. Healthwatch Cheshire was able to talk to 89 members of the boating community and marina staff who have offered support.
The report finds that some Boaters have issues registering with a GP, due to postcode issues. The Boaters engaged recommended signage at key points along canals indicating local services and how to access them, leaflets, and online information regarding emergency numbers and local GP practices that will accept Boaters as patients.
The report presents feedback from members of the community on GP Access Cards and on the COVID-19 vaccination process.