Community insights on disabled people
Download (PDF 1.97 MB)Summary of report content
Healthwatch Barking & Dagenham, Healthwatch City of London, Healthwatch Hackney, Healthwatch Havering, Healthwatch Newham, Healthwatch Redbridge, Healthwatch Tower Hamlets and Healthwatch Waltham Forest undertook research about the impact of Covid-19 on disabled people. They spoke to 580 people over the period January to June 2021.
They found that there was no “one size fits all” solution to people’s communication and information needs – these would have to be tailored to different people. GPs could play a crucial role in disseminating information and personalised outreach can make information more accessible.
Covid-19 related disruptions have created a backlog of untreated cases in non-urgent healthcare; especially affecting secondary and specialist care. To manage this, a fair and transparent prioritisation system is needed.
Most people had experienced telephone or online consultations. These can be beneficial for some disabled people who find it difficult to travel, but those with sensory impairments, learning disabilities or a language barrier are most likely to struggle.
Respondents were diverse in terms of care needs and living circumstances, ability to leave the house and use online services.
The report contains an analysis of the findings by a number of demographics and raises questions for service providers about the best way of meeting disabled people’s needs.