Lessons from health visiting during COVID-19: the experiences of South Gloucestershire residents
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Healthwatch South Gloucestershire undertook research on access to health visiting services during Covid-19 as they had received feedback that pregnant women and new parents had found it difficult to access information and help. They undertook a focus group and a survey. Between March and late April 2022, they collected responses from 118 people.
- There are good examples of health visiting in South Gloucestershire. However, the service is not consistent across the patch.
- Health protection/prevention conversations were not always provided, and people were not receiving the same information, potentially furthering inequalities.
- Women who had their first baby during this period may be disinclined to engage with health visiting for future births, due to a poor experience.
- Assumptions are made about the knowledge mothers have if they already have had children. • While GP services are under ongoing pressure, mums should be encouraged to seek advice and guidance on childhood illnesses from the full range of options in primary and secondary care
- Conversations about mental health are not consistent across the patch and depend on the mother being proactive
The report contains nine recommendations.