Citizens Focus Panel: December 2020 - GP and pharmacy access
Download (PDF 357.98 KB)Summary of report content
Healthwatch Cheshire conducted a survey into GP and Pharmacy access during December 2020 relating to access during the COVID-19 pandemic from 50 people.
The report found that a considerable number of people reported that they don’t want to overburden services at the moment. This is further evidenced by concerns about making and attending appointments. Despite their concerns, many people have made contact with their GP over the last few months, albeit with some increased difficulty, due to demand. Many indicated that issues communicating with their pharmacy and less availability of medicines was particularly prevalent in the early months of the pandemic. Queues outside to access services, often in adverse weather conditions, were common. People accepted the need for such measures however, and felt safe accessing their pharmacy, despite the difficult circumstances.
Healthwatch Cheshire will feed this information to those who provide and commission health and care services to improve the future experiences of people. The next survey will begin in January 2021.