Covid-19 report
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Healthwatch Walsall undertook a survey to find out people’s experiences of health and social care during the Covid-19 pandemic. 68 people responded to the survey during the period 3 April to 5 October 2020.
Over four in five had not had any symptoms of Covid-19. Of those that said they had had symptoms of the disease, 90% had not sought medical care or advice. Of those that had, a third had sought help from their GP.
Over four in five found it easy to find clear and understandable information about keeping safe during the pandemic. Nearly all said that the information was in a language that they needed.
Nearly three in five said that during the pandemic they had continued to receive treatment for a condition that had existed before it started. Those whose treatment stopped told of cancelled appointments and treatments.
Nearly half had tried to use their GP, and nearly three in ten had tried to use their pharmacy. People who had tried to use hospital services found that they couldn’t always access the hospital.
Nearly three in five said that their mental health and wellbeing had been affected by the pandemic, most frequently depression and low mood.
A third said that their healthcare for other conditions had been affected by the pandemic. Nearly quarter said that their experience of social care had been affected by the pandemic.
Patients felt that there is some confusion or lack of information about how to access a GP appointment, and that online forms and patient apps can be misleading.
There were 6 recommendations on more and better information, appointment booking and triage.