Experiences of managing health and care during the coronavirus pandemic
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Healthwatch Wandsworth launched an online survey to find out from people living in Wandsworth what has been working well, and less well, in health and social care services over the past year.
The survey ran from March 2021 to May 2021.
Many people felt that despite the pandemic, health and social care services provided sufficient and excellent help and support.
- Emergency care and regular health check-ups were said to be available as normal only with minor delays.
- The information provided by GP services and the vaccination programme were particularly praised.
However, a lot of people reported having difficulties with accessing various health and social care services, which in turn has led to the deterioration of their overall health.
- People’s mental health suffered due to the pandemic, and many struggled to get timely access to NHS mental health services.
- Cancelled and rescheduled appointments and surgeries were a source of anxiety to most people, and many of them commented on these delays negatively impacting their physical and mental health.
- Respondents reported difficulties booking GP appointments.
- People who were caring for someone else felt that there was a lack of support and information from social care services and an impact on their mental health.
- Lastly, people commented on the issues in communication between services and towards patients.