Health & wellbeing during Covid-19
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Healthwatch Camden have been engaging with local residents to hear about the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. They undertook a survey online and by telephone and have had over 800 responses. They have also held in-depth interviews with participants with a diverse range of characteristics.
The survey found that people are experiencing new and exacerbated mental health problems. They find COVID-19 related information confusing and contradictory. They want clear & consistent messaging around the virus, what lockdown means, and how to ease out of lockdown. They are stressed and nervous about starting to use health care services again.
Carers wanted access to Covid-19 testing as many are worried about catching it. Carers are more likely to have used services since Covid-19 emerged
Almost half of respondents have used digital health services since COVID-19. Many have had positive experiences and found the services convenient and high quality, especially when ordering repeat prescriptions or checking in with GPs regarding long-term conditions. However, digital services were not adequate for many people seeking mental health support or for children with complex needs, and many reported long wait times during phone consultations and when dialling 111.
This is an interim report, with the final results to be published in summer 2020.