Healthwatch Northamptonshire Coronavirus Survey Findings Weeks 3 - 5, 15 May – 4 June

Healthwatch Northamptonshire report on the results from their COVID-19 survey for the period 15 May to 4 June 2020.  During this period they received 105 additional responses.

Most people had found it easy to get the information they need but there was mention of some advice being confusing, particularly that relating to national guidelines. Two-thirds of people had needed to contact a GP surgery. Most people were satisfied with the telephone or online triage processes, video appointments and face-to-face appointments. 

Just under a third said they were due planned hospital care or treatment that had been delayed or cancelled because of the coronavirus.  Just over a quarter had received care in hospital during the pandemic and over 4 in 5 were satisfied with it, giving reasons such as caring and compassionate staff, well-organised systems and feeling safe, being seen or treated quickly and having good care,

Sixteen percent said that they, or someone they care for, normally receive home visits from social care workers or community nurses. Three-quarters of these had experienced a change in this care due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Over a third had delayed or put off getting help with a health problem until after the crisis has passed. Reasons given included the need not being urgent, or the service they needed not being available.

Some of the current changes to the way services are delivered were valued and people would like to see them continue, especially remote consultations and online services. Others felt that remote consultations did not work well and highlighted the difficulties with services being closed.

Some people had experienced a significant impact on their mental health and wellbeing while others had not felt much impact or none at all.