How is Covid-19 impacting on people's access to and experience of health and social care services in Sheffield?

Healthwatch Sheffield’s May 2020 Covid-19 briefing highlighted the impact of the pandemic on mental health, social care, bereavement support and services for vulnerable groups. Many people were understanding of service disruptions and had adapted to telephone or community-based support. However, some reported that reduced access to recovery and substance misuse services had negatively affected their progress. Bereavement organisations also reported increased demand, with social distancing restrictions creating additional challenges for people coping with loss, particularly within refugee and asylum-seeking communities who were grieving from a distance.

Mental health emerged as a major concern. People reported needing additional support during lockdown but often felt uncertain about what services were available or how to access crisis care. Some individuals experienced cancelled appointments without alternative support being offered, while others found telephone-based services unsuitable or anxiety-inducing. Concerns were also raised about reduced social support networks, staff redeployment leading to unfamiliar professionals providing care, and a lack of clarity about future treatment plans. Healthwatch also heard that some people with autism, learning disabilities and dementia were finding service changes particularly challenging.

The briefing highlighted continuing confusion about shielding guidance and support for clinically vulnerable people. Residents reported inconsistent receipt of shielding letters, uncertainty about eligibility for support schemes and concerns about how personal information was being shared. Some found the language used in communications distressing, while others reported being approached about advance care planning in ways they felt were inappropriate. Professionals themselves were not always clear about local support arrangements, leading to inconsistent signposting and advice.

Other concerns related to reduced care packages, difficulties maintaining contact with care home residents, food poverty and slower responses from health and social care services operating remotely. Family carers of people with dementia reported increased pressure because respite services had closed, while some care home residents were unable to communicate effectively with relatives, advocates or support services. Overall, the briefing identified communication, continuity of support, social isolation and consistent access to information as key challenges affecting vulnerable people during the early stages of the pandemic.