How does it feel for me during Covid-19: week commencing 24 May 2021
Download (PDF 158.76 KB)Summary of report content
Healthwatch Leeds report on the findings of a survey about paused or delayed treatment due to COVID-19. The survey ran from 29 April to 24 May 2021 and they received 83 responses.
Over a third reported delayed operations and procedures and a similar number delays to appointments. One in three reported paused ongoing treatment. Less than a quarter had been kept updated whilst they were waiting, and often the updates received were found not to be helpful.
Only 4 people had received additional support while waiting – two of these found it helpful. Almost half of the 59 people who responded to a question about the help and support they needed during the waiting period wanted to be kept informed of waiting times and what would happen to their care and treatment. A third wanted support and advice whilst they waited.
The impact of delayed treatment on people’s lives included negative impacts on mental health, dealing with ongoing pain and discomfort and impact on employment.
The report also includes feedback from local support groups, including from people with Parkinson’s, epilepsy, strokes, cancer and HIV about delayed treatments.