Impact of the Coronavirus pandemic
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Healthwatch Staffordshire and Healthwatch Stoke-on-Trent undertook a survey of local residents’ experience of the Covid-19 pandemic. 217 people responded.
Over three quarters had not had Covid-19. There was substantial evidence to suggest that residents of Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire did not want to burden health and social care services to seek medical advice or care because of the inundated demands that services were experiencing. However, 71% of responders shared that they would feel comfortable in accessing services when or if there was a justifiable need. Where residents did choose to access services the most common point of call was a local GP or NHS 111.
Four in five felt that information on accessing services was clear and concise. Most were able to access required information in the correct language and formatting.
People reported cancelled appointments, psychological setbacks and delayed or cancelled services, as well as positive experiences of accessing services. Over half of responders suggested that their mental health and wellbeing has been affected by coronavirus. Four in five didn’t receive satisfactory mental health care or support.
Nearly three quarters had had a remote health care appointment and over half reported a good experience. Those who had negative experiences often felt that their problem couldn’t be properly diagnosed via a remote appointment.