Living through COVID-19 with a respiratory condition
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Healthwatch Central West London carried out research into those living through COVID-19 with a respiratory condition. They conducted a survey with Breathe Easy Westminster, focusing on the type of support and care patients had received during the pandemic, how easy it was for patients to get the help and prescriptions they needed as well as how they coped with the pandemic measures. They collated the views of 75 people either living with a respiratory condition or caring for someone who has a long-term respiratory condition in Westminster.
The survey found that those 50% of respondents were not contacted by their GP, hospital or support organisation in the first wave of the pandemic. The survey found that 31% of respondents did receive supermarket deliveries and 21% received weekly food. However, 20% received no help. 80% of respondents did say they were able to get through to their GP reception easily. However, almost half of respondents said their pharmacist does not deliver prescriptions to their home.
The report recommended that more thought and action needs to be taken to support people who are more vulnerable to catching COVID-19 because of a long-term respiratory condition. This includes not only those who are shielding, but also those with little or no English language skills, those that are digitally excluded, and those that live alone. An issue that requires particular attention is addressing the impact of this period on people’s mental health.