Online Focus Group COVID-19 Testing and NHS Track and Trace

Healthwatch Liverpool ran an online focus group for the public on 15 October 2020 about NHS Test and Trace and Covid-19 testing as they wanted to find out about local residents’ experiences and perceptions of this service.  They spoke to 14 people.

There was a mixture of experiences of testing.  Although all the people who had tried to get a test were successful, one was offered a test an hour’s drive from Liverpool.  They all reported that the process itself was straightforward and all got their results quickly.

Those people who hadn’t got a test were confused about who was eligible for a test.  They also felt wary about visiting a walk-in site as it might expose them to Covid-19 if they didn’t already have it.  People without their own transport were worried about accessing a test if they needed one.

Everyone was aware of the NHS Test and Trace app but only five had downloaded it.  Those who hadn’t didn’t have the right technology or were unsure of the benefits of doing so. People felt that information about infection rates provided by Liverpool City Council was more helpful than that provided via the app.  They felt the clearest and most useful information about the pandemic had come via schools.

Some of those that had used the app had received apparently false notifications about possible Covid exposure which affected their trust in it. Around half of the people in the group were unaware of NHS 119.

The report also looked at people’s experience of being contacted by contact tracers.  People were unsure who needed to self-isolate and how long for.