Report published on residents' views of pandemic challenges

A report highlighting the views of residents on the challenges faced during the coronavirus pandemic has been published.

The report has been compiled by Healthwatch Rochdale – the borough’s local health watchdog – and the nine other local Healthwatches in Greater Manchester.

Around 3,000 people shared their opinions and experiences, and information was collected via surveys, telephone, and through online sessions. Specific areas of the community, such as deaf residents and ethnic minority groups, were also engaged with.

Ben Greenwood, Healthwatch Rochdale interim chair, said: "This is a very important report and shows the themes of the challenges faced by Rochdale residents are shared with residents in other boroughs.

“Covid has had a terrible impact on us all but we really have seen the best of society over the last year especially frontline workers in health and care services. I hope policy makers take these recommendations and implement them as we move out of restrictions."

 

 

Locally, Healthwatch Rochdale found that half of residents who responded received help getting shopping and phone calls to check they were okay. Other help included pharmacy prescriptions (37%), food parcels (10%), shopping vouchers (7%) and housing support (3%).

The BAME community (Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic) required and received more support from GPs and voluntary groups than white British residents, as well as more receiving shopping vouchers and phone calls of assurance.

Seventy-three percent of those over 75 reported needing support through the pandemic. Very few reported getting any support from the council, GP, or community voluntary groups, with the majority receiving support from family or neighbours (help with prescriptions, online shopping, and phone calls).

Additionally, 41% of respondents said they exercised less, whilst 38% have been losing sleep. Encouragingly, 28% have taken the opportunity to learn more or increase hobbies and activities, and 40% said they have increased contact with family and friends.

Dentistry

Access to a dentist has been highlighted as a major problem across Greater Manchester.

Patients need to be reassured that they do not need to become private patients if they are already an NHS patient. Healthwatch suggests a public health campaign on the necessity of good oral health for children and adults would be beneficial.

Healthwatch Rochdale found access to a dentist has been “particularly poor” – especially when dealing with children or the disabled.

Mental health

There has been a great deal of coverage about the impact of lockdown on mental health. A revised Greater Manchester mental health strategy is on its way, but all boroughs need to review their current strategies and priorities.

Healthwatch asks that authorities to look at the ability to meet the demand for services, from health prevention to the treatment of the seriously mentally ill across all age ranges.

Rochdale Healthwatch said 39% of residents reported a deterioration in mental health, compared to 28% reporting a deterioration in physical health due to a lack of routine and exercise from everyday activities because of lockdown.

Mental health concerns included pressures of working from home, home schooling, uncertainty of the future, feeling unsupported and anxious to leave the house. Depression was a common theme linked to isolation, and some respondents said they experienced suicidal thoughts.

Waiting lists and routine care

The pandemic has resulted in huge waiting lists for people with physical health care needs and it will take a long time to recover. However, many patients have steered clear of their GP and there may be a surge in appointment requests post-lockdown.

Locally, 47% of residents felt their access to health and care services decreased, with many reports of planned treatments, checks and operations being delayed. However, 46% of respondents were satisfied with the communication regarding changes to services.

Residents’ suggestions for improvement and the future

Respondents made a number of suggestions for improvement, including increased testing and antibody testing, enforcing clear rules on social distancing, compulsory face masks in public places, access to hand sanitiser and suggestions on where to buy PPE. There were also calls for tougher policing for those breaking Covid-19 rules

It was also suggest there be help with internet or data costs for families struggling to get online for home schooling and work meetings, as well as the possibility of time slots for single parents to shop with younger children.

Further suggestions included support for parents, better services for disabled children, help for those with life-limiting illness or disabilities who are not classes as clinically vulnerable, mental health services for the public, and sharing local stories of Covid-19 patients to lower anxieties.