Covid-19 survey: briefing 3
Once again, it turns the spotlight on local people's health and care experiences during the pandemic. This time, they include new mums and mothers-to-be using local maternity services.
Briefing 3 covers 213 responses from people from 2 July to 1 August and reflects a continued mixed picture of health and care across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
Briefing highlights
- With some services restarting and others still paused, there continue to be many changes for local people.
- People tell us that they have found it harder to keep up to date with the changes to information and advice around how to keep safe.
- Our respondents query the reopening of services and question the impact of delays on their illness and prognosis.
- They also share concerns about how things will look in the future - including safety measures in hospitals and at GP practices.
- However, where people have been using services, three out of four rated their experience as good or excellent.
- The health, wellbeing, and safety of NHS staff, care and other keyworkers also remains important to many local people, who have continued to express their thanks and support.
You told us
This time, our survey also heard the voice of maternity service users who have seen many changes to their care due to Covid-19.
New mothers and mums-to-be have had to attend appointments alone. Some have shared experiences of feeling isolated during their pregnancies and after birth - affecting their physical and mental health.
Being pregnant during this time has been so sad and lonely…I have been into hospital recently due to lack of movement with baby and having to be in and do it all alone is petrifying.
Mental health and wellbeing
Four out of five people (80%) said their mental health or wellbeing had been affected by the pandemic with around one in seven (16%) saying the impact has been significant. One in five people said there had not been much of an impact.
For some people, lockdown has been a very anxious time. Others have had a positive experience.
‘For me the lockdown also provided a wonderful escape, rather like the sabbatical I never had. I did not cry, I did not feel stressed.’
Using health services
Just over two thirds of people needed help with a health problem. Four out of five (82%) people knew where to get help.
Across all services, nearly three quarters of people said their care was good or excellent.
People continue to share their concerns for their health because treatment and investigation for a condition has been delayed or cancelled.
‘My autism diagnostic has been delayed and the waiting list was already over two years long before the pandemic. My anxiety and ability to leave the house have worsened.’
People at greater risk and shielding
Nearly four in ten (38%) people at greater risk had been advised to shield. The impact for some people who have been shielding has caused difficulties whereas others have managed well.
Very difficult to find out information about levels of shielding, got the most information from UK-based facebook groups for people with same medical issue. It seems government shielding letters are very hit and miss.
Your thanks to keyworkers
People's appreciatation and thanks to keyworkers have been a constant throughout our three-month survey.
District nurses have been wonderful - incredibly caring, as they always are but it's particularly appreciated at the moment.
Read the briefing report here
Keep sharing your experiences
Your health and care experiences are still wanted, even though our survey has closed.
Our job is to listen to what you have to say, understand any concerns you may have, and make sure your voice is heard and acted on by people running local services.
