Report: Access to health and social care services in Barnet during Covid-19 lockdown
We asked Barnet residents and people who use health and social care services in Barnet about their experiences of accessing health and social care services during Covid-19 pandemic.
Summary:
The survey included questions about
- Accessing physical healthcare services (including GPs and hospitals)
- Accessing mental health and wellbeing services
- Accessing social care services
Key findings from the survey:
Physical Healthcare:
- The majority of respondents told us that their healthcare provision was affected by some kind of change(s) during the Covid-19 outbreak
- Many respondents reported negative impacts resulting from these changes
- However, some respondents also told us about positive impacts including services being quieter and offering new more accessible ways to speak medical professionals
- Good communication about changes in healthcare provision emerged as an important key theme both in terms of ensuring on-going accessibility of healthcare during lockdown but also in ensuring that certain groups did not face digital exclusion
Mental Health:
- The Covid-19 lockdown had a significant impact on respondents’ mental wellbeing
- Many respondents in Barnet struggled to access mental health support during lockdown
- Respondents were concerned about the long-term impact of the Covid-19 on the provision of mental health services including risks of longer waiting lists and increased health inequalities in the borough
Social Care
- Many Barnet residents experienced changes to the frequency or delivery of their care
- Poor communication from care providers exacerbated stress and anxiety around changes in care
