Agenda item

Healthwatch Lincolnshire COVID19 Barometer Campaign

(To receive a report from Sarah Fletcher, Chief Executive of HWLincs, which invites the Board to consider the preliminary results of the first six weeks of the Healthwatch Barometer Survey of Lincolnshire residents as to the impact of COVID19 on their health and wellbeing, and to consider any impact to current Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy priorities)

Minutes:

 

The Chairman invited Sarah Fletcher, Chief Executive of HWLincs to introduce the report relating to the Healthwatch Lincolnshire Covid-19 Barometer Campaign.

 

The Board noted that under the Health and Social Care Act 2012, Healthwatch was required to engage with the general public as to their experience of heath and care services.  It was noted further that HWLincs held the contract to deliver the Healthwatch services in Lincolnshire.  It was highlighted that until mid-March this had been conducted predominantly by face to face contact.  With the outbreak of Covid-19, processes had been re-evaluated; and to ensure that the statutory requirements were continued to be met, this had resulted in the launch of more digital engagement, hence the planned 13 week survey, to see what the impact of Covid-19 was having on Lincolnshire's resident's health and wellbeing.

 

An overall summary of the responses received so far were detailed on page 24 of the report.  It was highlighted that above all else there was a concern for those who were vulnerable and weak; and there was an element of frustration expressed at mixed and negative messages being given out through fake news, media and government sources.

 

Attached at Appendix A to the report was a copy of a presentation which provided details of the summary of findings.  Particular reference was made to Q5.  Do you feel that you or your loved ones quality of care (not related to Covid-19) is being affected negatively? The Board was advised that some patients had received cancellation of subsequent appointments.  Some had been discharged from hospital, but had been unable to go home as there had been insufficient carers available to restart the care package.  Also highlighted was the difficulties some patients were having getting a GP appointment.

 

The Board also noted the hidden and long term impact on the mental health of NHS and care staff across the county; the bereaved; the lonely, particularly older people who had been in lock down; for those that were stressed; for those home schooling; for those furloughing; and for the uncertain economic future for all in Lincolnshire.

 

It was highlighted that although there had been some challenges and that these would be continuing for a while yet; there had been some positive outcomes which needed to be built on.  These included community activism; movement of volunteerism; having to plan and work differently to ensure that services were provided; having to network and engage differently and looking at priorities post Covid-19.  Reference was also made to the lessons learnt from the Lincolnshire Resilience Forum and from National Best Practice.

 

During discussion, the following points were raised:-

 

·               The need for the Lincolnshire Health and Wellbeing Board to use some of the evidence gathered to inform priorities going forward;

·               Whether there was link into the Lincolnshire Resilience Forum.  Reassurance was given that HWLincs was working with the Lincolnshire Resilience Forum and district councils; and

·               A suggestion was made for the creation of a data base providing details of those that have helped during the pandemic, particular reference was made to skills and available resources, which might help should another crisis occur in Lincolnshire.  The Board was advised that the Volunteer Centre held and maintained such information.

 

RESOLVED

 

That the preliminary results of the first six weeks of the Barometer survey be received and that consideration be given by the Board to any impact to current Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy priorities.

Supporting documents:

 

 
 
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