Agenda item

To receive a report from Healthwatch on peoples expereinces in Westminster during the Covid-19 pandemic.

4.1          Olivia Clymer (CEO, Healthwatch Central West London) presented a report detailing resident experiences of Covid-19 from March 2020 onwards. It was explained that a variety of methods and channels had been used to gather the insights set out within the report with an additional focus on young people and local BAME communities.

4.2          The following key findings from the report were highlighted and discussed by the Committee:

·         Digital Exclusion – It was noted that participants often felt frustration that they felt excluded from access to treatment or engagement because of a lack of access to, or understanding of, new technology. Feelings of stress, isolation and uncertainty were frequently reported by participants when asked about their use of technology during this period. The Committee discussed the importance that provision for those who did not or couldn’t use technology needed to remain a vital part of all health and social care services.

·         Mental Health Concerns – The Committee was advised that nearly all of those people participating in the survey had confirmed that their mental health had been affected during the period of lockdown with many experiencing feelings of loneliness, anxiety, fear and panic. There was a concern amongst participants that this period would have long-term effects for their mental health and their relationships with others. The Committee discussed the findings and suggested this was an important area which would require further scrutiny in the future.

·         Stigma and Alternative Information – The Committee was informed about the stigma often attached to contracting Covid-19, including a social stigma of having family members who had died from Covid-19. It was also recognized that there was a prevalence of alternative information regarding the pandemic shared via social media. This information often suggested false, alternative treatments which had no scientific and empirical background.

4.3           The Committee discussed how the BAME community had been disproportionately affected by the pandemic and what work was being undertaken to address this. Transport was highlighted as a challenge in trying to ensure those residents unable to leave their homes could access vaccination centres. There was a concern over a lack of knowledge about Covid-19 and vaccines and it was explained that different options were being explored to ensure adequate information about services and support was distributed to those areas of the community identified. The importance of disseminating information to local faith groups or community leaders was highlighted to help assist and support those people requiring it. The importance of ensuring these areas of the community were supported was highlighted and noted by the Board.

4.4           Members raised the importance of Patient Participation Groups (PPGs) and the importance of ensuring they played an active role within the community, especially during the pandemic. It was essential that CCGs helped encourage and support PPGs and whilst it was recognised there were difficulties due to the current situation this was an opportunity to discuss local issues and improve the service provided. As part of progressing some of the findings from the report the Committee requested that the local CCGs be written to advising them of the importance of PPGs to ensure these groups remained active during the pandemic. It was also requested that the CCGs be asked to respond to the Committee on the findings contained within the Healthwatch report.

4.5      The Committee thanked Healthwatch for producing a very informative report which highlighted the challenges faced by local people in terms of their social wellbeing and mental health.  The report’s findings were noted and would greatly assist in the process of engaging and supporting local communities during the Covid-19 pandemic.