Surveys

Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, a number of temporary changes have been made to health care services across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, in order to delay the spread of the virus.

The three local Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) have teamed up with Healthwatch Leicester, Healthwatch Leicestershire and Healthwatch Rutland to find out how these changes are affecting local patients.

“We want to improve the care we are providing at this very difficult time to ease daily pressure and keep our patients safe. Your experiences of health and social care services are incredibly valuable to us, and will help us to understand what is positive about the changes and what we need to improve. Your feedback will give us insight into how health services are being delivered now and once the pandemic has passed.”

Dr Ursula Montgomery, Chair of East Leicestershire and Rutland CCG, Speaking on behalf of the three CCGs

Temporary changes which have been introduced across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, as a result of Covid-19, include the closure of seven urgent care centres and two healthcare hubs, as well as changes to the way GP practices work, with many consultations taking place by telephone, online or via video, instead of face to face.

“Some people may wonder why new, temporary ways of accessing and receiving health and care have not been used before, because they work so well. Others may have experienced difficulty or confusion, or worse, felt that they can’t seek the health and care they need at this time. What’s essential is that we hear from as many local people as possible to inform and shape our services for the future. I urge you to take some time to complete the survey, and ask your friends and family to do the same”

Dr Janet Underwood, Chair of Healthwatch Rutland

“Understanding what is the reality of using health and social care services has become even more important during these challenging times. Working together with the CCGs and Healthwatch Rutland we are keen to hear first-hand experience from members of the public, who can share their “highs” and “lows” of using services at the moment.”

Harsha Kotecha, Advisory Board Chair of Healthwatch Leicester and Healthwatch Leicestershire

Questions in the survey include what people think of the new ways of contacting GP practices, whether they have had any treatments delayed or cancelled and whether they have seen changes in home visiting services from social care workers or community nurses. The survey also asks how much of an impact the coronavirus pandemic has had on people’s mental wellbeing and whether they have been able to get help with this.

Dr Montgomery added: “We want to make it as easy as possible for people to take part in our survey, and we know that not everyone uses the internet, so if anyone would like to go through the survey on the telephone we encourage them to call us.”

The survey can be completed here or can be completed over the telephone by calling 07917 722 708. Anyone who needs the survey in a different format can email beinvolved@leicestercityccg.nhs.uk.