Carers and the impact of COVID-19

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Summary of report content

Healthwatch Sunderland undertook a survey on the impact of Covid-19 on carers, which was one of their priority areas it decided to focus its efforts on in 2021/22.  They received 74 responses in March and April 2022.

Overall, most carers felt the support they had during COVID-19 from services had not changed despite demand on services during the pandemic. Over half of respondents rating services as very good.

Overall, most carers were happy with GP access they received during COVID-19.

Carers feel they are still unsure of the services available to support them and can find social care support difficult to navigate. Some carers were unaware that they were entitled to a carer’s assessment, which would help them to navigate support that is available.

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General details

Report title 
Carers and the impact of COVID-19
Local Healthwatch 
Healthwatch Sunderland
Date of publication 
Thursday, 16 June, 2022
Date evidence capture began 
Tuesday, 1 March, 2022
Date evidence capture finished 
Saturday, 30 April, 2022
Key themes 
Access
Booking appointments
Communication between staff and patients
Holistic support
Information providing
Quality of care

Methodology and approach

Was the work undertaken at the request of another organisation? 
No
Primary research method used 
Survey
If an Enter and View methodology was applied, was the visit announced or unannounced? 
N/A

Details of health and care services included in the report

Primary care services 
GP practice
Mental health services 
Community mental health team (CMHT)
Social care services 
Adult social care
Assessment
Day care (social care services)

Details about conditions and diseases

What type of pregnancy or maternity themes are included in the report 
N/A

Details of people who shared their views

Number of people who shared their views 
74
Age group 
Not known
Gender 
Not known
Ethnicity 
Not known
Sexual orientation 
Not known
Does the information include public's views? 
No
Does the information include carer's, friend's or relative's views? 
Yes
Does the information include staff's views? 
No
What was the main sentiment of the people who shared their views? 
Mixed

Outcomes and impact

Were recommendations made by local Healthwatch in the report? 
No
Does the information contain a response from a provider? 
Not applicable
Is there evidence of impact in the report? 
No
Is there evidence of impact external to the report? 
Not known

Network Impact
Relationships that exist locally, regionally, nationally have benefited from the work undertaken in the report
 
Implied Impact
Where it is implied that change may occur in the future as a result of Healthwatch work. This can be implied in a provider  response, press release or other source. Implied impact can become tangible impact once change has occurred.
 
Tangible Impact
There is evidence of change that can be directly attributed to Healthwatch work undertaken in the report.