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Summary of report content

To gather a full understanding of the experience of staff working in health and care services during the COVID-19 pandemic, Healthwatch Kirklees used a variety of different engagement approaches and tools such as a survey and focus groups. We also asked people to share their experiences with us in creative ways such as stories, pictures, poems and word clouds. There were 35 responses to the Kirklees staff survey.

People commented on their wellbeing. They appreciated supportive colleagues and managers, but others felt that it had been stressful transferring working from home and getting their work/life balance right.

Some felt that they managed to adapt their service delivery.  Staff commented how they had been able to adapt quickly to change. However, they were aware of the impact of postponed appointments on the public, and felt the impact of working long hours.

Staff were able to implement safety measures and implement the wearing of PPE quickly, but some experienced problems in obtaining suitable items quickly.

Most staff felt that delivering services online and having interaction with their colleagues online had gone well.  One member of staff acknowledged that not everyone could afford or use digital technology, but they had still been able to deliver a face to face service.

The report finishes with an analysis of comments by different services.

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20201116_Kirklees_The-health-and-care-experiences-of-staff-working-in-Kirklees-during-the-Covid-19-outbreak-3-1.pdf