26.03.2024
Musculoskeletal service given clean bill of health by patients
Healthwatch South Tyneside commissioned research to establish the impact of Covid-19 on the mental health of adults and the services provided in the borough.
Sunderland market research consultancy MMC Research & Marketing carried out a ten-minute online survey which asked a series of questions relating to respondents’ mental health and access to services where needed.
Nearly 200 people took part, providing a clear insight into the harmful effects of lockdown and other enforced restrictions on normal life during the pandemic.
Findings included:
Healthwatch has published a report on the survey, which has been shared with Healthwatch England, South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, South Tyneside Clinical Commissioning Group and South Tyneside Council.
It has a number of recommendations for improved access to mental health services both now and in the event of a future pandemic:
Arthur McKean, Interim Chair of Healthwatch South Tyneside, said: “We commissioned the research in order to gather a clear picture of the pandemic’s impact on the mental health of adults in the borough.
“It has confirmed there was a significant negative impact on diet, sleeping and alcohol consumption, but also long delays for many in accessing much needed support services.
“We are calling for improved online self-help resources and better signposting to them, and a review of waiting times for the Lifecycle service. There have also been positive outcomes from the pandemic such as choice over the format of consultations including virtual which we would like to see continue.”
Download a copy of the full report here: Healthwatch South Tyneside Adult Mental Health Report – March 22.
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