What care and support did Birmingham citizens need during the Covid-19 lockdown?


‘What care and support did Birmingham citizens need during the Covid-19 lockdown?’ examines over people’s experiences of accessing health and social care support in Birmingham during the Covid-19 lockdown.

30/10/2020
By Healthwatch Birmingham
Investigations 2020

Based on feedback from over 500 Birmingham residents, we found some issues of concern, particularly around support for vulnerable citizens. These include:

  • Difficulties obtaining medication and supplies
  • Concerns over hospital discharge
  • Lack of mental health support
  • Inadequate information about cancelled appointments and ongoing treatment

The report also contains examples of where services worked well, alongside details of Healthwatch Birmingham’s own impact during the lockdown, when we helped people who contacted us for urgent information about emergency support.
What care and support did Birmingham citizens need during the Covid-19 lockdown? Download File (pdf 1.05 MB)

The first Covid-19 lockdown was a testing time for Birmingham, and the city’s health and social care sector rose admirably to the challenge of caring for citizens during unprecedented circumstances. Despite the amazing work of our health and care workforce, our report shows where gaps in support emerged, affecting the most vulnerable in society. We also celebrate what worked well and highlight areas for improvement with the aim of enabling Birmingham’s health and social care services to provide everyone with the care and support they need.