The Patients Association has published a report of patient experiences of Covid-19. The results show the massive toll on all patients of the coronavirus pandemic and the emergency measures taken in response to it. Some patients reported good ongoing care, and were impressed by the way their local communities came together to support them.
The report contains recommendations for the next phase of the emergency response, and also a call for the health and care system to be built back better after the pandemic: the current emergency footing cannot be the basis for the ongoing relationship between patients and the NHS.
The report proposes a number of principles for ensuring everyone has the best possible experience including:
- Recognise that the impact of the crisis will fall hardest on those who already face discrimination and inequality
- Maintain the principles and values of patient choice, shared decision making and voice,
- Ensure there are fully resourced services available to help people maintain people’s mental wellbeing,
- Provide clear, concise and timely communication, updated regularly.