Annual Report 2021-2022

Key Findings

Long COVID:

• Mental Health Impact: 75% of people with Long COVID reported a negative impact on their mental health.
• Trust in Primary Care: 1 in 6 felt their symptoms were not believed by primary care providers.
• Need for Specialized Care: 75% of respondents expressed a preference for a one-stop clinic for Long COVID care, rather than navigating multiple separate referrals.

Maternity Services during COVID-19:

• Feedback from 354 responses highlighted the importance of having partners present during scans, labor, and post-birth.
• The pandemic brought mixed feelings about remote care: some found virtual appointments convenient, while others felt it was impersonal and rushed.

Health Inequalities:

• HWNN's engagement revealed that vulnerable communities, including ethnic minorities, people with mental health issues, and disadvantaged groups, face barriers in accessing health and social care.
• Digital exclusion was a notable issue, with some groups needing more support to access healthcare services online.

Patient Feedback:

• Concerns were raised regarding planned changes in primary care, particularly affecting vulnerable patient groups with severe and multiple disadvantages. HWNN played a key role in influencing the establishment of a Stakeholder Group to manage this transition.