Croydon’s COVID-19 shielders feedback helps develop support service
Press release: 23 December 2020
Shielders said that overall service was good, but communication could
have been better and some organisation more consistent.
Friends and family had big role to play in supporting people.
Mental health support is needed, particular for those who live alone.
Croydon COVID-19 shielders shared their experiences on first lockdown to help deliver
better services for the second one, because of insight led by Healthwatch Croydon, which
is published today.
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Croydon Council were required to lead the delivery
of shielding services for over 8,000 residents. Healthwatch Croydon, the local resident’s
champion for health and care services, ran a survey from August to October 2020. They
wanted to find out the views of shielders including their experience of shielding, how
effective the Council’s actions had been in providing information about services, whether
shielders needed extra services beyond those initially suggested. They also wanted to
know their experience when shielding has been paused, including the use of telephone
and video consultations.
The experience of those using shielding services in Croydon due to COVID-19, published
today presents the following findings and recommendations. These were shared with
Croydon Council in October before second lockdown which enabled services leaders to
make changes to improve services for shielders based on their views.