Users of mental health services in South Tyneside have called for shorter waiting times for referral, after a survey found many without support or treatment for up to six months.
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:
- 42% of the respondents felt their mental health had deteriorated during the pandemic, due to boredom, isolation/loneliness, fear of catching Covid and anxiety about travelling, shopping and adhering to rules
- 55% said there had been a negative impact on their diet; either comfort eating or not eating enough
- 49% reported trouble sleeping
- 25% had increased alcohol consumption
- 26% wanted more information about the types of services available
- 63% wanted a reduction in waiting time for the Lifecycle service, with 50% waiting one to four months and 17% four to six months to get the help they needed.
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:
- Anticipating increased demand for mental health services.
- Ensuring adequate resources are in place to meet this increased demand, in circumstances which could include lockdowns.
- Improving online self-help resources, to include advice on diet/healthy eating, sleeping, appropriate alcohol consumption etc and increasing awareness of these resources via comprehensive signposting.
- Reviewing the current waiting times for the Lifecycle service and identifying how these could be reduced, with treatment duration to be flexible to take into account of individual needs.
- Identifying positive changes to services that have resulted from the pandemic, such as increased virtual consultations and enabling patients to choose the format of consultations where possible.
- Urging employers to provide counselling services for their staff.
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.
