Public urged to give feedback to shape future care

A new campaign has been launched by the Care Quality Commission and Healthwatch England to call on all people who access services to help shape future health and social care.

The ‘Because we all care’ campaign follows new research which shows that 67 per cent of people in England say they are more likely to act to improve health and social care services since the outbreak of coronavirus.

According to the research, 57 per cent of people said they would be more willing since the coronavirus outbreak to support NHS and social care services by actively providing feedback on their care. The results also show that people say they are more grateful for the healthcare services they receive – particularly GP and hospital services – since the outbreak.

With the public already giving generously to health causes, the polling suggests that the 18-34 age group is now significantly more likely to feedback on care (72 per cent), and to donate to or fundraise for a relevant health cause (52 per cent).

Furthermore, 18 per cent of people now consider themselves even less likely to provide negative feedback on care. Among the key reasons cited were a recognition of the challenging circumstances health care staff face (56 per cent) and not wanting to cause further issues for services to deal with (42 per cent). 

Kate Terroni, Chief Inspector Adult Social Care at the CQC, said: “People working in health and social care have been going to extraordinary lengths to deliver good, safe care during this global crisis. They have never had a more crucial – or a more challenging – role to play.

“This research clearly shows the public’s appreciation for the care and support they and their loved ones have received and it’s inspiring that people are now looking for ways to channel this into practical action. Now more than ever, every voice really does matter. It’s only by hearing what’s working and what’s not, that health and social care providers can improve the quality of care and support that they are delivering."

Sir Robert Francis QC, chair of Healthwatch England said: "These findings are good news. As the UK looks to the future after Covid-19, it's never been more important for people to share their experiences of care. Services won’t bounce back overnight. There'll be problems to tackle but also opportunities to make care better. You can help doctors, nurses and care workers find ways to improve support by sharing your experience.”