Peterborough mothers describe feeling ‘isolated’ in new Covid-19 survey

The latest survey from Healthwatch Cambridgeshire and Peterborough has heard from women attending maternity appointments alone as part of a survey it has conducted.

The independent health and care champion said: “Some have shared experiences of feeling isolated during their pregnancies and after birth - affecting their physical and mental health.”

However, the quality of care has largely been ‘good’ or ‘excellent’.

Feedback received in the survey included:

. “Being pregnant during this time has been so sad and lonely… I have been into hospital recently due to lack of movement with baby and having to be in and do it all alone is petrifying.”

. “My partner has been unable to attend any antenatal appointments…I ’ll also have to recover from my c section alone.”

. “Things have been different but I don’t feel the standard has dropped… also impressed that all of my midwife appointments went ahead in person.”

. “Lack of contact with health visitors has made me feel isolated and alone with my newborn.”

. “I had to have my six-week check up by phone at which point I explained that I needed my stitches checked as advised by a midwife at the 13-day check to be told to check these myself!?!”

There were 213 responses from people across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough from July 2 to August 1 with information being fed back to local NHS and care teams to help improve services.

Highlights from the report, according to Healthwatch, include:

. With some services restarting and others still paused, there continues to be many changes for local people

. People say that they have found it harder to keep up-to-date with the changes to information and advice around how to keep safe

. Respondents query the reopening of services and question the impact of delays on their illness and prognosis

. They also share concerns about how things will look in the future - including safety measures in hospitals and at GP practices

. However, where people have been using services, three out of four rated their experience as good or excellent.

. The health, wellbeing, and safety of NHS staff, care and other keyworkers also remains important to many local people, who have continued to express their thanks and support.

Healthwatch CEO Sandie Smith said: “People continue to have a lot of questions about services and what is happening about treatment and operations.

“So communication is still the priority for local people. They need information and also reassurance that those in most urgent need will be treated first.

People can still give their views online at https://www.healthwatchpeterborough.co.uk/share-your-views or by calling 0330 355 1285.