Healthwatch East Sussex – COVID-19 Survey Press Release
27th May 2020
Everyone living in East Sussex has been affected by the COVID-19 outbreak and subsequent
lockdown.
Healthwatch East Sussex, the local independent health and care watchdog, has launched
two surveys asking adults and young people aged 11-18 across the county about their
experiences of health and care services, as well as the impact on their wellbeing.
We want to hear from as many people in East Sussex as possible before the surveys close
on the 7th June. The more responses we receive, the greater our understanding will be.
We can then share the views of the public and patients and seek to address concerns.
So far, over 1,000 residents from across the county have answered our call, providing
invaluable information on the impact that social distancing, the lockdown and changes to
services have had on their day-to-day lives.
A snapshot of the findings so far shows:
People are struggling to access dental treatment
There is confusion over Government advice on Covid-19
People feel socially isolated with concerns for their physical and mental wellbeing
Significant anxiety over the health of loved ones, finances, future plans and medical
treatment.
Less consumption of fast food and takeaways
Reduced physical activity and good quality sleep
The Director of Healthwatch East Sussex, John Routledge said:
“It is really important that the public continue to let us know when health and care
services are working well and when they are facing challenges that impact upon their
wellbeing.
We are keen to hear from as many people as possible so that we can better understand
the impact of COVID-19.
The information we receive will be shared with service providers and decision-makers to
help ensure that they are aware of the issues people are experiencing and respond
appropriately.”
Both COVID-19 surveys can be completed in confidence in the following ways:
Adult survey (0ver 18) online: https://healthwatcheastsussex.co.uk/covid19survey/
Young People’s Survey (Aged 11-18) online:
https://healthwatcheastsussex.co.uk/covid19surveyforyoungpeople/
By phone: 0333 101 4007 (lines open Mon-Fri 10am-2pm)
By post: Freepost RTTT-BYBX-KCEY, Healthwatch East Sussex, Greencoat House, 32 St
Leonards Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 3UT
Download a paper survey: Visit the relevant weblink above.
The findings from the surveys will be published on the Healthwatch East Sussex website.
Health and social care service providers will also be informed of the survey results and
Healthwatch East Sussex will publish any changes they will make in response to what you
say.
