Previous JSNA products - Staffordshire Observatory

Contents

Indirect impact of COVID-19


Indirect impact of COVID-19

 

Healthcare system changes

Reductions in Acute Care

  • COVID-19 has led to radical changes in the way people are using NHS and social care services. In Staffordshire, comparing Mar-Dec 2020 to the same period in 2019:

    •  53,800 (39.4%) fewer elective (planned) inpatient admissions

    • 23,900 (24.9%) fewer non-COVID emergency inpatient admissions
  • Maternity admissions fell by 1450 (9.8%) over the same period

  • Sharp reduction in hospital activity between March and April 2020.

  • Emergency inpatient admissions and elective volumes have partially recovered but remain well below 2019 levels.

  • Reductions more notable in Black and Asian communities and younger people (Economic and Social Research Council).

Hospital admissions monthly trend (Staffordshire)

 

Source:  NHS Digital Hospital Episode Statistics data

Impact on hospital waiting lists

  • The reduction in acute hospital care has led to a substantial increase in waiting lists for routine hospital work.

  • COVID-19 impacted on day-to-day management of hospital wards, leading to a fall in the number of available beds. Coupled with staffing issues related to COVID-19 this has led to a reduction in hospital capacity.

Staffordshire CCG registered patients waiting for hospital treatment

 

Source:  NHS England

Changes in primary care

  • Reduction in GP consultations leading to concerns about care of non-COVID patients, those with long-term health conditions and delayed diagnoses.

  • GP consultations in Staffordshire during 2020 lower than England rate (using experimental data).

  • For 2020 40.9% of GP consultations in Staffordshire took place remotely, compared to 9.6% in 2019. This was higher than seen nationally (36.0%).

Percentage of GP and face to face appointments in general practice, January 2020 - December 2020

Support for those most vulnerable

  • 62,371 clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV) people were identified in Staffordshire and contacted with an offer of support.

  • Support included emergency food parcels, help with essential domestic supplies and medication, and befriending.

  • The Voluntary sector played a key role in providing support to those most vulnerable, with Staffordshire experiencing a rise in social action.

  • 4,675 referrals for support were made by statutory public sector organisations to voluntary sector ‘anchor organisations’.

Call Centre and NHS Referrals to the Voluntary Sector