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