A partnership of local organisations, including the NHS in Devon, Torbay Council and the voluntary sector, is urging the public to share their experiences with using digital or internet services before the end of the month.
The COVID-19 outbreak has been a difficult time for us all, including local health, care, wellbeing and community support services such as hospitals, homecare agencies and charity organisations.
These services have had to adapt to help protect the public, their staff, clients and visitors, with many introducing a ‘digital’ way to use their service. This may have involved using technology such as computers, tablets or smartphones to use the service via the internet, not just a phone call.
Now a partnership of these local organisations – including Torbay Council, Healthwatch Torbay, Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, Torbay Community Development Trust, Age UK Torbay, Teignbridge Community & Voluntary Services and Eat That Frog – are working together to find out more about people’s experiences with digital ways of using services and the potential barriers they may be facing.
They have collectively created a public survey for people who have tried to use local services, find advice or connect with others ‘digitally’ during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It is available to fill out online via www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/TorbayDigitalInclusion.
The survey is open to the public until 31st May 2021. Local healthcare consumer champion Healthwatch Torbay will then be independently collating and analysing all data received and creating a final report to share with local providers, commissioners and stakeholders.
Jackie Stockman, Cabinet Member for Adult Services and Public Health in Torbay, said: “With essential services still facing unprecedented challenges, it is really important to share your feedback on what is working well or what may need addressing, as those leading these local services can use your feedback to improve their offer to you.”
“So whether you’ve had a positive or negative experience, either for yourself or those you care about, please let us know what you think about using digital services by filling out our survey. It really could make a huge difference.”
If you require help to fill out this survey, please call Healthwatch Torbay on freephone 08000 520 029. Printed surveys, including an easy-read version, can also be available upon request by calling this number or emailing admin@healthwatchtorbay.org.uk.
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