OVER 60 per cent of people in the South West are keen to improve health and social care following the coronavirus pandemic, according to CQC research.

Research from the Care Quality Commission and Healthwatch England shows that 62 per cent of people in the South West say they are more likely to take steps to improve health and social care services since the outbreak of coronavirus.

In light of their findings, these two organisations have joined forces with other health and care partners to launch 'Because We All Care', a new campaign calling on all people who access services to help shape future health and social care.

The new campaign, which will run extensively on social media, aims to help services identify and address quality issues and support local patients by encouraging people to share feedback on individual experiences of health and social care services.

CQC’s chief inspector of adult social care, Kate Terroni said: "This research clearly shows the public’s appreciation for the care and support they and their loved ones have received and it’s inspiring that people are now looking for ways to channel this into practical action.

"Now more than ever, every voice really does matter. It’s only by hearing what’s working and what’s not, that health and social care providers can improve the quality of care and support that they are delivering."

The research also revealed that 56 per cent of people in the South West would be more willing to support NHS and social care services by actively providing feedback on their care.

It also suggests that 28 per cent of people in the South West are now more likely to donate or fundraise for a relevant health cause since the outbreak of coronavirus.

The results also show that since the outbreak, 41 per cent of people in the South West are particularly more grateful for GP services.

Healthwatch England’s chair, Sir Robert Francis QC said: "These findings are good news. As the UK looks to the future after Covid-19, it's never been more important for people to share their experiences of care. Services won’t bounce back overnight. There'll be problems to tackle but also opportunities to make care better.

"You can help doctors, nurses and care workers find ways to improve support by sharing your experience."

People can give feedback on their experiences of care, or those of someone they care for, on the CQC website: www.cqc.org.uk/give-feedback-on-care

Alternatively, people can use their local Healthwatch: www.healthwatch.co.uk/your-local-healthwatch/list