Some long term patients say they are not supported

TWO-FIFTHS of people with long-term health problems in West Leicestershire feel they aren’t being supported to manage their condition.

Of those in the West Leicestershire CCG area with conditions such as arthritis, dementia, diabetes or cancer, just three-fifths (60%) said they felt supported, according to the results of the GP survey.

Patients are asked to consider the support they get from a variety of sources, not just GPs but other local organisations.

The figure in West Leicestershire was down from 64% in 2016/17.

It is also the lowest propor- tion that has said they have felt supported in at least seven years - with the proportion dropping from as high as 67% in 2011/12.

However, the methodology of what is included as a long-term condition has varied over the years.

This survey was commis- sioned by NHS England and is conducted by the independent survey organisation Ipsos MORI.

The survey is sent to patients who have been registered with a GP in England continuously for six months or longer before the questionnaire is received.

Long-term conditions includ- ed in the question are Alzheimer’s disease or other cause of dementia, heart conditions, arthritis, breathing condition, blindness, deafness, diabetes, high blood pressure, mental health conditions, learning disabilities, strokes and other health conditions that affect day to day life.