Patients in Cornwall urged to fill in new survey on NHS waiting times
Healthwatch is focusing on the impact of delays to treatment during the pandemic
Cornwall is being given the chance to have its say on the true impact of NHS waiting times.
Across the UK, millions of people have had their treatment delayed because of the pandemic.
Now a nationwide survey will be used to look at the effects on physical and mental well-being.
It comes after the Royal Cornwall Hospitals' NHS Trust temporarily suspended all routine and urgent surgery due to Covid pressures.
However, Healthwatch Cornwall does not think that is the only reason for the level of demand facing our health service.
Chief Executive Mario Dunn said: "There's been large staff shortages, a lack of accommodation for new staff to come and work and obviously a very high tourist population in the summer season which increases the demand on the health system".
The responses to Healthwatch England's survey will be shared with the NHS to help find a solution.
Mario Dunn from Healthwatch Cornwall said they will be asking health bosses to look at the core issues, saying: "Look, this is a really pressing issue here. Can you tell us how you are going to resolve this? What is your plan? And then we'll work with them to work through those plans to see they come to fruition".
Mario is encouraging as many patients as possible to have their say through the survey.
He continued: "Come to us, come to our website, Healthwatch Cornwall, and tell us about your problems. Fill in the survey and that will help us take up your cause and the cause of everyone who is waiting with the NHS".
You can read more and fill in the survey on Healthwatch Cornwall's website.