East sees a downfall in GP visits
Figures show that people may be avoiding doctors visits in case it is too embarrassing or not serious enough
Last updated 8th Sep 2021
41% of people in the East have opted not to see a GP in the last 12 months because they didn't think their symptoms were serious enough.
Experts have said that the amount of appointments have been lower since the start of the pandemic, and have suggested that the worry that the NHS is overwhelmed treating people with coronavirus might be deterring patients from coming forward as they fear they may be wasting the services.
NHS Doctor Emily MacDonagh has partnered with Health company Essity which researched the figures and is supporting them in their 'Check for Change' campaign.
She said:
"It's not for us to judge whether you should or shouldn't have made that appointment. We're here to advise you, and I do think if you've got a symptom that's new to you or concerning you, you shouldn't worry about being judged for that if you want to speak to a professional."
The research also showed that people are also very unlikely to get their symptoms checked out if the problem relates to bathroom issues or something else they find uncomfortable to talk about.
A quarter of people in the UK said they have delayed visiting their GP because of a problem that they find too embarrassing to talk about. One in 10 have even been avoided going to see their doctor for over two years.
Online versus face-to-face
With digital appointments also becoming the new normal, it has been noted that some patients may struggle to embrace the idea of having a consultation online, and would rather see someone face-to face.
Dr McDonagh said:
"In some ways I think Covid was kind of like a real push for change in the way that we do access the NHS, and I do think some of that change has been positive. But some will welcoming an increase in face-to-face consultations in the coming months."
"Not being able to speak to a doctor face-to-face maybe that has had an impact on how able they feel to talk about their problems. And I'd say for others it probably was the opposite."
Experts are calling for the public to book an appointment if they notice a change in their bodies, and want to see them sooner rather than later.
Dr MacDonagh said:
"Try to remember that doctors, nurses, any health professional; we've all been trained usually for a long number of years and are very accustomed to talking to people about things that could be perceived as embarrassing. Anything that goes on in the bathroom or the shower is not something that we would find embarrassing."
The importance of getting checked for abnormalities has recently also came to light following the death of Sarah Harding over the weekend (Sunday 5th September) . The Girls Aloud singer from Ascot died from breast cancer, and had previously said she hadn't wanted to seek medical advice after finding lumps under her arm in December 2019.
Social media users have posted about their thoughts on the issue which may seem daunting for many, and charities are speaking out and reminding people they are not alone, and can access help and support in many different ways.