Frontline medical staff have been working valiantly to help Canadians affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. But a new study from the non-profit Angus Reid Institute finds the treatments aimed at stopping the pandemic's spread - cancelled or suspended surgeries or limited access to hospitals - are also causing distinct side-effects for others in need of care unrelated to the coronavirus.
Nearly two-in-five (38%) say they have faced barriers to accessing medical appointments, regular treatment, and scheduled procedures as a result of prioritizing medical resources for COVID-19 patients.
Most of those affected have been unable to make a needed visit to their family doctor (23%), followed by those who have had to miss an appointment with a medical specialist (18%) and those who have not been able to obtain an advanced diagnostic test, such as an MRI or CT scan (13%)
Among those affected, the vast majority (76%) say it has had an adverse impact on their overall health.
Read the rest of the story here: www.angusreid.org/covid19-medical-access
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