Cost of living: people in Cornwall avoiding healthcare to save money

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Summary of report content

Healthwatch Cornwall undertook a survey about the impact of increases in the cost of living on people's heath and wellbeing.  402 people completed a survey between July and November 2023.  

1 in 2 people have avoided going to the dentist 

4 in 10 people have avoided going to the GP about an existing condition. This rises 1 in 2 people who are ‘Really struggling’ or ‘Just getting by’ 

4 in 10 people have avoided going to the opticians 

1 in 5 people have avoided buying over the counter medication they usually rely on - three times more people than Healthwatch England reported in their national survey in March 2023 

1 in 5 people have delayed or avoided a health appointment because they can’t afford travel costs -three times more people than Healthwatch England reported in their national survey in March 2023

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General details

Local Healthwatch
Healthwatch Cornwall
Publication date
Date evidence capture began
Date evidence capture finished
Key themes
Access to services
Cost and funding of services
Health inequality
Lifestyle and wellbeing; wider determinants of health
Medication, prescriptions and dispensing
Parking and transport

Methodology and approach

Was the work undertaken in partnership with another organisation?
No
Primary research method used
Survey
If an Enter and View methodology was applied, was the visit announced or unannounced?
N/A

Details of health and care services included in the report

Details of health and care services included in the report
Adult social care, including care packages and social workers
Dentist
General Practice (GP)
Hospital services- not stated
Optometry services/opticians
Pharmacy

Details of people who shared their views

Number of people who shared their views
402
Types of disabilities
Physical or mobility impairment
Learning disability or difficulties
Types of long term conditions
Mental health condition
Yes
Seldom heard groups
People who are geographically isolated
People on low incomes
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