Fears about covid-19 that are putting people off going to hospital or their GP if they have a health problem could be beginning to ease, a poll suggests.

But one in three Scots surveyed by Yougov say they would still avoid GP or hospital, in a sign that the Stay Home, Protect the NHS, Save Lives slogan might be having unintended consequences.

Just over half said they would not avoid going to their GP practice or a hospital at the moment, compared to 41% a fortnight before.

Meanwhile around a third agreed they would still delay attending their GP or hospital at the moment, compared to 45% who said the same two weeks earlier.

The Scottish Government recently launched an awareness raising campaign to let Scots know the health service was still open for urgent health issues not related to covid-19.

Dr Carey Lunan is the GP fronting the campaign and welcomes the shift in public thinking:

“I want to reiterate that if it’s urgent, it’s urgent, and it is just as important as ever for people to seek help if they have an urgent health concern, or are worried about a potential cancer symptom. 

“You are not being a burden, it’s what the NHS is here for and we want to hear from you.

“Your health and safety are our top priorities, and both GP practices and hospitals are working differently during the pandemic to minimise infection risk. It’s important to reassure you that patients with coronavirus are treated in separate parts of hospitals.

“Likewise, immunisations against other infectious diseases remain a vital part of protecting the people of Scotland, so please do attend your appointments for these. They can easily be rescheduled if you or your family members are showing signs of coronavirus at the time of your appointment.”

Following the NHS being placed on an emergency footing in March, the health service has seen dramatic falls in the number of people seeking help for things like suspected cancer and strokes, as well as a reduction in the number of children being brought in for immunisations.

The University of Edinburgh’s Professor Linda Bauld recently called for more services to be resumed in the wake of a rise in non-covid deaths – including from things like heart disease and Alzheimer’s – compared to the same time frame in previous years in Scotland.

Last month, Cancer Research UK raised concerns about plummeting urgent referrals for suspected cancer.

The Scottish Government’s National Clinical Director, Jason Leitch said the “extraordinary efforts” of health and social care staff had allowed urgent services to continue operating:

“Thanks to them, the NHS remains open because it is vital that you receive urgent medical attention if you need it.

“Your community pharmacy and your GP are open. Your first GP appointment may be by telephone or video but it is still a hugely important step in finding out if you, or your loved one, needs urgent medical help.

“Don’t ignore early cancer signs and symptoms, and certainly don’t delay getting checked - your GP practice is still here for you.

He added: “If you or anyone in your household notices a rapid deterioration in health, seek help immediately – please don’t ignore the early warning signs of serious conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, severe asthma, or diabetic collapse.

“Immunisation appointments are a legitimate reason to leave your home and now more than ever vaccinations in children and pregnant women should be up to date. Our childhood immunisation programmes continue, and we urge parents to take their children to be vaccinated so they can be protected against very serious disease, including meningitis and measles.”

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