New figures from the NHS have revealed that 3,000 fewer diagnostic imaging scans were undertaken during the coronavirus period compared to the year before.
The Isle of Wight NHS Trust performed 13% fewer tests to diagnose or detect cancer, while there was a further 13% fall in the number of chest x-rays and a 26% fall in ultrasounds of the abdomen and pelvic areas.
The data from the period between March 2020 and February 2021 has been examined and compared to data from the year before by reporting site RADAR.
A halt to treatment deemed non-urgent along with a drop in patients approaching doctors for tests has been blamed for the fall, alongside a radiographer shortage. With fewer patients coming forward, leading to a call from the Hampshire, Southampton, and Isle of Wight Clinical Commissioning Group for anyone concerned about any symptoms to seek medical help.
You or they ‘forget’ the REAL reason for the drop… GP surgeries shut the doors and STILL refuse face to face appointments unless the patient is able to describe symptoms well enough for a Receptionist to tell a Doctor! This disgrace will continue until someone forces GPs to get back to flaming work! Expect many more terminal diagnosis in the coming months and years I suspect.