Victorians are being urged to stop putting off hospital visits and important health checks during the current pandemic as health agencies report a worrying drop in time-critical procedures and screening checks.
The Minister for Health, Jenny Mikakos said any delays in seeking treatment could lead to worse patient outcomes and potentially more time spent in hospital.
“Hospitals and health agencies have seen a concerning drop in patients presenting to health services with time-critical cardiac and stroke conditions since the pandemic,” Ms Mikakos said.
“Visits to emergency departments have fallen by at least 25 per cent compared to the same time last year,” she said. “There has also been a noticeable reduction in screening, diagnosis and early treatment for cancers.”
Mr Mikakos said presenting for the five most common cancers (colorectal, prostate, breast, melanoma and lung) had reduced by about a third, with an even greater reduction in reports for head and neck cancer.
“This is expected to lead to an increase in cancer diagnoses over the next 12 months and more patients presenting with later-stage incurable disease,” she said.
“If Victorians have a pre-existing medical condition that requires regular treatment from a health professional, it is vital they continue with their usual management plan,” she said.
Ms Mikakos reminded people that hospitals and GP clinics were equipped with telehealth facilities that could allow patients to receive care from home.
