Cornwall Residents ‘Really Struggling’ as Cost-of-Living Crisis Hits Health Choices

Half of those surveyed avoid health appointments due to financial pressures

Healthwatch Cornwall has published a preliminary cost-of-living report revealing the impact of financial pressures on residents’ health decisions. The survey, conducted late last year, gathered responses from over 400 people across the county. It serves as a snapshot ahead of broader research set to be released by the independent health and social care watchdog in early 2025.

Survey Findings Highlight Struggles

According to the report, more than half of the respondents described themselves as either ‘really struggling’ or ‘just getting by’ financially. This financial strain has led to significant impacts on their health choices:

• Avoiding the Dentist: 1 in 2 people have not visited the dentist.
• Neglecting GP Visits: 4 in 10 people have not consulted their GP about an existing condition. This figure rises to 1 in 2 among those who are ‘really struggling’ or ‘just getting by’.
• Skipping the Optician: 4 in 10 respondents have avoided eye tests.
• Skipping Medication: 1 in 5 people have not bought over-the-counter medication they usually rely on, three times the national average reported by Healthwatch England in March 2023.
• Skipping Health Appointments: 1 in 5 have delayed or avoided a health appointment due to travel costs, also three times the national figure.

Challenges Ahead for Health Services

Debbie Gilbert, Chief Executive Officer of Healthwatch Cornwall, expressed concern over the increasing pressures facing the community. Debbie noted that with the cost of living expected to worsen, issues like cuts to winter fuel payments could further complicate matters for those already grappling with health and social care needs.

“The snapshot survey we’ve just published represents a building block for the more detailed research that’s currently underway,” said Debbie. “Our work is all about listening to feedback from local communities and presenting our findings to NHS decision-makers and other leaders so services can improve.”

Next Steps and Future Reports

Healthwatch Cornwall has committed to ongoing research to better understand the challenges faced by residents. Their upcoming publication, The Dental Crisis in Cornwall – Your Questions Answered, is scheduled for release in October.

View the Cost of Living report here or for more information, visit Healthwatch Cornwall’s website.