Healthwatch survey reveals more patients are avoiding the dentist due to cost
A survey conducted by Healthwatch England has revealed that more patients are avoiding going to the dentist due to rising costs, including travel and transport.
A recent poll of 2,000 adults showed that many people are avoiding going to the dentist because they can’t afford the cost of treatment or the cost of getting there is too high. There are also concerns that patients are missing out on treatment by forgoing prescriptions because they can’t afford to pay for the items they need.
Healthwatch England representatives said that the survey results were worrying, especially as most health issues tend to get worse if they are left untreated. People are increasingly concerned about travel costs and they are anxious about seeking advice because they can’t afford to pay for treatment.
Between October and December 2022, the proportion of patients who missed an NHS appointment due to travel costs rose from 6% to 11%. Around 15% of those surveyed avoided going to the dentist for a check-up in December due to cost. This is a significant increase from 3% in October. There was also an increase in the number of people avoiding picking up prescriptions from 6% to 10% during the same period as a result of cost.
Lynda Hesketh is one of many patients struggling to keep up with healthcare costs during the cost of living crisis. Lynda, from Cheshire, has rheumatoid arthritis and needs to keep warm to ease muscle pain. She said that the situation is “very stressful” and “extremely worrying” and her health and well-being are deteriorating as a result.
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