The forgotten people of the pandemic

There’s no denying that Covid-19 has had a huge impact on our lives; positively or negatively. We should all take this pandemic seriously. As Covid-19 is the only thing on our minds right now, it’s understandable that people are fearful. However, there’s a world hidden in this pandemic.

Most of the things we see on TV are Covid-19 related. As well as it being important and factual to report honest news during this crisis, it’s assuring to see some people trying to create light out of these dark times. Whether that be fundraising for the NHS or creating funny videos online to make people smile.

But where is the news of Covid-19’s impact on the people with pre-existing medical conditions? There wasn’t much media coverage on the variety of conditions before the pandemic. It seems as though people have been dismissive towards those who were suffering long before these times.

Everyone deserves to get the support and treatment they need- pandemic or not

The pandemic has affected everyone in some way. Yet it has impacted those with existing conditions more. Those of us who have to deal with medical conditions on a daily basis understand how lonely and scary it can be. Along came shielding, which meant many have had to isolate and deal with issues all by themselves.

“Having your right to treatment delayed during these unprecedented times is causing additional stress.”

Those with pre-existing health conditions are understandably even more anxious about the virus’s potential to cause signficant damage.

Having your right to treatment delayed during these unprecedented times is causing additional stress. It’s about time the government offer actual support. Although it’s a blessing in disguise to have things such as ‘Facetime’, Skype and Zoom, nothing is more comforting than being there with someone for support.

Also, people are worried about entering hospitals for treatment or going near doctors and nurses. It is important that the news and health care professionals advocate constantly for people to get their treatment for whatever conditions that may be. It is vital for those who can spread the message to promote the importance of other issues too.

The impact on people’s lives

Versus Arthritis has confirmed that more people than ever are waiting for joint replacements. Delayed surgeries prolongs the suffering that many had to face even before Covid-19. Having dealt with arthritis myself, I understand the pain and frustration of not getting the treatment you deserve. The NHS was already behind on waiting lists, and now the situation has escalated.

Many will say that there are more important things going on right now, and how delaying treatment is protecting patients. But how long can avoidance continue?

I know someone who had cancer surgery delayed at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. It’s terrifying to think people with serious life-threatening conditions like this are not a priority. Cancer Research UK states that there have been an estimate of over 2,000 delayed diagnoses of cancer during lockdown.

Early into the pandemic, ‘BBC News’ spoke to a doctor about the delay of cancer surgeries. Professor Clare Turnbull stated: “In some cancers, a three-month delay could make the difference between a tumour being curable or not.”

It’s understandable that safety has to be a priority for all. However, there is only so long this can carry on for. For some, it’s a matter of life or death.

The lack of media facing our most vulnerable

I’m sure we all remember hearing the devastating news during lockdown about outbreaks in care homes. To see Covid-19 affecting vulnerable people in our society was something all of us struggled with. The Office of National Statistics has since reported that 50% of all Covid-19 related deaths in care homes were those who suffered from dementia.

Being kept inside can cause a lot of distress for these individuals and their carers. But is that the sacrifice that should be made to keep them safe? This could easily become a heated debate. It is bewildering to see this not being spoken about more in mainstream media.

Those with dementia were already not spoken about enough before Covid-19 entered our lives. Now, they are a part of the forgotten people of the pandemic.

There are so many people in this country that go unheard and unnoticed. Surely it is time for people to be more aware of those secretly suffering, and we should be doing everything in our power to help?

How come I can go to the pub, but not get my ultrasound?

What I find most bizarre about this whole situation is that pubs are open, you can go to your favourite restaurant and you can go shopping. But why can’t I get my ultrasound that I was promised in January? This means myself and others are left without results that could lead to effective treatment. I would argue that there is a similar chance of catching Covid-19 at the hospital and the pub down the street.

“Our lives are back to a new sense of normality and routine. It’s time for hospitals to be too.”

The country has opened up, and we have been out of lockdown now for a while. Our lives are back to a new sense of normality and routine. It’s time for hospitals to be too.

It’s time for people’s medical needs to properly be acknowledged once again.

Robyn Lawrence
Featured image courtesy of Anthony Tran via Unsplash.