Gold Coast doctors concerned patients delaying treatment because of COVID-19 concerns

Gold Coast doctors say they are still concerned by the drop in numbers of those presenting to hospital, worried those with chronic illness are leaving it too late.

DOCTORS want patients suffering from a chronic illnesses to stop delaying treatment because of COVID concerns.

Gold Coast Private and public hospitals emergency medicine specialist Dr Anthony Padowitz is worried coronavirus spikes in southern states will discourage Gold Coast patients from seeking help.

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Gold Coast Private Hospital doctors are crying out to patients to get themselves treated. Fears of COVID-19 are still keeping people away. Dr Anthony Padowitz in the emergency ward. Picture: Jerad Williams

Those of most concern include those who need early intervention, such as diabetics and those with kidney and heart issues.

“The worrying trend is the drop in patients presenting with things like abdominal pain and chronic illness,” Dr Padowitz said.

“This is especially evident in diabetic patients and we have seen some cases where the patient is very ill by the time they arrive at hospital.”

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While some patients are concerned about catching COVID-19, a number have said they did not want to be a burden on the system during the pandemic, Dr Padowitz said.

“But leaving health to the last minute actually puts a strain on the system. If we can treat something earlier that is a better scenario for everyone.

“We want to reassure the Gold Coast community that it is safe, and advisable, to visit a hospital should you be experiencing a medical emergency.

“We have plenty of protocols in place to ensure people are kept safe and well away from those presenting with respiratory symptoms.”