Deputy Richard Renouf was responding to one of the findings of the 2020 Jersey Opinions and Lifestyle Survey, which showed that a quarter of adults had sought to delay medical treatment during the pandemic.
‘To hear that as many as 25% of those surveyed delayed seeking treatment is concerning, but a major reason was because people didn’t want to put pressure on services,’ he said. ‘Although this shows a compassionate and thoughtful approach, we urge Islanders to seek appropriate medical advice as and when required from their GP in the first instance.
‘Our outpatient hospital services were reduced throughout the pandemic, but urgent care needs continued to be met, and Islanders were encouraged to continue accessing medical care and treatment through the Urgent Treatment Centre and their GP.’
This year’s JOL survey was adjusted to take the pandemic into account, with more than 2,000 people aged 16 or over answering a series of questions relating to the impact of coronavirus.
As well as increased levels of smoking and drinking, the report outlined the effects on Islanders’ mental health and wellbeing.
‘The Jersey Opinions and Lifestyle Survey offers valuable insight into how Islanders feel about themselves, services and wider social and economic events,’ said Deputy Renouf. ‘While it remains unsurprising that figures show Covid has had a negative impact on people’s general wellbeing, with increases in anxiety, worry, loneliness and boredom, the government has always sought to acknowledge and deal with these issues.’
The minister added that the Health Department was working on a number of initiatives to raise awareness for mental-health support ahead of next month’s Mental Health Awareness Week.
‘It would be remiss of me not to thank the managers and staff of our mental-health services, the Listening Lounge, and our excellent mental-health charities, all of which I understand have seen an increase in referrals throughout the pandemic,’ he said. ‘Their hard work and dedication to helping those in need does not go unrecognised and the government is committed to helping those in crisis and those who are now carrying an extra weight of anxiety in their daily lives.’
