By Thomas I. Likness
EBC Edmonton Bureau

EDMONTON (Eagle News) — More than a third of Canadians surveyed said they have trouble getting medical appointments since the pandemic began according to a new public opinion poll.

The non-profit Angus Reid Institute said 38% of people asked say they have faced barriers to accessing medical appointments, regular treatment, and scheduled procedures as a result of prioritizing medical resources for COVID-19 patients.

Surgeries have been cancelled and access to hospitals has been limited since the COVID-19 outbbreak.

For those trying to see their family doctor, 23% say there were unable to get an appointment. Eighteen percent say they couldn’t get in to see a specialist.

Another 13% say they were unable to get a diagnostic test such as an MRI or CT scan.

Among those affected, 76% say it has had an adverse impact on their overall health.

Among low-income Canadians, nearly one-in-ten say they have been unable to access treatment for a chronic illness.

This is nearly twice the number of Canadians overall who say the same.

The Angus Reid Institute conducted an online survey from May 18 to 19, 2020 among a representative randomized sample of 1,777 Canadian adults who are members of Angus Reid Forum. For comparison purposes only, a probability sample of this size would carry a margin of error of plus or minus percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

(Eagle News Service)