Cost-of-Living Impact Report

Report - 29 November 2023

Healthwatch England, the national body who oversee local Healthwatch, developed a survey to understand how the rising cost-of-living is having an impact on people’s physical and mental health and whether it is affecting their ability to access health and social care and maintain a healthy life.

We used an amended version of this survey to find out people’s experiences in Redbridge.


Findings:

Dental Services

Respondents told us one of the major impacts of the cost-of-living crisis is their use of dental services. Over 40% of respondents had decided not to attend their dentist recently due to the rising cost of living.

Accessing prescriptions and over-the-counter medication

We asked respondents to tell us whether there was any impact in accessing prescriptions and over-the-counter medication. 31% of respondents have not purchased regular medication, and just over 20% have not taken one or more prescription items.

Medical appointments

Just over a fifth (21%) of respondents have not attended a medical appointment and 16% have not booked a medical appointment due to the associated costs (travel/telephone/internet).

Read further findings and our recommendations in our Report below.

Downloads

Cost-of-Living Report
Download (PDF 517 KB)

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