A new poll suggests long wait times are leading many Canadians to avoid seeking care, with about half reporting they stayed away from hospitals or doctors. City News Toronto reports that the avoidance includes both not going to see a doctor and not going to the hospital.
Other coverage also frames the findings within broader concerns about the health-care system. National Post adds that the poll finds most respondents think the system needs changes, and it reports that 61% say they are willing to pay for surgery at private clinics. Together, the outlets present the wait-time avoidance as part of wider dissatisfaction, while differing on how much context they provide about potential reforms.
Overall, the sources agree on the core poll result tying long wait times to reduced health-care seeking, but vary in whether they emphasize everyday impact alone or also include respondents’ views on changing the system and paying for private care.
