Doctors have expressed concern that some people with ongoing chronic illnesses or serious ailments may be ignoring their symptoms, and avoiding visiting their GP or Emergency Department (ED) as a result of fears over COVID-19 (coronavirus).

According to practising GP and president of the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO), Dr Padraig McGarry, GPs nationwide have expressed concern that patients may be delaying consultations about non-COVID-19 health issues because of fears about the virus.

"It is important that patients with medical conditions other than COVID-19 are assessed by their GP. The reality is that other ailments don't simply go on pause when there is a pandemic and sometimes a visit delayed or cancelled may lead to a more serious issue further down the line," he explained.

Dr McGarry urged patients who want to consult with their GP, to phone their surgery so that they can be assessed and advised what to do next.

Meanwhile, according to Dr Mick Molloy, a consultant in emergency medicine in Wexford General Hospital, it is essential to remember that the COVID-19 pandemic "does not prevent other diseases from occurring, nor does it prevent patients becoming acutely unwell from other infections".

"The population will still experience heart attacks, strokes, appendicitis, acute viral illnesses, kidney stones, acute psychiatric illnesses, abdominal pains and acutely unwell children, who will need to be seen in EDs.

"EDs are still open for such conditions and others. To avoid becoming seriously unwell, please do not delay seeking attention for urgent conditions," he said.