Access to oncology care in western KwaZulu-Natal Province before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic

Despite the challenges of a global pandemic, access to GHOD care was not compromised in terms of patient waiting times. The absolute number of patients seen decreased, however, particularly those referred from primary care facilities. This study reviewed the entire COVID-19 period and shows that the impact of COVID-19 on patients who accessed care was not necessarily negative. The need for research regarding diagnosis and referral at primary and secondary care levels during the pandemic is highlighted.