New research into last year's Covid-19 lockdown, highlights its impact on the health system

Otago University researchers have surveyed more than 160 GPs, practice nurses and nurse practitioners between May and August 2020.

The work published in the New Zealand Medical Journal, has found patients minimised symptoms, non-essential care was put on hold, and people sometimes didn't seek care when needed.

Otago University clinical lecturer Geraldine Wilson says it's important to reflect on the issues.

She says the study enables people to identify problems and refine ways to minimise them throughout the ongoing pandemic.