Despite unprecedented pressures, serious ED presentations continue to be seen on time in Metro North

At a time when record numbers of patients are attending Queensland Emergency Departments, the most critical patients are still being seen on time.

However, less serious patients are being reminded that accessing treatment from more appropriate sources – such as GPs, pharmacies, Satellite Hospitals, or Urgent Care Clinics – will help keep emergency departments available for emergencies.

In the first half of 2023, Metro North saw a total of 170,944 presentations in emergency departments across the HHS.

All 1,100 category 1 patients – the most urgent cases – were seen by a clinician within two minutes of arriving at the emergency departments, while over 60 per cent of all cases were seen within clinically recommended times.

Less urgent presentations however continue to place unnecessary pressure on the system and, potentially, put the lives of others at risk.

Patients with conditions such as toothaches, earaches and ingrown toenails don’t need to attend an emergency department.

In the most extreme case from May to July, a RBWH patient waited over twelve hours to be seen.

In the first six months of 2023, Metro North HHS had close to 8,500 category 5 patients attend Metro North emergency departments seeking treatment, 88 percent of which were seen within the clinically recommended time frame.

If you are unsure, call your GP or 13 HEALTH for advice. You can also visit the Metro North HHS website for more information on our emergency departments and other health services.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Shannon Fentiman:

“Our hospital emergency departments are facing unprecedented demand, with more ED presentations than ever before.

“I want to thank our hardworking frontline health staff, who have ensured that 100% of the most serious presentations were seen within two minutes, despite this demand.

“Our government is investing in more staff, more beds, and more health infrastructure than any government in Queensland history, including $11 billion to build three new hospitals and nine hospital expansions.

“These projects are delivering 3,378 new beds, including 500 new beds in this financial year.

“More staff and more beds are critical to reducing the pressure on our busy EDs.

“Last financial year, Queensland EDs saw over 100 presentations every single day for a UTI. These are not the kinds of emergency conditions our EDs are designed to treat.

“We know that we have had a decade of under investment in GPs and primary care, which is meaning more people are arriving at our EDs.

“I’m grateful that the Albanese government is tripling the bulk billing incentive. The combination of our Satellite Hospitals with Urgent Care Clinics will provide more alternative ways for Queenslanders to get the care they need, close to home.”

Quotes attributable to Metro North Health Chief Executive, Jackie Hanson:

“Many people with non-urgent conditions are finding themselves waiting extended periods of time in emergency department waiting rooms when they could be treated faster at their local GP clinic or satellite hospital.

“No patient will ever be refused care at any of our hospitals, however EDs are always prioritised for seriously ill and injured patients.

“There are a number of other options available to attending emergency departments, including our satellite hospitals, urgent care clinics and virtual health services.”

Background

From 2022 through to April 2023, Queensland Hospital Emergency departments saw presentations including:

• 36,911 presentations for a UTI
• 28,064 presentations for attention to surgical dresses and stitches
• 11,995 presentations for an ear infection
• 6,662 requests for repeat medication prescriptions
• 3,764 requests for a medical certificate
• 1,056 presentations for an ingrown toenail
• 280 presentations for sunburn
• 79 presentations for hiccups

ENDS