Despite unprecedented pressures, serious ED presentations continue to be seen on time in West Moreton

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 June quarter, there were 219 category 1 presentations at Ipswich Hospital which is an increase of 19 per cent compared with the same period last year, reflecting the steep rise in acuity as the region’s population rapidly grows.

Category 2 presentations to the Ipswich Hospital Emergency Department increased by 10.5 per cent for the same period. These patients present with imminently life-threatening illnesses or injuries, such as someone who has had a stroke or an epileptic seizure.

Across all five West Moreton Health emergency departments, category 1 and 2 patients increased by 14 and 8 per cent respectively, year on year.

Despite the above-average acuity and presentations, the median wait time across all five categories was 18 minutes and seriously ill patients were seen within the clinically recommended time of two minutes.

However, less urgent presentations place unnecessary pressure on the system and, potentially, put the lives of others at risk.

In the same quarter, 2,840 category 5 patients presented to West Moreton Health emergency departments seeking treatment which could have been provided in a more appropriate health setting.

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

In the most extreme case from May to July, an Ipswich Hospital patient waited over nine hours to be seen.

Some longer waits were from presentations including splinters, repeat prescriptions or medical certificates.

If you are unsure, call your GP or 13 HEALTH for advice. You can also visit the West Moreton Health 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 West Moreton Health Chief Executive, Hannah Bloch:

“Staff work tirelessly to meet the community’s healthcare needs.

“Staff provide safe, quality care for the people of West Moreton and are to be commended for their passion and dedication during a time of unprecedented demand.

“Despite increased demand, our emergency departments are still ensuring that seriously ill patients are seen within the clinically recommended time of two minutes.”

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