New figures released by the Department of Health have shown that hospital emergency departments across Queensland are busier than ever.
Acting Deputy Director General of Clinical Excellence Queensland, Keith McNeil said more than 174,000 people presented to emergency departments across the State last month, an increase of three per cent compared to the same period last year.
“Every month we continue to see the figures rise, but Queenslanders should be assured that our staff work around the clock to provide care should they, their family or friends, need it,” Professor McNeil said.
“It takes a special kind of person to dedicate their lives to saving others, and for that I want to thank each and every one of them.”
He said, on average 5,626 people presented to emergency departments across the State each and every day.
“In October this year we saw a 3.5 per cent increase in presentations compared to the same period last year,” Professor McNeil said.
He said hospitals were also seeing an increase in the number of people requiring hospital admission.
“In October 32 per cent or 56,157 of those people attending emergency departments were admitted to hospital compared to 31 per cent or 54,211 in September this year,” Professor McNeil said.
“These people are so unwell or injured they require ongoing medical treatment or monitoring.”
