Queensland Health has released data revealing that more than a third of emergency department presentations at hospitals in the State are ailments or injuries that could be treated by a GP or pharmacist.
The State’s Hospital Performance Data for the October-to-December 2020 quarter shows there were 587,301 emergency department presentations during that period.
It showed all 4,234 Category One patients, the most urgent cases, were seen by a clinician within two minutes of arriving, while 77 per cent of all cases were seen within clinically recommended times.
It said the median waiting time to be seen for all emergency department patients was 14 minutes.
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, Yvette D’Ath said the performance of Queensland’s emergency departments was sound given the challenges posed by the past 12 months.
“Patients whose conditions are life-threatening are every emergency department’s priority,” Ms D’Ath said.
“Our most critical patients are being seen almost immediately upon arriving.”
However, she said, 30-to-40 per cent of monthly presentations were classified as being non-urgent complaints.
“Most are legitimate health concerns,” Ms D’Ath said.
“However, they are not matters for emergency department staff whose primary role is to save lives,” she said.
“They are being asked to treat splinters, blisters, sunburn and even acne and hiccups. People are turning up asking for medical certificates, prescription refills and immunisations.”
She said GPs could treat many conditions, such as removing stitches, sprains and strains, bites and stings, many viral and other infections, and assessment of prolonged illness or injury.
“No patient will be refused care at any of our hospitals,” the Minister said.
“However, less urgent presentations place unnecessary pressure on the system and, potentially, put the lives of others at risk,” she said.
