Research shows that one in seven A&E patients are repeat patients who have unmet medical needs and feel they have nowhere else to go, and most are over-70s with multiple medical conditions. , was found to be under the age of 50 with a mental illness.
According to research by the British Red Cross, less than 2% of the population accounts for almost 14% of all A&E attendees. The charity says patients across the UK visit emergency departments more than five times a year due to “unresolved medical problems”.
“Many of those who frequented A&E often sought other help, which did not meet their needs,” the report said. “This meant that when they arrived at A&E they often required more urgent treatment.”
The study has led NHS England's top A&E doctors to urge people to use 111 services this winter, with two in five people arriving at A&E likely to receive better care elsewhere. It was carried out in a situation where there was a hint that there was a sexual relationship.
Emergency doctors on the front lines are warning of a winter crisis, saying patients in overburdened emergency departments are already at risk.
For the new study, experts from the British Red Cross carried out an in-depth study of repeat emergency department visitors and also looked at five years of data on emergency department attendance in Dorset.
The research found that just 1.7% of Dorset's population accounted for 13.8% of A&E attendances. The report said the visit would likely be classified as an emergency by the doctor. Frequent visitors were also more likely to live in poor areas.
The majority of people attending A&E often fell into two main groups. One was people over 70, most of whom had multiple long-term conditions. People aged 20 to 49 with mental illness, especially young women.
Both groups were more likely to arrive at A&E by ambulance, and both attended their GP more frequently in the month before attending A&E.
Beatrice Busana-Sita, chief executive of the British Red Cross, said: “Every year, millions of people visit A&E when they have been in an accident or need serious care. , some people have to attend more than others. There can be many reasons for this, but it is very painful for those people. There is a situation.
“Our research shows that almost one in seven A&E attendees in Dorset are compared to 2% of the county population. We found that these people needed help and were far more likely to be classified as emergency cases or require hospitalization. We work with people and regularly see people facing a range of challenges, from isolation to inadequate housing and other challenges that impact their health and wellbeing.”
As ministers set out a 10-year plan to transform the NHS, Butsana Seeta said the study highlighted the need to tackle the root causes of disease and support local services.
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Professor Julian Redhead, NHS England's clinical lead for emergency and emergency medicine, says only use 999 or A&E services in life-threatening emergencies or serious injuries, otherwise call 111. Or call 111 online or via the NHS app.
NHS England estimates that up to two-fifths of A&E attendances are avoidable or could have received better care elsewhere. It said NHS 111 can assess people and direct them to the most appropriate local services, such as urgent care centres, GP practices or pharmacist consultations.
If required, NHS 111 can arrange a return call from a nurse, doctor or paramedic, or provide self-treatment advice over the phone. 111 service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Mr Redhead said: “Up to two-fifths of A&E attendees may be better served elsewhere, and one in six 999 calls only require advice over the phone. We know. That's why we're making sure millions of people can access the advice and treatment they need quickly, safely and easily this winter with our free 24-hour 111 service. I would highly recommend everyone to use their services.”
Health Secretary Karin Smith said the government was supporting the NHS to cope with winter pressures, adding that its 10-year plan would “make the NHS fit for the future all year round”.
