Frequent Emergency Department Visitors Contribute to One-Seventh of Attendances

A recent study indicates that individuals making repeated visits to hospital emergency departments in Dorset are responsible for nearly one in seven attendances. Researchers from the British Red Cross determined that 1.7% of Dorset’s residents were responsible for 13.8% of all emergency department visits. These frequent attendees, according to the researchers, typically resided in socio-economically disadvantaged areas, and their medical conditions were often deemed urgent by healthcare professionals. The report, which analyzed five years of data, concluded that the requirements of these individuals were “consistently not being met.” Beatrice Butsana-Sita, the chief executive of the British Red Cross, stated, “Millions of people go to A&E when they have an accident or are in desperate need of care but some people have to attend more than others.” She further explained that the charity’s personnel, collaborating with the NHS, frequently encountered individuals grappling with various challenges, including “from isolation to inadequate housing.” The study’s authors identified that individuals in their 70s, particularly those with at least two chronic health conditions, showed a higher propensity for repeat A&E visits. Another demographic frequently attending emergency departments comprised individuals aged 20 to 49 experiencing mental ill health. Both these groups also demonstrated a greater likelihood of being transported to the hospital by ambulance and visiting general practitioners more often. The authors indicated that numerous individuals are making recurrent visits to emergency departments due to persistent medical problems and other unaddressed non-clinical requirements. Ms Butsana-Sita indicated that the study highlighted the increased urgency in addressing the fundamental reasons for ill health, providing resources for crucial community services, and fostering greater high-intensity utilization of A&E services. She further commented, “This will help make sure the right services are in place to support people… before they reach crisis point.” Readers can connect with BBC Dorset via Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), or Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding its approach to external linking is available.