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.
The median wait time for treatment in North West emergency departments was 12 minutes.
However, less urgent presentations are placing unnecessary pressure on the system.
Patients with conditions such as UTIs, earaches and ingrown toenails don’t need to attend an emergency department.
In the first six months of 2023 2,096 category 5 patients attended NW emergency departments seeking treatment, many of whom could have sought their less-urgent treatment elsewhere.
Some of these presentations included cellulitis and uncomplicated type two diabetes.
If you are unsure if you should attend the ED, call 13 HEALTH or your GP for advice.
