By Charlene Macaulay
Hospital emergency departments are being flooded with non-critical cases after hours because patients aren’t aware that they can receive care elsewhere.
In the two years to 2016, more than 250,000 patients that could have been treated by a nearby after-hours general practice or pharmacy, attended an emergency department across the western and northern suburbs, according to the North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN).
Babies and toddlers aged up to four years, and adults aged between 25-29, had the highest presentations.
The NWMPHN said the practice costs the government four times more than if a patient had visited a GP – seeking care at an after-hours GP costing the system $93 on average, compared to a $368 emergency department presentation.
The health network is calling on residents to be aware of their local after-hours medical services providers.
NWMPHN chief executive Christopher Carter said unnecessary presentations at emergency departments put extra pressure on already-busy hospitals, especially in the evenings and at weekends.
“For many, attendance at an ED is thought to be the only option available for medical care outside of business hours,” Adjunct Associate Professor Carter said.
To find an after-hours health service near you go to www.healthdirect.gov.au
