Hospital doing GP function
TOWNSVILLE’S public hospital emergency department is treating an average of five patients a day with minor ailments such as sunburn, splinters and even hiccups.
New figures reveal the emergency department at Townsville Hospital was regularly seeing people with conditions that could be treated by a GP or pharmacist.
Between July 1, 2017, and January 31, 2018, the Townsville Hospital ED had 48,418 presentations.
Of those, 1218, or 2.5 per cent, could be classified as a “GP- type” presentations.
They included prescription refills, issuing medical certificates and treatment for urinary tract infections, nose bleeds, ingrown nails, blisters and splinters.
It’s understood the average cost of each minor treatment is $ 530.
“It is very important to understand that some of these presentations would be classified as appropriate reasons for attending our emergency department,” Townsville Hospital Emergency Department director Dr Luke Lawton said. “For example, urinary tract infections can be serious medical issues for women who are pregnant and for the elderly.
“Similarly, sunburn in children particularly can be a serious issue as can nose bleeds or ear infection.”
Dr Lawton said generally the North Queensland community had a good understanding of when to go to the ED.
“Townsville is fortunate to have a skilled and knowledgeable general practitioner workforce and the value of the care they provide our community shouldn’t be underestimated,” he said.
“GPs can provide long- term prescriptions and offer a continuity of care over a long period which is a vitally important component of health care.”
Dr Lawton said there were challenges as the area had limited access to 24/ 7 services.
“The way public emergency departments work is that we see people with the most severe injuries and illness first – it is not first come first served,” he said. “We will see everyone who comes to our department. But if your injury or illness is minor then you may have to wait while we care for people who require more urgent care.”
Herbert MP Cathy O’Toole blamed the ongoing “GP- type” presentation numbers on the Federal Government’s freeze on Medicare schedule fee rebates while copayments have increased.
“The fact it’s called an emergency department is a dead giveaway – they are not the place for GP- type services,” she said,