Headline: Cork University Hospital Sees Over 12,000 Walkouts from Emergency Department
Cork University Hospital (CUH) reported that from 2017 to 2022, a staggering 12,040 individuals left its emergency department (ED) without receiving treatment, raising serious concerns about patient care and hospital capacity. While data indicates an alarming trend, it also highlights the increasing pressure on emergency services. This article delves into these statistics, examining the implications for the healthcare system and the potential impact on patients seeking timely medical care.
Rising Walkout Statistics
The data reveals a disturbing increase in patients exiting without treatment over the past five years. In 2017, there were 1,563 recorded walkouts, constituting 2.42% of 64,709 total attendances. This number climbed to 2,310 (3.4%) in 2018 and further increased to 2,076 (2.97%) in 2019. The figures declined during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, with 1,155 (1.84%) recorded in 2020, but bounced back in 2021 with 1,905 (2.76%).
The most recent data from 2022 revealed a sharp increase, with 3,031 patients walking out of a total of 72,928 attendances, marking a worrying 4.16% DNW (did not wait) rate, which is close to the national standard of not exceeding 5%.
Discerning Patterns in Attendance
Professor Conor Deasy, an expert in emergency medicine at CUH and University College Cork (UCC), noted, “We monitor the patients who ‘do not wait’. Sometimes the patient does not wait because, in the face of a wait time, they seek alternative pathways for their issue, such as visiting their GP, pharmacist, injury unit, or private hospitals.”
Professor Deasy elaborated on the rigorous monitoring process employed by CUH when patients leave prematurely. “We screen their charts and any diagnostic tests that might have been conducted. We often reach out to the patients and inform their GPs about their attendance and the results of any investigations carried out.”
Impact on Vulnerable Populations
An essential consideration remains the risk to vulnerable populations who may choose to leave the ED. “We are very aware of the vulnerable sections of the community who may abscond,” Deasy emphasized, indicating that hospital staff are committed to mitigating potential risks to these individuals, especially those with mental health challenges.
In conjunction with the alarming walkout figures, CUH faced a significant rise in total ED attendances. Despite investments in staff and infrastructure, the resources have not kept up with the escalating demand, as highlighted by hospital representatives.
Broader Context in Irish Healthcare
Cork University Hospital is not alone in this trend. According to data provided to Aontú by the Health Service Executive (HSE), 32,801 patients walked out of Cork emergency departments between 2017 and 2022, including 17,247 from CUH and an additional 15,554 from Mercy University Hospital. The overall figures from CUH give an even bleaker outlook, as 4,455 patients walked out in 2022, translating to a 6.11% rate of individuals leaving after triage but before receiving medical attention.
As noted by a spokesperson for the South/South West Hospital Group, “The [National Emergency Medicine Programme] quantifies ‘did not waits’ as those who register, are triaged, but do not wait to see a doctor.” This definition also encompasses those who leave after seeing a doctor but before receiving their outcomes.
Becky Kealy of Aontú described the observed statistics as a “damning indictment” of the current healthcare service, shedding light on a severe systemic issue that merits urgent attention.
Patient Care Challenges Ahead
The ongoing challenge for hospitals like CUH lies in balancing the need to provide timely care while managing rising patient numbers. The succinct rise in DNW patients indicates that the current system’s capacity to address urgent medical needs may be faltering.
The situation requires innovative solutions, including leveraging technology to streamline patient flow and enhance communication with individuals seeking care. Such improvements could significantly mitigate the risks associated with patients leaving the emergency department without treatment.
As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, one thing is clear: proactive measures are essential to address these troubling statistics and ensure the welfare of those who need emergency medical care.
Engagement is welcomed on this pressing topic—what are your thoughts on the challenges facing emergency departments? Share your perspectives in the comments below.
