An evaluation of the reasons why patients attend a hospital emergency department

This survey evaluates the attendance patterns of people who responded to a two part questionnaire (before and after treatment) regarding the reasons they had presented at a hospital Emergency Department co located with an Urgent Care Centre. A total 485 people responded before treatment and 163 people responded after completing treatment. People have deep rooted convictions that the 'hospital' is the best place to be seen for the treatment of their accident or perceived emergency, together with a considerable loyalty and emotional attachment to it. Few people knew that Urgent Care facilities existed within the Emergency Department and fewer what they were for. Some were frustrated at the apparent speed of access to care by those with apparently trivial problems, not understanding that they were accessing a different service. On the whole people who attended were happy with the advice and treatment they received. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd