Criticism of GPs’ refusal to treat some infant patients in-person a ‘cheap shot’ Many GPs who ask that young patients be tested for COVID-19 before treating them in-person believe they are simply following state-issued health advice.
‘Uncharacteristic’ Queensland CHO letter leaves GPs confused Dr Jeanette Young encouraged GPs to see more patients face-to-face, including those with respiratory symptoms, suggesting a lack of in-person consultations has led to a rise in ED presentations.
GPs ‘horrified’ at latest pharmacy proposal The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia has suggested ‘non-urgent’ emergency department presentations be directed to community pharmacy.
GPs in EDs reduce wait times, costs: study A study that co-located GPs in UK emergency departments resulted in a number of positive clinical outcomes, but what would happen in Australia?
One in eight summer ED presentations relate to alcohol A nationwide ‘snapshot’ of emergency departments has laid bare the burden alcohol and methamphetamines place on Australian hospitals.
‘Great inclusion’ of GPs urged by bushfire royal commission Experts welcome the commission’s recommendations, but say they must be implemented urgently as Australia heads into another bushfire season.
EDs continue to be clogged with non-urgent presentations One-third of presentations classified as lower urgency could be managed by a GP – and the trend is persisting – a new report confirms.
Isolation silver lining? Drop in road trauma, assaults and injuries Australia’s lockdown has seen rates of trauma plummet, with road accidents, sports injuries and alcohol-linked assaults all falling.
Guilt, reflection, amends, recovery: What happens after an error? When Dr Casey Parker made an error, it sent him into a downwards spiral. Here’s how he got out.
Steady rise in long hospital stays reflects ‘struggling system’ An increase in Victorian patients staying in EDs longer than 24 hours is placing ‘concerning’ pressure on the healthcare system.