Enter and view: Emergency Department
Download (PDF 1.68 MB)Summary of report content
Healthwatch Kingston-upon-Hull, Healthwatch North Lincolnshire, Healthwatch East Riding of Yorkshire and Healthwatch North East Lincolnshire undertook enter and view visits to the Emergency Departments at Hull Royal Infirmary, Diana Princess of Wales Hospital and Scunthorpe General Hospital during the period 17 November to 26 November 2021. They were invited to do so by the provider who wanted to understand why people had come to their local ED and whether they were aware of other options for treatment. They spoke to 153 patients.
People tended to be referred to ED by their GP and family and friends. People were aware of some alternatives to ED – largely GPs and NHS 111 and pharmacies. Small proportions were aware of urgent treatment centres.
The report looks at:
- How patients rated the emergency departments
- The information given
- Waiting times
- Whether people felt safe
- How people felt about the treatment they received
The report identified four gaps in provision:
- People visiting emergency departments because they couldn’t get a GP appointment
- GPs telling people to visit the Emergency Department rather than urgent treatment centres
- Communication preferences about services
- Carers and guardians not being able to accompany people
There were recommendations about GP appointments, clinical decisions and diagnostics, information provision and cares.