Demand on Accident and Emergency services continues to impact on waiting times

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said that increasing demand on Accident and Emergency (A&E) services continues to impact on waiting time targets.

The Minister was speaking as validated figures for emergency care waiting times for May 2010 were published. The figures showed that over four in five (82.8%) patients were either treated and discharged or admitted within four hours of their arrival in an A&E Department during May 2010. This compares to 82.8% in April 2010 and 79.8% in March 2010. In addition, 662 patients waited longer than 12 hours across all A&E Departments, compared to 633 in April 2010 and 1,239 in March 2010.

The figures showed a continued increase in the number of people attending A&E departments, with over 1,000 more attendances in May, compared to April. A total of 63,479 people attended A&E Departments during May 2010, compared to 62,378 in April 2010 and 61,038 in March 2010.

Michael McGimpsey said: "While over 80% of patients were seen within the four hour target in May, there are still people having to wait longer than 12 hours in A&E units which is not acceptable. I expect Trusts to meet the targets that have been set.

“These figures show a continued increase in the number of people attending A&E. In fact, attendance levels for May represent the highest volume of A&E attendances since May 2008.

“I commend Trusts on their continued hard work and drive to meet waiting time targets, in the face of very challenging circumstances and within very limited resources. Today’s figures yet again demonstrate the importance of investing in our health service and I will continue to press for much needed extra funding to meet rising demand.”

The Minister took the opportunity to remind people of the importance of making proper use of A&E services. He said: “A&E services are for emergency situations. Cuts, bruises and sprains are generally regarded as minor injuries and are not normally considered to be emergencies.

“People who have concerns about an ongoing health problem or a minor injury should in the first instance contact their GP, out of hours service or local minor injuries unit.

“Minor injuries services are widely available across Northern Ireland with units at the Tyrone County, Mid Ulster, Whiteabbey, South Tyrone, Armagh, Ards and Bangor hospitals. The medical staff who work in these units are able to deal with the vast majority of conditions seen in A&E departments.”

Notes to editors:

1. The statistical bulletin is available on the DHSSPS website.

2. The figures represent the total time spent in a hospital emergency care facility from arrival until admission, transfer or discharge.

3. The PfA target states that, from April 2010, 95% of patients attending any A&E department are either treated and discharged home, or admitted, within four hours of their arrival in the department, and that no patient should wait longer than 12 hours in A&E.

4. Media queries should be directed to the DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0074, or out of office hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.