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Inner-city hospital closures in Dublin: implications for general practice
1Department of General Practice, University College Dublin, Coombe Healthcare Centre.
Irish Journal of Medical Science
|June 10, 2000
Summary
Hospital closures in 1998 disproportionately affected inner-city communities with high deprivation and social needs. Future healthcare initiatives must address these existing vulnerabilities to ensure equitable care access.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Healthcare Management
- Socioeconomic Determinants of Health
Background:
- The Meath, Adelaide, and National Children's Hospitals served over 300,000 ambulatory care patients annually, with half residing in nearby inner-city areas.
- The 1998 closure of these hospitals necessitated the development of alternative care arrangements for the affected population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the socioeconomic and primary care profiles of communities impacted by the hospital closures.
- To identify specific needs and vulnerabilities within these populations.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from published sources for 13 District Electoral Divisions surrounding the former hospital sites.
- Examined socioeconomic indicators, mortality rates, and healthcare access metrics.
Main Results:
- Affected populations showed significant deprivation, with 52% in social classes 5-7 and an average Standardised Mortality Ratio of 122.
- High levels of GMS (General Medical Services) eligibility and issues like drug dependency were prevalent.
- The area was served by 38 General Practitioners (GPs).
Conclusions:
- Communities most impacted by the hospital closures exhibited pre-existing high levels of deprivation and unmet social and medical needs.
- Healthcare strategies developed in response to the closures must prioritize and address these identified needs to ensure continuity and equity of care.