The effect of emergency department policy change on Hutt district general practices

To determine the impact of the new Hutt Hospital emergency care policy as perceived by general practitioners and measure the level of general practitioner emergency services provided.

Postal survey one year after policy instituted of Hutt district general practitioners.

Sixty-three general practitioners replied (93% response). Eighty-one percent of general practitioners were in favour of the new policy or wanted it extended further, although 79% had noticed a slight increase in patient numbers. Most surgeries were less than 10 km from the hospital, 44% had one general practitioner, 38% had no practice nurse, 84% were staffed between 40-59 hours a week. No practice had staff on the premises between the night time hours of 8 pm and 8 am but all had after hours cover by telephone. Most practices were equipped to manage at least some emergency conditions: all had peak flow meters, 94% had nebulisers, 69% oxygen cylinders, and 47% had an ECG machine. Only two practices had slit lamps and plaster of paris facilities, and one a defibrillation machine. Almost all general practitioners suture wounds, strap ankles, and most treat fractures and pack noses. Seventy-five percent of general practitioners expressed a need for better communication with the Hutt Hospital emergency department.

A general acceptance of the policy change by Hutt general practitioners although more research is needed to determine the impact of this change on patients.