A&E attendance rose twice as fast as population increase

ATTENDANCES at accident and emergency (A&E) departments have risen twice as fast as the increase in population, new research shows.

In the 10 years to 2004, new A&E attendances increased by 28% while population growth was less than 14% over the same period.

The research, published yesterday by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), shows the higher use of A&E is associated with being male, older, not working and having a medical card.