Problem people putting pressure on A&E

Extra strain is going on A&E services because of the type of people using the services most, a new study claims.

The study from the Royal College of Surgeons said men with poor mental health, a history of psychiatric and addiction problems, and little or no social support, are depending on A&E to a much greater extent than anyone else.

Dr Hannah McGhee of the RCS says repeated visits to A&E don't solve these problems.

"Two out of every three of these people are men with psychiatric problems, who would have needed social work services in the past year," said Dr McGhee.

"They're very often isolated individuals with multiple problems. This kind of patient is a very challenging patient in a busy A&E department on a Saturday night.

"We're being presented with people with very long-term problems that there's no easy or instant solution to on a Saturday night or Sunday morning.