A&E discharges 'creating additional pressure for GPs'

Some patients are being wrongfully sent back to their family doctor, instead of being admitted to hospital.

That's according to the National Association of General Practioners, who've been holding their annual conference in Limerick today.

They say the failure of hospitals to do so is causing increasing pressure on GPs.

They're now calling on the Health Minister to have more decision-makers in emergency departments, to ensure patients are admitted when they should be.

"A number of doctors from around the country were relating stories of patients being discharged directly from A&Es without being admitted, and in some case not being fully worked up," said Dr Conor McGee, president of the National Association of GPs.

"We've noticed that this is happening around the country and it's putting increased pressure on GPs and GPs' surgeries.

"But also the patients themselves are not getting the treatment they should.

"There are people at home tonight who should be in hospital, and clearly there are people in hospital who should be at home."