Emergency doctors say state governments should stop blaming overcrowded EDs on patients presenting with GP-type problems such as splinters, blisters and sunburn.  

The argument was “fatuous” and “rolled out again and again” by states trying to shift funding responsibility for overcrowding onto the Federal Government, said the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM) president Dr John Bonning.

His comments come after Queensland’s Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D’Ath said 30-40% of the state’s ED presentations were for non-urgent ailments that could be treated by a GP or pharmacist.

“They are being asked to treat splinters, blisters, sunburn and even acne and hiccups,” Ms D’Ath said of the data related to the last quarter in 2020.