One in three patients face long waits for a bed after a referral and nurses in the emergency department are being left to provide care in the interim
Overcrowding in emergency departments (EDs) is increasingly common. Part of the problem is what is called ‘exit block’, where patients who need to be admitted have been referred to a specialist team, but a place on a ward cannot be found so they remain in the ED. Such situations can cause confusion over who has responsibility for these patients.
Emergency Nurse. 32, 1, 6-7. doi: 10.7748/en.32.1.6.s2
or
Alternatively, you can purchase access to this article for the next seven days. Buy now
Are you a student? Our student subscription has content especially for you.
Find out more
