One in seven A&E patients are repeat visitors with unmet needs, study finds

Some patients across UK turning to A&Es five or more times a year due to unresolved medical issues, charity says

One in seven A&E patients are repeat visitors with unmet medical needs who feel they have nowhere else to go, according to research that found most are over 70 with multiple conditions or under 50 with mental ill health.

Less than 2% of the population account for almost 14% of all A&E attendances, the British Red Cross study suggests. Across the UK, patients are turning to emergency departments five or more times a year due to unresolved medical issues", the charity said.