Study Reveals Repeat Patients Make Up Nearly 14% of A&E Visits

Research finds frequent visitors often face unmet medical and non-clinical needs, with many living in deprived areas or managing chronic conditions.

A British Red Cross study found that 1.7% of Dorset's population accounted for 13.8% of A&E visits over five years.
Frequent visitors often fall into two groups: those over 70 with multiple long-term health conditions or those aged 20-49 with mental health challenges.
Repeat patients are more likely to live in deprived areas, arrive by ambulance, and require urgent care or hospital admission.
Unmet needs, including unresolved medical issues, isolation, and inadequate housing, are driving repeat visits to emergency departments.
The study calls for better resourcing of community services and high-intensity A&E programs to address underlying causes and reduce crisis-level care.