An increase in presentations at Queensland Children’s Hospital

The Queensland Children’s Hospital (QCH) is currently experiencing a sustained period of increased presentations to the Emergency Department (ED).

Since 1 February, daily presentations are up an average of 23 per cent or 47 presentations per day on the same period last year, with some days seeing increases of up to 97 per cent or 140 presentations in a 24 hour period.

Data from Hospital and Health Services (HHSs) reflect an increase in paediatric ED presentations has been experienced across all ED facilities in South East Queensland (SEQ) with paediatric presentations up 35 per cent on the same period as last year.

This increase in daily ED presentations at the QCH and other HHSs across SEQ is putting pressure on paediatric inpatient wards across the system of care. At the QCH admissions this month are up to 13 per cent greater than this time last year.

Combined, this is impacting wait times for patients to be seen in ED and to be admitted to wards.

Data suggests there is a marked increase in lower acuity presentations, such as minor respiratory infections (Category 3 to 5 patients).

The QCH team is working hard to respond to this demand to ensure children and young people continue to be seen in a safe and timely way, prioritising the sickest and most injured children.

This work is being progressed in a COVID environment and during what is a busy time across the system.

To support their efforts and to ensure the QCH ED can continue to respond to the sickest and most injured children and young people, parents and carers are encouraged to consider if primary care options, such as Respiratory Clinics are appropriate.

If a patient does need to present at the QCH ED, we are encouraging them to come prepared with snacks, books and toys to make the wait more comfortable.

The QCH continues to partner with and support local Hospital and Health Service EDs to treat and care for children and young people where it is safe to do so.