Aim: To determine the impact of the new Hutt Hospital emergency care policy as perceived by general practitioners and measure the level of general practitioner emergency services provided.
Method: Postal survey one year after policy instituted of Hutt district general practitioners.
Results: Sixty-three general practitioners replied (93% response). Eighty-one percent of general practitioners were in favour of the new policy or wanted it extended further, although 79% had noticed a slight increase in patient numbers. Most surgeries were less than 10 km from the hospital, 44% had one general practitioner, 38% had no practice nurse, 84% were staffed between 40-59 hours a week. No practice had staff on the premises between the night time hours of 8 pm and 8 am but all had after hours cover by telephone. Most practices were equipped to manage at least some emergency conditions: all had peak flow meters, 94% had nebulisers, 69% oxygen cylinders, and 47% had an ECG machine. Only two practices had slit lamps and plaster of paris facilities, and one a defibrillation machine. Almost all general practitioners suture wounds, strap ankles, and most treat fractures and pack noses. Seventy-five percent of general practitioners expressed a need for better communication with the Hutt Hospital emergency department.
Conclusion: A general acceptance of the policy change by Hutt general practitioners although more research is needed to determine the impact of this change on patients.