A survey of new attenders at a paediatric accident and emergency department.

A prospective study of one week's new attendances (sampled over three consecutive weeks) at the A&E Department of the National Children's Hospital (NCH) was undertaken. A total of 310 children attended over the composite week. Of these, 307 took part in the study, all but three of which were accompanied by an adult. Almost three-quarters (72%) of the children attended without medical referral. Most children (80%) resided within two miles of the hospital. While 46% of respondents claimed they had used the hospital at least once during the previous twelve months, frequent attendance did not appear to be a problem. The majority of children (83%) were seen by a casualty officer within one hour of arrival. Injuries accounted for over half (53%) of the conditions presented. A fifth (21%) of the attenders were admitted, half (54%) of whom were discharged within 24 hours. The study provides baseline data on paediatric A&E services in Dublin and should assist planning of future services.