Assessing the impact of tourism on emergency hospital admissions in the South West

R Maxwell, CL Trotter, D Ho, M Dancox, J Verne, P Brown

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference Contribution (Conference Proceeding)

Abstract

Aim: To describe seasonal trends in emergency admissions in the South West and to assess the impact of tourism in coastal areas Methods: Data were extracted for emergency admissions to hospitals in the South West for the period 1/4/1999 to 31/3/2005 using the Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) database. Data were analysed by year and month of admission, region of residence, sex, age, cause of admission. The distance between place of residence and place of admission was estimated. Results (provisional): Non-residents accounted for approximately 5% (134,455) of all emergency admissions (2,445,256) between 1999 and 2005. Admissions for non-residents peaked in the 0-4yr age-group (5,963) for males, but in the 85yrs plus age-group in females (6,265). Mean age at admission for males was 46yrs and 51yrs for females. 42% of non-residents admissions occurred between June and September (56,309). 46% of admissions were for Injury and poisoning or for Symptoms, signs and abnormal findings. 37% (49,872) of non-residents admissions were from the neighbouring South East Region. Further analysis suggests that using distance between place of residence and admission is a better marker for tourism. Conclusions: Seasonal trends in the number of emergency admissions in non-residents have implications for health service provision and planning, particularly in tourist areas.
Translated title of the contributionAssessing the impact of tourism on emergency hospital admissions in the South West
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationOur Coast and Public Health, Bournemouth
Publication statusPublished - 24 May 2006

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Assessing the impact of tourism on emergency hospital admissions in the South West'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this