G Bury1, N Breen. 1. Department of General Practice, University College Dublin, Coombe Healthcare Centre.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The Meath, Adelaide and National Children's Hospitals provided more than 300,000 ambulatory care episodes in 1996, half to residents of the adjacent inner-city postal districts. With the closure of the group in 1998, alternative care arrangements must now be provided. AIMS: This paper examines the socio-economic and primary care characteristics of the communities most affected. METHODS: Data on the 13 District Electoral Divisions surrounding the hospitals are drawn from a range of published sources. RESULTS: The populations affected include 52% in social classes 5 to 7, have an average Standardised Mortality Ratio of 122, have high levels of GMS eligibility and include special care issues such as drug dependency. A total of 38 GPs cover the area. Other markers of deprivation are summarised. CONCLUSION: The areas most affected by the closures have existing high levels of deprivation and social and medical need. Initiatives to respond to the closures must address these needs.
BACKGROUND: The Meath, Adelaide and National Children's Hospitals provided more than 300,000 ambulatory care episodes in 1996, half to residents of the adjacent inner-city postal districts. With the closure of the group in 1998, alternative care arrangements must now be provided. AIMS: This paper examines the socio-economic and primary care characteristics of the communities most affected. METHODS: Data on the 13 District Electoral Divisions surrounding the hospitals are drawn from a range of published sources. RESULTS: The populations affected include 52% in social classes 5 to 7, have an average Standardised Mortality Ratio of 122, have high levels of GMS eligibility and include special care issues such as drug dependency. A total of 38 GPs cover the area. Other markers of deprivation are summarised. CONCLUSION: The areas most affected by the closures have existing high levels of deprivation and social and medical need. Initiatives to respond to the closures must address these needs.