SURVEY – THE TRUTH ABOUT HOSPITAL EMERGENCY DEPTS

Hospital emergency departments have been on the front pages for all the wrong reasons, with various horror stories being thrust into the spotlight, but a new survey finds that the public has a very different perception of what’s going on.

The latest issue of READER’S DIGEST carries the results of a survey of 750 Australians, revealing a significant difference in the perception of those who have actually visited an emergency department during the past two years, and those relying on selective media reports.   The findings include:

93% of Australians are happy with the quality of medical care offered by our emergency departments, though nearly everyone would like to be seen sooner.   Respondents experienced an average wait time of 122 minutes (the federal government claims it’s just 28-minutes).

Most people (84%) would prefer to be in a hospital emergency department in an emergency, rather than calling an ambulance or getting themselves to the nearest clinic or GP.

For those who’ve needed emergency hospital care recently, 83% said they felt safe, despite the wait and discomfort.   Just over half of those surveyed (51%) blame a lack of doctors and nurses as the main cause of slow treatment, and blame a lack of government funding.

The report explains the ‘Triage Criteria’ which dictates who gets seen first in the emergency department, and why you sometimes have to wait.

RE-TRAIN YOUR BRAIN – OVERCOMING OVERLOAD

Forgetting people’s names and where you put things may not be the first (panicky) sign of Alzheimer’s, but a symptom of modern-day information overload.   And the good news is that there are some very practical steps you can take to re-train your brain, and have yourself operating at full capacity again.

The latest READER’S DIGEST profiles expert advice on how to remember people’s names, never lose your keys or glasses again, remember all the tasks you intend to complete, and generally remember what you need to.

The report also explains how men and women remember things differently (including women remembering what was said in an argument long after the man has probably forgotten about it!).
 
SHARING THE FEAR OF FLYING & WHY IT’S SKY HIGH

Air travel may be the safest form of travel (after escalators), but the fear of flying is at record levels.  Aviophobia received a jolt after the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Centre, and the security clampdown at airports is a constant reminder for sufferers.

In the latest issue of READER’S DIGEST, senior editor Louise Waterson shares her deep-seated fears, which were exposed on a recent ride aboard the A380 ‘superjumbo’.   She’s certainly not alone. Before her flight, Louise consulted a number of experts and learned some valuable tips to allay her fears.

Close to one-third of Australians experience some anxiety about flying, and some do their best to avoid planes completely.  The triggers can be different.  For some, landings, take-offs or turbulence are the thing they fear the most.   The report also examines what makes regular passengers grumpy (including seat recliners).

INTERVIEWS – To arrange an interview – and copies of these articles – contact Fiona Hamann on
02-9018 6224 or 0415 191 659 Tues-Thurs, (or Beatrix Hon on 02-9018 6227 on Mon & Fri.)