All politics and economics ultimately impact on the Emergency Department: Ireland

All the expressions of human activity in politics and economics affect the health of populations and frequently end up in the Emergency Department. The island of Ireland has two jurisdictions, with the UK National Health Service being the cornerstone in the North East and the Health Service Executive directing policy implementation in the Republic of Ireland. Life expectancy at birth is 82.75 years, which ranks Ireland 7th in the EU. The average EU value is 81.6 years. The UK figure is also 81.6 years. In Northern Ireland, the figure is 78.8 for males and 82.5 for females. The number of healthy life years beyond 65 is 11.6 years in Ireland, while Norwegians have 14.5 years, Swedes have 13.9 years, and Maltese have 12.1 years. In Northern Ireland, the figure post-65 is 18.5 for males and 20.7 for females. This book covers hospitals, primary care, ambulances, and social issues such as housing, employment, and incomes. It examines equality, wealth and health, the private sector and mental health, mortality and Emergency Room delays, and staff experiences of overcrowding, domestic violence, a Cork prison study, nursing homes, and care of the elderly. Equality and care in childhood are also discussed, along with issues associated with asylum. The productivity outcomes of increased funding going into services without commensurate output are analysed. The shortage of inpatient beds and the effects on care standards and patient experiences are highlighted.