article_snippet.sent: We wanted to know whether the flow of patients to A&E from four of these pilots in central London changed compared to a control group of 30 other surgeries in central London.
article_snippet.sent: In We study, We found an eight per cent drop in A&E attendances among patients of GP surgeries compared to a control group of 30 other surgeries in central London.
article_snippet.sent: We also found an eight per cent drop in A&E admissions among elderly patients, those aged 65 or more, of GP surgeries.
article_snippet.sent: This is because cautious doctors in emergency departments are more likely to admit elderly patients to hospital, while GPs, familiar with cautious doctors in emergency departments case histories, may be more comfortable treating and sending cautious doctors in emergency departments back home.
article_snippet.sent: Given that the average cost of a GP consultation is about £27, while that of an A&E visit is £114, two million fewer A&E visits would imply a cost saving of £194 million for the NHS.
article_snippet.sent: From research carried out by Thomas Cowling and colleagues, we know that there is an association between GP access and the number of non-urgent A&E visits.
article_snippet.sent: In 2010-11, the GP surgeries that were most accessible also had lower A&E non-urgent visits compared to the GP surgeries with the least access.
article_snippet.sent: A one point increase in the percentage of registered patients who seek GP appointments within two week days increases non-urgent visits by 0.7 per cent.
article_snippet.sent: Increased travel time to hospital also reduces non-urgent A&E visits.
article_snippet.sent: David Cameron said that the move could take pressure off A&E wards which are 'not the right place for frail, elderly people'.