Public Backs Higher ED Funding

As the health care reform debate rages in Washington, D.C., a new Harris Interactive survey found two-thirds of those polled said the government should increase funding to emergency departments (EDs) in order to hire more doctors and expand vital lifesaving services. In addition, 81 percent said emergency care benefits should be included as part of any government-sponsored health insurance plan being designed by Congress and the Obama administration.

"This is the strongest evidence yet that the public supports significant reforms to help emergency patients," said Dr. Nick Jouriles, president of the American College of Emergency Physicians. "Emergency physicians treat 120 million patients each year--nearly one-third of the national population--yet our policymakers are not focused on addressing emergency care in the health care reform discussions. This comes at a time when emergency departments are closing at rapid rates and overcrowding is increasing dramatically. Emergency care consumes only three percent of the nation's $2 trillion in health care expenditures, but is a priceless public resource."

Half of those polled (51 percent) say emergency department care should be one of the top priorities for the administration and Congress when it comes to developing a government-sponsored health insurance plan. Nearly two-thirds (67 percent) expressed concerns about the length of times people wait to see emergency physicians, and more than half (55 percent) expressed concerns about the availability of staff and resources in the emergency department in their community such as nurses, doctors, and laboratory equipment. Fifty-five percent are also concerned that general overcrowding in the ED is becoming a problem.

"We stand firmly behind the president’s health care reform principles,” Jouriles said. "Having said that, you cannot solve America's health care dilemma without also taking a long, hard look at the state of emergency care. In a year in which the first pandemic in 41 years has been declared (the H1N1 virus), it is shortsighted at best and dangerous at worst not to shore up our nation's safety net, the emergency medical care system."

Jouriles adds that emergency departments are a health care safety net for everyone, whether insured or uninsured, rich or poor. Because one in three Americans needs emergency care each year, including emergency care in health care reform will benefit every American in his or her time of need, according to ACEP. To get the complete survey results, contact Mike Baldyga at [email protected].

Product Showcase

  • Full Line of Defense Against Combustible Dust Nilfisk

    Nilfisk provides a comprehensive range of industrial vacuums meticulously crafted to adhere to NFPA 652 housekeeping standards, essential for gathering combustible dust in Class I, Group D, and Class II, Groups E, F & G environments or non-classified settings. Our pneumatic vacuums are meticulously engineered to fulfill safety criteria for deployment in hazardous surroundings. Leveraging advanced filtration technology, Nilfisk ensures the secure capture of combustible materials scattered throughout your facility, ranging from fuels, solvents, and metal dust to flour, sugar, and pharmaceutical powders. Read More

  • The MGC Simple Plus

    The MGC Simple Plus is a simple-to-use, portable multi gas detector that runs continuously for three years without being recharged or routinely calibrated after its initial charge and calibration during manufacturing. The detector reliably tests a worksite’s atmosphere for hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, oxygen and combustible gases (LEL). Its durability enables the detector to withstand the harshest treatment and environments, hence earning it an IP 68 rating. The MGC Simple Plus is also compatible with a variety of accessories, such as the GCT External Pump. Visit gascliptech.com for more information. Read More

  • SECUPRO MARTEGO

    FOR HIGHEST DEMANDS. A cutting tool in which function and design go hand in hand. Meet the SECUPRO MARTEGO, our prize-winning squeeze-grip safety knife with fully automatic retractable blade for safety. • Ergonomically friendly trigger mechanism to engage the blade • Durable body made of aluminum • Safer alternative to fixed blade utility knives for general cutting tasks • 9 mm Cutting depth • Easy, tool free blade change Dimensions: L 6.10" L x 0.71" W x 1.91" H Weight: 3.70 oz Cutting Depth: 9 mm Read More

Featured

Artificial Intelligence

Webinars