Public Health

Reflections on Roy Lilley’s presentation at the 2015 RCEM conference, including the gaps patients encounter between services. Simon Carley highlights the argument for designing care around patients’ needs, alongside a short video introduction and links to examples of healthcare innovation.

Taking a sexual history in the emergency department requires privacy, sensitive language and a willingness to question assumptions. Janos Baombe explores communication, confidentiality, relevant medical and social history, specialist support and follow-up, with particular attention to patients who may have experienced sexual assault.

A 2015 account of preparing an emergency department for possible MERS-CoV cases, drawing on local outbreak planning. It covers specialist collaboration, isolation facilities, protective equipment, rehearsal and clear staff guidance, with explicit recognition that plans require local adaptation and review as evidence changes.

Are emergency departments giving people with mental health problems the attention and compassion they need? This 2015 reflection challenges dismissive attitudes, considers assessment and follow-up for adults and children, and argues that stretched services do not remove the responsibility to treat patients with dignity and respect.

Iain Beardsell talks with Mark Wilson about GoodSAM at the London Trauma Conference. Published in 2015, this podcast post builds on the app’s original aim of alerting nearby trained responders to emergencies, with links to its introduction and related prehospital teaching.