A significant chunk of ED presentations are viral exacerbation of social neglect

Our ED is just rammed full of viral URTI. Not surprising. But the problem is a significant proportion of these are elderly who could be sent home, if only they had a family member who coul d sit at home with them, give them warm fluids, cook their meals and encourage PO intake and basically TLC them for 5-7 days whilst they recover.

But instead they go to medics who admit, find a low Na which is certainly longstanding, and end up staying for a month because OT/PT aren't happy to discharge to own home, even though they were living in their own home, independent of ADLs up until they picked up flu!!