Italian emergency departments face high pressure and long wait times

Emergency departments in Italy are facing significant pressure, with notable data emerging from Livorno and the Lazio region regarding patient volume and wait times.

In Livorno, the local hospital recorded 16,860 emergency room visits between June 1 and July 31. Dr. Luca Dallatomasina, the head physician, reported an average of 210 patients per day, with peaks reaching 260. Approximately 50% of cases were classified as low-priority (codes 4 and 5), while 10% were critical emergencies (codes 1 and 2). While critical emergencies receive immediate care, patients with lower priority faced average waits of approximately two and a half hours.

In the Lazio region, regional President Francesco Rocca addressed systemic issues regarding hospital bed availability. While average wait times for initial assessment were 29 minutes, the average time spent in waiting areas after a decision for hospitalization was made reached 11 hours and 38 minutes. Some facilities, such as Umberto I and San Camillo, reported average stays in waiting areas exceeding 25 hours. To mitigate overcrowding, Rocca announced plans to involve accredited private facilities to help manage ordinary inpatient care when public hospital beds are unavailable.