Association between catchment-area demographics and emergency department presentation rates and delays: a national cross-sectional study

EDs with more deprived catchment areas have higher presentation rates and greater delays in care. More rural EDs have fewer delays, which may mitigate some of the effects of geographical isolation in the provision of more timely care. In isolation, ED presentation rates are not associated with delays to care, adding to evidence that overall attendances are less important than other factors contributing to ED delays. Policymakers should consider the allocation of resources to best promote health equity.