The Big A&E Survey

1 April 2025
The BIG A&E Survey - website image

Understanding the Rise in A&E Attendances Across BSW 

During 2024 Accident and Emergency Departments (A&Es) in hospitals in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire (BSW) experienced a 5.6 per cent increase in patient visits, mainly due to a rise in the number of ‘walk-in’ patients. 

In order to find out what was behind this rise, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board (BSW ICB) launched an engagement project to help us understand why more people are going to A&Es instead of using other NHS services, such as Minor Injury Units, Urgent Treatment Centres and  Community Pharmacies.   

Between April and August 2025, we worked with Healthwatch and hospitals in Bath, Swindon and Salisbury to find out more through the Big A&E Survey. 

Almost 1600 people took part through completing an online survey or face to face interview in an A&E department to help us explore why patients choose EDs and their awareness of other treatment options. 

The survey provided lots of valuable insights into patient decision-making and awareness of alternative care options:  

  • Most respondents travelled short distances by car and were aged 35–69, with many in full-time work or retired 
  • While 29 per cent were referred by NHS 111, 31 per cent attended out of self-choice or family advice, often believing  A&E to be the fastest or most appropriate option 
  • Common conditions included suspected broken bones, respiratory issues, and pain, many of which could be treated at Urgent Treatment Centres, Minor Injury Units or by a community pharmacist.   

The feedback we’ve received from patients and members of the public has been incredibly valuable. We will continue to analyse the data which will help inform the way services are planned and provided across BSW, ensuring they meet the needs of our communities more effectively. 

Our heartfelt thanks go out to everyone who took the time to complete the survey or talk to us at an A&E. Your help is very much appreciated and sharing your experiences will help us to improve services.