Mental health in general, and undiagnosed psychiatric illness in particular, has been recognised as important concerns in emergency departments (EDs). They have been a focal point for acute healthcare services in Australia.^1,2 This research examined the prevalence of non-specific psychological distress among people admitted through ED, who had chronic and complex conditions, and were aged 50 years and over.³ Patients over 50 years were selected because of the increased likelihood of the onset of chronic conditions. A chronic patient was defined as an ED admission with two or more presenting comorbidities for at least 6 months prior to admission. This group was matched with people from the New South Wales (NSW) Health Survey …