In October last year the Foundation Trust Network (http://www.foundationtrustnetwork.org) published a document with the above title.¹ Although much of what it says is of little surprise, it has some interesting comments about filling a medical roster. Using a benchmarking study and comparable and validated information from several trusts (major specialist trauma centres to primary care-led urgent-care centres) the Network has some key messages:

• The 3% annual growth in A&E (sic) attendances shows no sign of declining.

• Patients aged ≥75 years account for over 12% of A&E attendances; nearly half of these end in admission.

• Chronic repeat attenders account for up to 8% of all attendances.

• Services must be responsive to the needs of their local populations—for example, by providing dedicated specialist geriatric care in A&E for frail elderly patients.

• Primary and community services can be more available and responsive to the needs of patients with mental health …