EDITOR,—Joanna Coast and colleagues report that about a tenth of admissions to general hospital might be suitable for alternative forms of care.1 In the child health department in Southampton an emergency clinic runs from 1 pm until 3 pm on weekdays (the 1-3 clinic) to address this issue. It is staffed by middle grade paediatricians with consultant cover. Children with acute and subacute problems are booked in daily.

During a recent five month survey of the clinic's activity …