QEH sees surge in patients

A surge in patients at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital is leading to even longer waits in the Accident and Emergency Department.

Yesterday, up to 5 p.m., there were 44 patients waiting to be seen at the hospital and its communication specialist, Shane Sealy, said there were a number of elderly people occupying beds who were ready for discharge but whom family members were not collecting.

“We’re also very concerned during this Yuletide season about the increasing number of Elderly For Care (EFCs) patients occupying beds at the hospital. Currently, five EFCs are being cared for in AED, while approximately 50 are housed on various wards. These patients are ready for discharge. This phenomenon, especially at this time of year is affecting patient flow from Accident and Emergency to hospital wards and increasing wait time in AED.

“Our Social Services Department has been working to alert family members to collect the elderly relatives but have been unsuccessful in most instances,” Sealy said in a press statement.

The hospital spokesman said because of the combination of more patients and the elderly unable to be discharged anyone presenting to the AED with medical conditions which are not life-threatening or an emergency, “it is possible you may experience an extended wait”.

“These include patients who, for example, have life, limb or sight threatening complaints, gunshot wounds, heart attacks, active seizure activity or a patient who needs resuscitation. “

Those who are uncertain about their medical complaint should call the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS/Help Desk) at 536-4800 or  visit the 24-hour Winston Scott Polyclinic for treatment,” Sealy said while apologising for the inconvenience.