QEH Advises of Continued Patient Surge at Accident & Emergency Department

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) advises the public that its Accident and Emergency Department (AED) continues to experience a significant surge in patient presentations, with more than 55 patients currently awaiting medical assessment.

The department is managing its usual volume of patients, alongside an increase in trauma cases following two motor vehicle accidents.

Head of the Accident and Emergency Department, Dr Anne Marie Cruickshank, also noted that the department continues to see patients presenting with complications associated with poorly managed non-communicable diseases (NCDs), as well as an increase in respiratory illnesses.

This combination of cases is placing additional pressure on the department and is likely to result in longer-than-usual waiting times for patients with less urgent conditions.

What the Public Should Know

• Patients with critical and life-threatening conditions will continue to receive immediate attention in keeping with the department’s established triage system.
• Patients with less urgent conditions may experience extended waiting times.
• Persons with non-emergency medical concerns are encouraged to consider alternative options for care.

Alternative Care Options

To help ease pressure on the AED, members of the public with non-emergency medical concerns are encouraged to:

• Visit the 24-Hour Clinic at the Winston Scott Polyclinic, Jemmotts Lane, St. Michael.
• Consult their private physician, where available.
• Contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS/Help Desk) at 536-4800, by regular or WhatsApp call, for guidance on the most appropriate next steps.

The QEH reminds members of the public that the AED is intended to manage emergencies and urgent medical conditions. Seeking care through alternative services for non-emergency concerns can help preserve emergency resources for those who need them most.

The Hospital apologises for any inconvenience caused and thanks the public for its patience, understanding and cooperation as its healthcare teams continue to manage the increased demand for emergency care.