UPDATE: No ease in Patient Surge in the Accident & Emergency Department

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) advises the public that there has been no ease in the surge of patients presenting to the Accident and Emergency Department (AED). The department continues to respond to one of the most significant influenza outbreaks in recent history, alongside ongoing presentations related to trauma cases and postholiday complications associated with non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

While the AED has been able to respond effectively to a recent influx of trauma cases, this has contributed to a build-up of other patients awaiting assessment and treatment, resulting in extended waiting times. Demand for emergency services continues to rise.

While some members of our clinical staff have also been affected during this wave of influenza and have reported sick, please be assured that our Accident and Emergency Department teams continue to work around the clock to meet the increased demand and to ensure that patients receive care based on clinical urgency.

We urge the public to please pay attention to the official updates from the QEH on the current situation in the Accident and Emergency Department as we manage this sustained and increased demand for emergency care.

Please note:

• Life-threatening and critical conditions will continue to receive immediate care in accordance with the AED triage system.
• Patients with less urgent conditions should expect extended waiting times.

Patient Advice and Guidance

If you are feeling unwell and are unsure whether you need to attend the AED, please contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS/Help Desk) at 536-4800:

• Available via regular or WhatsApp calls.
• The QEH continues efforts to extend the hours of this service to provide additional
  support.
• The team will conduct an initial assessment and advise on the most appropriate next steps for care.

Alternative Care Options

To help ease pressure on the AED and ensure timely care for critical cases, members of the public with non-emergency concerns are strongly encouraged to seek care at:

• The 24-Hour Clinic at Winston Scott Polyclinic (Jemmotts Lane, St. Michael).
• Your private physician, if available.

Public Health Advisory

Members of the public visiting the QEH are strongly encouraged to wear a mask, particularly in clinical areas, to help protect patients, visitors, and staff during the current influenza outbreak.

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital again apologizes for the inconvenience and thanks the public for its patience and understanding as we continue to manage the current situation in AED.