Patient Surge continues into the New Year in the Accident & Emergency Department

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) advises the public that the Accident and Emergency Department (AED) continues to experience a sustained surge in patient presentations, which is now being driven by a rise in trauma cases, along with the increase in respiratory illnesses, particularly influenza, and a post-holiday increase in patients presenting with complications related to non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

As a result of the ongoing surge:

• Waiting times are longer than usual.
• The number of new patients that can be seen at any given time may be affected.

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 from 8am-12 midnight.
• The team will provide an initial assessment and advise on the most appropriate next steps for care.

Alternative Care Options

To help reduce pressure on the AED and ensure emergency services remain available 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 when entering clinical areas, to help protect patients, visitors, and staff during the current increase in respiratory illnesses.
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital apologizes for any inconvenience and thanks the public for its patience and understanding as we continue to manage this heightened demand for emergency care.