QEH Launches New Initiative to Support Safer, Smoother Transitions Home For Patients

Beginning November 1, 2025, the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) will introduce Estimated Date of Discharge Boards across its inpatient wards. The initiative forms part of the hospital’s 2025–2028 Strategic Plan, which focuses on improving patient flow, reducing delays, and enhancing communication among care teams, patients, and families.

The new initiative was recently discussed on CBC’s “Mornin’ Barbados”, where QEH Service Improvement Manager Dr. Ayja Clarke and Quality Improvement Manager (Ag.) Ms. Tricia Ward shared how the hospital is rethinking the discharge process to make it more patient-centred and efficient.

Under this new system, discharge planning begins within 48 hours of admission. Each patient will receive an estimated discharge date, allowing doctors, nurses, and relatives to coordinate early for a safe and timely transition home. The boards, which will be placed at the bedside, are designed to give everyone involved in the patient’s care a clear view of key steps that need to be completed before discharge—such as investigations, therapy sessions, and preparation of medications and summaries.

Dr. Clarke explained that early planning helps to prevent bottlenecks and keeps everyone focused on the same goal—getting patients home safely. She noted that while the estimated date provides guidance, patient safety will always take precedence over timelines.

Ms. Ward highlighted that the initiative grew out of feedback from patients and families during pilot testing on several wards. They reported that the boards reduced uncertainty and anxiety, made it easier to track progress, and helped families prepare their homes and transportation ahead of discharge.

Each board includes only non-confidential details, such as the patient’s initials, admission date, consultant’s name, and key milestones. To maintain privacy, photography of the boards will not be permitted.

By increasing transparency and encouraging families to be part of the planning process, QEH aims to strengthen communication and ensure safer, more coordinated care. The launch of the Estimated Date of Discharge Boards marks another important step in the hospital’s ongoing mission of “Getting Better Together.”