QEH clarifies images showing patients on AED floor

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) has moved to clarify images circulating publicly that show patients lying on the floor in the Accident and Emergency Department (AED) waiting area, saying the photos were taken during a period of exceptionally high patient volumes and do not reflect standard practice.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the hospital said the images were reportedly taken last Saturday, when the AED was experiencing unprecedented demand. While seating was available at the time, some patients chose to lie on the floor in an effort to rest while awaiting care.

QEH stressed that it does not support or encourage patients lying on the floor and said this position has been clearly communicated by hospital leadership.
The hospital said that once management became aware of the matter on Sunday, Chief Executive Officer Neil Clark requested an immediate investigation. During a subsequent media briefing, Clark indicated that no patients were lying on the floor at that time and reiterated that ensuring sufficient seating for patients remains a priority.

QEH acknowledged that while staff strongly advise against patients lying on the floor, individuals cannot be compelled to use chairs, particularly during extended waiting periods driven by patient surges. The hospital noted that the media briefing was intended to highlight the extreme waiting times being experienced due to the volume of patients arriving for care.

The hospital apologised for any distress the images may have caused and urged the public to recognise the pressure under which doctors, nurses and support staff continue to operate amid the surge in demand.

QEH also reported progress in reducing congestion, noting that the backlog of patients waiting to be seen by an A&E doctor has been reduced from more than 60 to fewer than 20, although the figure remains fluid as new patients continue to arrive.

Members of the public were again encouraged, where appropriate, to seek care at polyclinics and urgent care centres to help ease pressure on emergency services.