QEH almost full; only emergency operations to be addressed

All elective surgical admissions at the Queen Elizabeth Hospita (QEH) l have been suspended until further notice.

In a memorandum dated Monday August 22, 2022, sent by the office of the Director Medical Services (DMS), department heads were informed that the hospital had almost reached full capacity and all surgical elective admissions had to be suspended.

Chief Operations Officer Christine Greenidge; Director Nursing Services Henderson Pinder; Bed Manager Monique Edwards; Theatre Manager Wendy Bullard; chairman of the Theatre Users Committee John Gill; and senior nursing officers were included in the notice which came from.

“The office of the Director Medical Services has been informed that there are a number of admissions in the Accident and Emergency Department and our hospital is almost at capacity,” the document stated.

“As such, all surgical elective admissions will be suspended until further notice. “However, admissions which are categorised as emergencies will be accommodated.”

The document further stated that the office of the DMS would provide updates on this matter as the information was provided.

This is the second time in two years that the hospital’s capacity was of major concern.

In a press release on Sunday November 1st, 2020, the Board of Management of the QEH stated that the Martindale’s Road, St Michael healthcare institution had reached its capacity for in-patient admissions and as a result there would be delays for members of the public seeking service through the Accident and Emergency Department, ambulance services and those who may need surgeries.

That document stated that only emergency surgeries were being performed and all elective procedures had to be rescheduled.

“The QEH has reached its maximum capacity as the majority of its 519 in-patient beds are currently occupied. This is due in part to the large number of persons awaiting elective surgery and the continued provision of care to persons classified as Elderly for Care,” the release said.

Barbados TODAY reached out to the QEH for a response on the current situation. A promised sta tement did not materialise up to press time.    

sheriabrathwaite@barbadostoday.bb