QEH: Surge in Accident & Emergency patients will cause more delays

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital says its Accident and Emergency Department is again experiencing a surge in the number of patients presenting for treatment with various medical complaints.

Shane Sealy, the hospital’s Communications Specialist, said that at 8 a.m. Saturday, approximately 40 patients were waiting to be seen by medical personnel. As a result we are anticipating increased wait times in the department.

For further information or advice on if you need to present to the Accident and Emergency Department with your medical complaint, please call the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS/Help Desk) at 536-4800 using regular or whatsapp calls from 9 am to 12 midnight during this surge.

You also have the option of visiting the 24-hour Winston Scott Polyclinic at Jemmotts Lane, St Michael, for treatment or your private General Practitioner.

Life-threatening conditions, under the Accident and Emergency’s Triage System will continue to be seen and treated immediately. These include patients who for example, have life, limb or sight threatening complaints, gunshot wounds, heart attacks, active seizure activity or a patient who needs resuscitation.

If you present to the AED with medical conditions which are not deemed life-threatening or an emergency, it is possible you may experience an extended wait.

We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused and we will continue to update the public as we work to reduce extended waiting times and offer the best possible care and treatment in the Accident and Emergency Department. (PR)