Queen Elizabeth Hospital Experiences Surge in AED Patient Numbers, Causing Longer Wait Times

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

At 4 p.m. Sunday, November 12th, 2023, approximately 40 patients were waiting to be seen by our medical team. The peak in numbers has resulted in increased wait times in the department. We’re reminding the public, that 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. Life-threatening conditions, under the AED’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.

For further information or advice on if you need to present to the Accident and Emergency Department with your medical complaint, please call our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS/Help Desk) at 536-4800 using regular or WhatsApp calls from 9 a.m. to 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.

We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience and we will continue to provide updates on the situation. (QEH)