The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) is working to restore surgical capacity as shortages of nurses, limited operating and recovery space and pressure on inpatient beds continue to affect non-urgent procedures.
Emergency and urgent surgeries are continuing, but the hospital says increased demand for critical care and other operational constraints have disrupted its ability to carry out non-urgent procedures.
Air quality concerns have also forced temporary ward closures and relocations, reducing inpatient capacity by 46 beds. Some capacity could be restored as early as next week, subject to remedial work and safety clearance.
In a statement, the QEH said it was exploring options to increase minor and day-case procedures for patients who do not require overnight admission.
It is also working with the Ministry of Health and Wellness to facilitate the safe transfer of medically stable patients to appropriate care settings and pursuing additional nursing recruitment.
Chief Executive Officer Neil Clark said the hospital’s immediate focus was ensuring clinical teams had the resources needed to deliver care.
“Our patients and families need to know that we understand their concerns and are acting on them every day. Our clinical teams want to deliver more care, and our immediate focus is to provide the safe space, staffing and beds they need to do so,” he said.
Meanwhile, oncology treatments have continued despite the temporary relocation of Oncology Outpatients.
The hospital said contingency arrangements remain in place and the Linear Accelerator treatment area has not been affected.
A further air quality assessment is scheduled for Wednesday, October 28. Its findings, along with a pending Environmental Health report, will inform decisions on when the affected areas can be safely reoccupied.
Additional contingency arrangements are being developed should the relocation need to continue.
“Oncology treatments have continued, and we are working to restore wider surgical activity as quickly and safely as possible,” Clark said.
The QEH apologised to patients and families for the disruptions and said those affected by changes to their care would be contacted by their clinical teams.
Patients seeking information or assistance may contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service at 536-4800.
(BT)
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