The Ministry of Health and the Bermuda Hospital’s Board issued a joint statement to acknowledge the emergency department wait times are too long, too many surgeries are being cancelled, and we are taking decisive, systemwide action to fix these issues
The Bermuda Hospital’s Board and the Ministry of Health have made fresh pledges to alleviate pressures in the emergency department at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.
The Emergency Department’s acute care beds are being occupied by patients medically fit for discharge but have no other place to go for long-term care.
They said, “ED wait times are too long, and too many surgeries are being cancelled, and we are taking decisive, systemwide action to fix these issues so that care at Bermuda’s only hospital is faster, safer, and more reliable for everyone.”
The Ministry of Health and BHB issued a joint statement to highlight the key steps they are taking to ease patient flow in the Emergency Department.
The problem stems from several root causes – a rapidly aging population with complex mental health and other chronic illness and lack of long-term or home care options for families to safely medically discharge patients.
The BHB explained that, “At times, more than 40 of the hospital’s 90 acute care beds, and over 60 beds across the hospital, have been filled by medically fit patients.”
The hospital continues to experience unprecedented demand for emergency care.
And delays are having significant impacts on patient care and clinical teams.
Acting BHB CEO, Ms Judy Richardson, said: “The BHB has expanded care within both the KEMH and MWI to manage increased demand and maintain patient flow. Numerous bed flow initiatives are underway to support timely decision-making. We are also making full use of all available clinical spaces, and beyond where feasible.
“In addition, existing inpatient units within the Acute Care Wing are accommodating increased numbers, and planning is underway for a dedicated overflow unit once staffing allows.”
Health Minister Kim Wilson reaffirmed the government’s pledge to respond to the challenges by directing funds to develop a 30-bed transitional care unit at MWI.
Furthermore, the Health Ministry was allocated an additional $55 million in this year’s budget for BHB operational support and $12million towards capital improvements.
However, the Minister acknowledged these measures will not resolve current pressures immediately.
She explained that the pressures at KEMH reflect longstanding, generational challenges across the community and the growing population of the so-called sandwich generation.
Minister Wilson said “When a patient is medically ready to leave the hospital, transitioning to home or an appropriate community setting is the best next step for their continued recovery. This also helps ensure that hospital beds remain available for those who require acute care.”
To ease the burden on the hospital itself, the government said it has invested in long term care facilities such as the rebuild of the Lefroy House and additional Sylvia Richardson Care Facility.
Other measures taken include the shortened wait period for seniors to receive home care benefits for HIP and FutureCare policyholders.
Minister Wilson said, “Every bed represents a person in need.
“Together, we can ensure that Bermuda’s hospital remains strong, compassionate, and responsive for our loved ones and for future generations.”
Both BHB and the Ministry of Health stressed that solving the issue requires partnership across the Government, the hospital, physicians, long-term care providers, families, and the wider community.
