BHB cites rising emergency visits and delayed discharges as COVID-19 adds pressure
The hospital has today moved to Alert Level 3 due to overcrowding.
While the Bermuda Hospitals Board notes an increase in admissions, many patients who are medically fit for discharge remain in hospital.
Chief of Nursing Judy Richardson said: “Currently, 36 patients who could be discharged are still in acute care beds, while 21 admitted patients wait in Emergency for those same beds. In some cases, there are no appropriate community placements for these patients. For others, the delay stems from a situation at home.”
Chief of Staff Dr Anna Neilson-Williams added: “Unfortunately, the people who really need the acute care beds are not receiving them. Patients boarding in Emergency are cared for by the ED team in tandem with additional nurses and a hospitalist from the inpatient units, but we recognise this is not an ideal situation for the patient, the family or the staff.”
The Emergency Department is also under pressure, evident on Monday, when 115 people attended, the highest number in a single day this year, according to BHB.
The average attendance is between 85 and 87 patients per day.
Acting Chief of Emergency Dr Ranjini Patton said: “Generally, almost half of patients who come to Emergency are low acuity, meaning they could be helped by their family doctor or go to one of the urgent care centres. We see patients in order of acuity, so those who are low acuity will wait much longer than patients who require emergency care.”
In addition, rising levels of COVID-19 circulating in the community are compounding the strain on hospital admissions.
Doctors are reminding residents to take an antigen test from the pharmacy if they suspect they have Covid, and to contact their primary care physician for advice if unwell.
Mrs Richardson said patients are more vulnerable to infections such as Covid, flu and colds – and that all visitors are expected to wear a mask while at the hospital.
“If you are sick – even if you think you might be sick – protect our patients and staff by not visiting until you are well again,” she added.
If you have Covid and need to seek emergency care, the hospital asks that you call ahead, so precautions can be taken to ensure you are cared for away from other patients and visitors.
