Nurses aids temporarily downed tools at the hospital this afternoon.

They went back on the wards shortly afterward, but the situation appears to have been prompted by high pressure on hospital staff.

At one point this afternoon, 34 patients were waiting for beds.

A notice sent to staff states that the Bermuda Hospital’s board is moving to alert level three due to capacity issues.

The notice cites growing pressures that came primarily driven by the number of medically fit for discharge patients, causing a record number of people waiting in the emergency department.

The notice to staff says, “There were over 40 patients medically fit for discharge still in hospital and all additional areas with available beds were being used to increase capacity.

“Two of the larger acute care wing inpatient unit rooms on each floor will take two medically fit for discharge patients.”

The notice also elaborated on how much pressure hospital resources are under additional spaces already being used in the fracture clinic, the children’s and maternity wards, and in the long term care units.

A BHB media release has confirmed the situation.

Acting Chief of Staff Doctor Anna Nielsen Williams said, “We have had to accelerate plans to increase capacity urgently today and this is helping us reduce numbers in the emergency department. But overall, we are still under great pressure. We are grateful to our staff once again standing up to the plate.”

Regarding the temporary sit out by some staff, a BHB spokesperson said they are aware of concerns raised by several staff members regarding the growing pressure within EMH and are in communication with staff and union partners.

BHB Media Statement below…

Bermuda Hospitals Board today upgraded its alert level to 3, with 4 being the highest, in response to growing pressure within King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, primarily driven by the number of medically fit for discharge patients causing a record number of people waiting for inpatient beds.

At one point this afternoon, 34 patients were waiting for beds. There were over 40 patients medically fit for discharge still in hospital, and all additional areas with available beds were being used.

To increase capacity, with immediate effect, two of the larger Acute Care Wing inpatient unit rooms on each floor will take two medically fit for discharge patients per room. As there are three units, this will open up six additional rooms for patients needing acute care.

The patients doubling up will be patients who are medically fit for discharge. The arrangement will impact visiting for these patients. They will be limited to one patient each at a time. Additional space in the Orthopaedic (Fracture) Clinic is already being used by four patients who are waiting for acute care beds, and available space in the children’s and maternity units are being used, as is created space in the long-term care units.

“This is an incredible pressure on our staff and hospital services,” says Acting Chief of Staff Dr Anna Neilson-Williams. “We have had to accelerate plans to increase capacity urgently today and this is helping us reduce numbers in the Emergency Department, but overall we are still under great pressure. We are grateful to our staff once again standing up to the plate. Our Emergency team has been under extreme pressure for many months, and it is being felt in our other units as they accommodate more patients.”

Chief of Nursing, Judy Richardson adds: “The community see the pressure when they come to the Emergency Department and find people being cared for on our corridors, or when they visit their loved ones in overflow units. Our staff are caring for increasing numbers of people and this is felt across clinical and support services. The changes we are making are helping us through this crisis, but in the long term we need solutions in the community for an increasing frail and elderly population.”

Acting CEO and Chief Operating Officer Preston Swan, stresses that families who are able to, must pick up their loved ones if they are medically fit for discharge.

“We understand that some people are very vulnerable and while they are medically fit for discharge from an acute care unit, they may have care or medical needs that must be in place in the community before they can leave. However, this is not all patients. We implore people who can take their loved ones home to do so. Every bed we can make available makes are big difference. There are other unwell people needing care.”

Chief of Emergency, Dr Chikezie Dean Okereke stated that the Emergency Department is currently facing unprecedented capacity issues and it is imperative that people only come to Emergency Department if absolutely necessary.

“If you can wait to see you doctor, please call and book an appointment,” Dr Okereke says. “People who experience significant trauma, have stroke symptoms, chest pains or serious bleeding etc. must come to us for care, but we ask that people with general aches, pains, or worries not requiring urgent attention to please contact their GP instead. And if you do need to come, please be aware that if your symptoms are not critical you are likely to have a long wait before you see a Physician.”

Dr Okereke stated that due to the space constraint issues, patients are advised to only attend with one person carer if absolutely necessary.”