Last week, TNN News received multiple complaints regarding prolonged wait times at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital (KEMH) Emergency Department. Several individuals reported waiting between 8 to 12 hours for treatment.
Complainants expressed deep concern, acknowledging that triage and emergency care are complex processes based on the urgency of each case. However, they argued that some patients in serious condition should not be left waiting for up to half a day before being seen.
One eyewitness described the situation as resembling a “War Zone,” citing overcrowding and overwhelmed staff. Reports indicated that at one point, over 90 individuals were in the emergency department—approximately 50 being serviced and over 40 waiting to be admitted. Some patients, including those arriving were reportedly being triaged outside the ambulance bay due to a lack of space and immediate availability.
Citizens emphasized their understanding that many of those seeking emergency care are elderly, and with COVID-19 cases once again on the rise, the demand on healthcare services is high. However, they stressed that the current system requires urgent evaluation and restructuring to ensure more efficient and timely care.
In response to these concerns, TNN News reached out to the Bermuda Hospitals Board (BHB). The Media Relations Department provided a statement, which we now share with our viewers.
A Bermuda Hospitals Board spokesperson said: “There has been an increase in the numbers of people attending our Emergency Department this week. On average, we see 85 to 87 patients per day. However, on Monday 7 July, 115 patients came to the ED – the highest single-day attendance this year.
“Almost half of patients who come to Emergency are low acuity, meaning they could be helped by their family doctor or go to an urgent care centre. Patients presenting with life-threatening, critical and serious conditions are prioritised and triaged more rapidly. Lower acuity patients will wait longer. A new digital display in the ED waiting room displays live wait times, current patient volumes by acuity, and the number of patients waiting for a bed.
“Due to rising numbers of COVID-19 infections in the community, some patients are triaged outside the building. This helps safeguard other patients and staff, in line with established infection prevention protocols.
“We encourage patients with more minor complaints to visit their general practitioner or an urgent care centre. This helps to reduce patient volume and wait times in Emergency, allowing us to prioritise those with more urgent medical needs.
“Measures have been put in place to ensure BHB is able to continue providing safe, high-quality care while we experience the increased pressure on beds and the ED. A multidisciplinary team meets at least twice daily to assess patient flow. Discharge of patients who are medically fit is being expedited to free up beds for admitted patients waiting in Emergency. Additional nurses and a hospitalist have been deployed to Emergency to help manage the increased demand and ensure safe, timely care.”
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