Princess Elizabeth Hospital declares critical incident as capacity crisis forces surgery cancellations
- Princess Elizabeth Hospital has declared a critical incident due to overcapacity, forcing postponement of elective surgeries
- Two surgeries cancelled on 26th May with at least one more postponed for the following day; further disruption expected
- All cancer and emergency surgeries continue as planned and remain priority procedures
- Additional temporary flex beds and ward beds opened to manage demand; community teams taking increased caseloads
- Emergency Department experiencing high attendances with longer waiting times for non-urgent cases
The Princess Elizabeth Hospital has declared a critical incident after reaching overcapacity, forcing the postponement of some elective surgeries to maintain safe practice standards.
Two elective procedures were cancelled on 26th May, with at least one further surgery postponed for the following day. Health officials have warned that additional disruption to planned operations may continue in the coming days until capacity issues are resolved.
All cancer and emergency surgeries have continued as scheduled and remain priority procedures. The hospital has confirmed that life-threatening and urgent cases are unaffected by the current situation.
Health & Social Care has apologised for the impact on patients and their families, acknowledging the disappointment caused by postponed procedures. Officials stated there is no single factor driving the current level of admissions.
To manage increased demand, the hospital has opened additional temporary 'flex beds' and added further beds to existing patient wards. However, flex beds cannot be used as a long-term solution, contributing to the decision to postpone elective surgeries.
The capacity crisis has created a ripple effect across health services. Community teams have taken on increased caseloads to support timely discharges from the hospital, which in turn is placing additional pressure on community services.
The Emergency Department is experiencing a high number of attendances, resulting in longer waiting times for patients with non-urgent conditions.
While hospital officials confirmed the current pressures are not linked to recent warmer weather, islanders are being reminded to stay safe in the heat by keeping hydrated, using sun protection, and checking on vulnerable individuals.
Teams across the hospital and community services are working to minimise the number of postponed surgeries and support safe and timely discharges. Capacity within the Day Patient Unit has been increased wherever possible to ensure some procedures can still proceed and to make best use of available theatre time.
A critical incident team has been established to closely monitor and assess the situation. Postponed elective cases will be rearranged as soon as possible, though this may affect some patients who currently have scheduled surgery dates. Any patients impacted by changes will be contacted directly by the hospital.
Q&A
Q: Which surgeries are still going ahead?
A: All cancer and emergency surgeries continue to be prioritised and are proceeding as scheduled. Some procedures are also continuing in the Day Patient Unit where capacity has been increased.
Q: How many surgeries have been cancelled?
A: Two elective surgeries were postponed on 26th May, and at least one further surgery has been cancelled for the following day. Additional cancellations may occur in the coming days.
Q: What is causing the hospital to be over capacity?
A: Health & Social Care stated there is no single factor driving the current level of admissions. The pressures are not linked to recent warmer weather.
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