Minor ops threat as 10 beds close at PEH

TEN beds will close at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital because of staff shortages.

The announcement from Health and Social Services comes just over two weeks since it told the Guernsey Press that it had no immediate plans to do so.

The move might mean minor operations being delayed as the department works to address the shortages before September.

'Until now, vacancies had been covered by a combination of agency nurses and existing staff working additional hours, while we have made strenuous efforts to recruit to two vacant senior posts,' said a spokesman for the department.

'However, the departure of another two senior nursing staff has now meant that a temporary reduction in bed numbers has become inevitable.'

From Monday 27 April, the number of surgical beds at Giffard Ward will be reduced from 30 to 20 so that the nurses available can cope and to ensure patient safety.

There will be no delays for emergencies or immediate life-threatening illnesses, while cancer patients will be given priority, the spokesman said.