Operations cancelled as hospital bed occupancy reaches winter high

The extraordinary demand is being attributed to an increase in the number of patients with respiratory illness, including diagnosed cases of Influenza B.

Health & Social Care said staff were working hard to manage the situation so patients continue to receive good care.

However, some elective operations had to be postponed.

‘Bed capacity at the hospital in the past 48 hours has been running at some of the highest levels we have seen all winter,' chief nurse Professor Juliet Beal said.

'We are dealing with the tail end of the annual winter pressures which we plan and resource for each year but what we have seen this week proves that it is extremely hard to predict when demand will be at its highest.

'We are currently caring for some very sick patients which results in increased pressure on our bed numbers.

'We do not take the decision to postpone operations lightly.

'We understand that this is extremely frustrating for patients that have been waiting for surgery for some time.

'The safest option, when pressure on hospital beds is so great however, is to postpone elective surgery.

'Our team have been speaking to patients and their families to explain the situation and we will of course re-arrange as soon as possible anybody that is affected by our need to postpone.’

HSC said it was working hard to increase capacity by reviewing shifts and overtime.

In addition, qualified nurses now working in other teams have put their uniforms back on and worked on the wards to support their colleagues. HSC would continue to review the situation three times a day.

The committee has asked that islanders only attend the hospital if they absolutely have to.

'If you are feeling unwell you should, in the first instance, contact your doctor or pharmacist,' it said.

'Out of hours GP cover is provided over the Easter weekend – you should phone your normal surgery number for further information.'