Waiting times increase at ED gets busier

Friday 22 September 2023

Guernsey's Emergency Department is on course to see 50% more patients this year than last year, with a warning that will mean longer waiting times for everyone.

Health and Social Care said the average attendance at the former A&E, now called ED, was around 15,000 people "for many years".

However, this year's attendance looks likely to reach 23,000 patients.

HSC says that "due to increased pressures, patients might experience increased waiting times when attending the Emergency Department."

Patient numbers have steadily risen over the past five years with an extra 8,000 patients expected to pass through the doors ED this year compared to the average of recent years.

Pictured: A nurse carries out the initial assessment on patients arriving at the ED.

"These extra 8,000 patients a year have put a significant strain on the system as a whole," said HSC in its warning statement issued this morning.

"On a number of occasions this year, the Emergency Department has seen ambulances queuing outside the department unable to decant patients as the department has been full," it said.

It is still expected that patients will be assessed quickly on their arrival at the hospital, but they will then be triaged based on their need for urgent treatment.

HSC explained that patients attending the Emergency Department will be assessed by a nurse, usually within 15 minutes of arrival. They will then be seen in order of clinical need, not by time of attendance.

HSC said that means that patients with non-life threatening and less serious conditions may have to wait longer to see a doctor. Patients may also be triaged to the Out of Hours GP service.

Dr Mat Dorrian, Emergency Department Consultant, and Guernsey representative of the BMA said it's about offering the most appropriate care for each patient's needs.

Pictured: Dr Matt Dorrian.

"By all measurements our department continues to deliver excellent care and the increased waiting time for less urgent problems would still be the envy of most health systems.

"Our team continue to deliver emergency care for all patients of all ages with all problems and appreciate your patience as we manage the significant increase in our workload.

"However, to help with the flow within the hospital we would ask that – in normal working hours patients with less urgent conditions contact their GP surgery where access to same day appointments remains possible."