QEH bed shortages leave patients waiting, limit planned surgery

Bed shortages at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) are leaving patients waiting for admission and limiting planned surgery as its Accident and Emergency Department (A&E) faces growing demand, hospital officials have said.

Poorly managed chronic illnesses, an increase in trauma cases, respiratory infections and elderly patients who cannot be discharged are putting mounting pressure on the department.

The challenges have been compounded by the loss of ward beds because of structural damage and mould, contributing to a backlog of patients awaiting admission and limiting the hospital’s capacity to perform elective surgery.