BHB moves to Alert Level 3 due to overcrowding
Thursday 10 July 2025: Bermuda Hospitals Board moved to Alert Level 3 today due to increasing pressure on the Emergency Department and acute care inpatient units at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.
In addition to rising numbers of people seeking emergency care and increasing admissions, a large number of patients who are medically fit for discharge remain in hospital.
Chief of Nursing Judy Richardson said: “Currently, 36 patients who could be discharged are still in acute care beds, while 21 admitted patients wait in Emergency for those same beds. In some cases, there are no appropriate community placements for these patients. For others, the delay stems from a situation at home.”
Chief of Staff Dr Anna Neilson-Williams said: “Unfortunately, the people who really need the acute care beds are not receiving them. Patients boarding in Emergency are cared for by the ED team in tandem with additional nurses and a hospitalist from the inpatient units, but we recognise this is not an ideal situation for the patient, the family or the staff.”
In addition to the pressure caused by medically fit for discharge patients not vacating inpatient beds, increasing numbers of patients have been seeking care in the Emergency Department. On Monday, 115 people presented at Emergency, the highest number in a single day this year. Average attendance is 85 to 87 patients a day.
Acting Chief of Emergency Dr Ranjini Patton said: “Generally, almost half of patients who come to Emergency are low acuity, meaning they could be helped by their family doctor or go to one of the urgent care centres. We see patients in order of acuity, so those who are low acuity will wait much longer than patients who require emergency care.”
The hospital is also under additional pressure due to rising levels of COVID-19 circulating in the community. An increasing number of patients with COVID are presenting to Emergency.
“If you think you may have COVID, take an antigen test from a pharmacy,” said Dr Patton. “Please do not come to the hospital seeking COVID testing.
“If you have COVID and are very sick, contact your primary care physician for advice. If you need emergency care, call us first at 239-2009 so we can take precautions to ensure you are cared for away from other patients and visitors.”
Mrs Richardson said: “Please remember our patients are more vulnerable to infections like COVID, flu and colds. All visitors are expected to wear a mask while at the hospital to help protect patients, staff and yourself. If you are sick – even if you think you might be sick – protect our patients and staff by not visiting until you are well again.”