A range of measures are being introduced by the Bermuda Hospitals Board to help relieve pressure on the emergency department as it continues to battle with challenges linked to an ageing population “with increasingly complex care needs”.

The BHB and the Ministry of Health released a joint statement this morning, acknowledging the strain on resources at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

They said: “Emergency department wait times are too long, and too many surgeries are being cancelled, and we are taking decisive, system-wide action to fix these issues so that care at Bermuda’s only hospital is faster, safer, and more reliable for everyone.”

The hospitals board noted that it continued to experience “unprecedented demand” for emergency care, reflected in continued emergency room attendances over recent months.

“This pressure is driven by an ageing population with increasingly complex care needs, including rising chronic and mental health conditions, and the number of acute care beds occupied by patients who are medically fit for discharge but cannot yet transition safely to home or to long-term care” the BHB added.

“When a patient is medically fit for discharge, the hospital must transition them out of an acute bed so that care remains available for those who need it most.

“At that point, home or an appropriate community-based setting is the right place for continued recovery.

“We recognise that some families face genuine financial, physical or emotional challenges in providing care at home and we work closely with the Ministry of Health to ensure that available supports are accessed.

“At the same time, timely engagement in the discharge process is essential.

“When families do not participate in planning or delay decisions, it contributes to bed pressures that affect the entire hospital and the wider community.

“Emergency department pressures are not new and reflect global trends, but the most significant driver today is the number of acute beds occupied by medically fit patients who cannot yet be safely discharged.

“At times, more than 40 of the hospital’s 90 acute care beds, and over 60 beds across the hospital, have been filled by medically fit patients.

“When acute beds are full, emergency department patients wait longer to be seen, admitted or transferred.

“These delays have real consequences for patients, families and our clinical teams.”

Judy Richardson, the acting BHB chief executive, explained: “The BHB has expanded care within both the KEMH and Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute to manage increased demand and maintain patient flow.

“Numerous bed flow initiatives are under way to support timely decision-making.

“We are also making full use of all available clinical spaces and beyond where feasible.

“In addition, existing inpatient units within the acute care wing are accommodating increased numbers, and planning is under way for a dedicated overflow unit once staffing allows.”

The BHB said that its emergency department staff, physicians, nurses, EMTs and support teams continue to deliver safe, consistent care despite sustained high demand and significant operational pressures.

It added: “Staff are managing these pressures professionally and the BHB recognises the ongoing effort required to maintain service levels under these conditions, for which we express continued gratitude.

“To help relieve pressure, the BHB is implementing a range of measures, including enhanced discharge planning, expanded use of transitional spaces and strengthened co-ordination with community partners.

“These efforts are part of a broader, system-wide response that requires collaboration across the entire health and social care landscape.

“The BHB will work with the Government to assess future infrastructure needs and with the significant additional funding and support from the Government, we are establishing a 30-bed transitional care unit to improve patient flow.”

Kim Wilson, the Minister of Health, highlighted that the pressures at KEMH reflect long-term, generational challenges across the island’s community.

“Bermuda has one of the fastest-ageing populations in the world,” she noted.

“Many families are simultaneously caring for children, working multiple jobs and supporting ageing parents.

“Many patients are not remaining in hospital beds by choice, they are there because the supports needed for safe discharge are not yet fully in place.”

The minister highlighted that the Government is responding directly to these challenges through the 2026-27 Budget, including a $55 million operational support package for the BHB, alongside $12 million in capital funding for KEMH and the MWI.

“While these measures will not resolve current pressures immediately, the Government is also investing in long-term care expansion through the rebuild of Lefroy House and the continued development of the Sylvia Richardson Care Facility,” the statement added.

Ms Wilson said: “When a patient is medically ready to leave the hospital, transitioning to home or an appropriate community setting is the best next step for their continued recovery.

“This also helps ensure that hospital beds remain available for those who require acute care.

“We recognise that this transition can be challenging for families balancing work, financial pressures and the emotional responsibilities of caregiving.

“That is why the Government is committed to strengthening the supports available to them.”

The statement added that through the Home First strategy, the Government is enhancing home care benefits, removing the 12-month waiting period for personal home care under HIP and FutureCare, and modernising primary care through upgraded clinics and digital tools.

It added: “Both BHB and the Ministry of Health stress that addressing emergency department pressures requires partnership across Government, the hospital, physicians, long-term care providers, families, caregivers and the wider community.”

Ms Wilson said: “Every bed represents a person in need.

“Together, we can ensure that Bermuda’s hospital remains strong, compassionate and responsive for our loved ones and for future generations.”

The BHB added: “We remain committed to transparency, collaboration and continuous improvement.

“We will continue to work closely with the Ministry of Health and our community partners to ensure that patients receive the right care in the right setting.

“We also support constructive dialogue that advances practical solutions to improve patient flow and access to care.”

• More to follow