Minister Wilson On BHB Beds, Elder Care & More
“Hospital bed shortages continue to pose a significant challenge, largely due to the number of patients remaining in hospital after being deemed medically fit for discharge,” Minister of Health Kim Wilson said, adding that “we are focused on improving elder care services by upgrading existing facilities and planning new ones to meet growing demand.”
BHB Raises Alert Level Due To Pressure
This follows after the Bermuda Hospitals Board upgraded its alert level to 3, with 4 being the highest, due to what they said was “growing pressure within King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, primarily driven by the number of medically fit for discharge patients causing a record number of people waiting for inpatient beds.”
BHB noted that at one point 34 patients were waiting for beds as “there were over 40 patients medically fit for discharge still in hospital, and all additional areas with available beds were being used.”
“The changes we are making are helping us through this crisis, but in the long term we need solutions in the community for an increasing frail and elderly population,” BHB added.
Minister of Health Kim Wilson’s Statement
Minister Wilson said, “Hospital bed shortages continue to pose a significant challenge, largely due to the number of patients remaining in hospital after being deemed medically fit for discharge. We recognize the strain this places on our healthcare system, affecting both the dedicated staff and patients in urgent need of care.
“To address this, it is crucial to streamline the transition of medically fit patients to alternative care settings, ensuring the process is both efficient and timely. This approach will help alleviate pressure on hospital resources and improve access to care for all.
“Additionally, we are focused on improving elder care services by upgrading existing facilities and planning new ones to meet growing demand. Making home care more affordable and ensuring timely caregiver payments are also key priorities, allowing seniors to age with dignity and proper care in the comfort of their homes.
“We understand that some families face real difficulties in providing care at home, and we are committed to supporting those who need additional assistance.
“However, for families who are able, we strongly encourage you to help your loved ones transition home when it is safe to do so. This not only ensures they recover in a more comfortable and familiar environment but also frees up critical hospital beds for those in urgent need.”
Using the “blame game” again!
Plans platitudes and promises.
The PLP have been in power with money available for nearly a quarter of a century. Are YOU telling me that you didn’t see the aging population and need for support infrastructure coming? Naw, of course you just raided the pension fund and gave pension holidays.
“with money available for nearly a quarter of a century”
There has been no money available for 15 years or so.
After the baby boom following WW2 the senior boom was known to be coming. In the past 25 years nothing has been done to increase senior care and accommodation.
There are a surplus of school buildings. Something that has also been known for many many years coming. Government is only just getting around to talking about converting only 1 of them to senior care, and that is only daycare.
Accommodation for seniors at various levels of care right up to, but not including hospital level, is needed.
How long will it take for Government to get around to taking care of seniors and getting those that do not need to be in hospital out? The baby boomers will be dead and gone by the time that happens. The baby boomers are here today needing assistance and all the Government has done so far is talk.