THE NATIONAL UNION OF PUBLIC WORKERS (NUPW) has a solution for one of the problems at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital: buy more stretchers.

The union said the problem of the unavailability of them was because the stretchers allotted to ambulances were being held back within the Accident & Emergency (A&E) Department.

"The problem currently being experienced occurs when patients who are brought to the A&E Department remain lying on the stretchers of the ambulances until they are attended to, or until repeated calls from the ambulance office for the release of the stretchers are heeded.

"This untenable situation has led to the ambulances not being available since they do not share stretchers. The NUPW therefore proposes a solution to this ongoing saga; that the chief executive officer of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital should acquire stretchers for the A&E Department."

In addition, the release stated that, out of the hospital's fleet of seven ambulances, only five were in working order.

However, officials at the hospital reiterated that no ambulances were being delayed because of the shortage of stretchers in the A&E.

Bed shortage

"In exceptional circumstances, there may be a surge in the number of patients coming into the A&E, combined with bed shortages, which may result in some delay. This has happened in the past," the statement said.

It added that the hospital's management was acquiring a few back-up trolleys to cater to such surges.

In addition, Ward B-7, a 24-bed ward, was being refurbished and this would be completed in a few weeks so more beds would become available.

"Unfortunately, many wards need refurbishing and a temporary bed number reduction is the price to pay for this essential upgrade.

"With regard to ambulance numbers, the fleet of relatively new ambulances has been prone to persistent malfunction. This can result in reductions in the operating fleet from time to time," the statement read, adding that one ambulance had been in an accident and was likely to be written off. (PR/CA/ES)