Queen's Hospital's A&E department is facing unprecedented demand, treating over 31,000 patients in December 2024, often exceeding its capacity. Senior nurse Gloria Lewis highlighted the lack of respite due to overcrowding and the constant need for problem-solving. The changing patient flow has resulted in treating individuals in corridors, increasing stress for staff and relatives. Deputy matron Jay Appadu emphasized that corridor conditions complicate patient management as they lack ward facilities. The ongoing situation stresses the healthcare system, impacting staff wellbeing and patient care quality significantly.
I think I'm just A&E through and through - the running around, the constant doing something and giving that care is for me.
There is no respite, there is no downtime and it's because of the volume of the patients.
You always still try your best, but you burn out.
Because patients in the corridor do not have access to ward facilities, they need to be managed differently.
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