Health Department officials have now moved to reassure Islanders of their safety during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The group managing director for Health and Community Services, Rob Sainsbury, said: ‘So far, for areas like day surgery, around 50% of people contacted have attended their procedure. This is a low figure and is mostly due to patients either self-isolating, having family and work pressures or simply not wanting to come into the hospital during this pandemic.
‘We want to reassure Islanders that we have all the necessary PPE and safety measures in place and patient safety is our primary concern at all times.’
There has also been concern that the hospital is facing staff shortages as a result of the pandemic, but Mr Sainsbury refuted concerns that departments were struggling.
He added: ‘Our staffing numbers are where we expect them to be. Our staff have shown incredible adaptability and flexibility during this pandemic as we respond to both Covid-19 and patient demand for our services.’
In addition to the appointments for some outpatient services and elective surgeries that restarted this month, the hospital is gradually offering more services – however ,patients may face delays and longer waiting list times.
‘As we are now beginning to offer more appointments and elective care services, we are currently monitoring waiting-list times,’ Mr Sainsbury explained. ‘We expect there to be some delays and will continue to communicate with patients.’
Health Minister Richard Renouf raised similar concerns about missed appointments during a press conference last week.
‘I want to remind Islanders that day surgery and diagnostic testing resumed at the General Hospital on Tuesday. However, some patients have decided not to come to the Hospital at the present time, even though we judged they were the ones most in need of treatment. I would like to send a message to them that our hospital is safe.
‘We understand why patients may be afraid at this time, but we wish to reassure them that they will be safe in our care. If they are called to come to the Hospital for the treatment they need, we ask them to respond. We are confident they will be kept safe.’
