Health has moved to reassure islanders that no patients were harmed by an increase in the number of Emergency Department attendances of over 12 hours last year – with performance having “improved considerably” this year.
The number of Emergency Department attendances involving stays of over 12 hours rose from 242 in 2023 to 848 last year – a 250% increase in raw numbers.
The figures were revealed by the Health Minister last week in response to a written question from Deputy Jonathan Renouf.
But Health officials have since stressed that, as a proportion of overall visits to the Emergency Department, the rise was small.
In 2023, only 0.587% of overall Emergency Department attendances lasted over 12 hours. In 2024, that figure rose to 1.9% – a 1.3 percentage point increase.
Health Minister Tom Binet said: “Whilst I’m extremely sorry to all those affected, it might be helpful for everyone for that increase to be presented in context.
“Throughout 2024, the department had to contend with the fact that more patients needed to be admitted to hospital than in 2023, whilst having to deal with reduced bed capacity caused by much-needed refurbishment works to Bartlett Ward and the Acute Assessment Unit.
“In addition, overall demand on the Emergency Department increased during 2024 with 3,200 more patients attending compared to 2023.
”Even though the department was busier, we saw more patients within four hours – 95% people were seen within this time frame compared to 91.6% in 2023.”
I would like to thank the dedicated staff who work as tirelessly, and efficiently, to ensure that islanders, who are at their most vulnerable, receive the good quality care that they deserve
Deputy Tom Binet, Minister for Health and Social Services
He explained that, despite these challenges, the Health Department delivered on its promise to improve waiting lists – with an additional 1,212 patients undergoing an elective procedure in 2024 compared to 2023.
Deputy Binet added: “To end on a positive note, I’m also pleased to report that the Emergency Department’s performance has improved considerably during 2025, and the number of patients waiting longer than 12 hours is now back to under 1%.
“Finally, I would like to thank the dedicated staff who work as tirelessly, and efficiently, to ensure that islanders, who are at their most vulnerable, receive the good quality care that they deserve.”
Emergency medicine consultant Dr Catherine King explained that, despite the increase, “patient safety has remained our highest priority”.
We understand that long waits can be distressing, and we are committed to improving patient flow and reducing waiting times wherever possible
Dr Catherine King, Consultant in Emergency Medicine
“We are confident that no patients came to harm during this time,” she said.
“All patients are assessed on arrival and triaged according to clinical need.
“Throughout their time in the Emergency Department, they are continuously monitored and reviewed by clinical staff.
“There are a number of reasons why a patient may have an extended stay in the department.
“These can include receiving critical care that cannot be interrupted, undergoing treatment that allows them to safely return home, or waiting for an available hospital bed.
“We understand that long waits can be distressing, and we are committed to improving patient flow and reducing waiting times wherever possible.”
