Respiratory illness surge puts QEH under severe pressure

A surge in severe respiratory illnesses has pushed the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) to its highest number of critically ill respiratory patients since the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing the postponement of some non-urgent surgeries and increasing waiting times at the Accident and Emergency Department. The Ministry of Health and Wellness warned on Wednesday that influenza, COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses are driving the increase, with high levels of illness expected to persist until early February. Health officials are preparing additional patient space as the hospital struggles to accommodate those requiring urgent care.The Ministry is urging Barbadians to get their flu shots, seek medical attention early and take precautions to prevent further spread.