The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Barbados is currently experiencing a severe strain on its Accident and Emergency Department due to a major influenza outbreak.
This surge in respiratory illness is compounded by a high volume of trauma cases and chronic disease complications following the holiday season.
Operationally, the facility is struggling because many healthcare workers have also fallen ill, leading to significantly extended wait times for non-critical patients.
While emergency care remains prioritized for life-threatening conditions, hospital officials are encouraging the public to use phone or WhatsApp advisory services before seeking in-person treatment.
This report highlights a critical period of medical gridlock as the institution manages limited resources against an overwhelming spike in patient demand.