Hospital reveals 'Winter Plan' to tackle seasonal surge

Measures are being introduced across Jersey's healthcare settings to help ease the demand on the hospital this winter. 

The 'Winter Plan' aims to reduce unnecessary hospital admissions, improve patient experience, and reduce the length of time islanders stay in hospital.

At this time of year the hospital can become busy as illnesses such as flu and Covid  - which can particularly affect the elderly and very young - can lead to a spike in admissions.  

Under the plan, two new areas have been created within the Emergency Department (ED) - Rapid Assessment and Treatment and Fit2Sit. 

The Rapid Assessment and Treatment area is for patients arriving by ambulance.

In this area, patients are assessed by a senior clinician, and diagnostic tests are done within 30 minutes of their arrival.

The patient can then be transferred to the most appropriate area of the hospital, such as a ward, freeing up space in ED and allowing other patients to be seen. 

Fit2Sit is for patients who do not need to be assessed or treated on a hospital trolley but can have their condition managed while in a recliner chair. Health and Care Jersey says the addition of these four chairs has increased capacity within the department.

Specialist paramedics have also been introduced to Jersey for the first time. These paramedics, who have advanced skills, can treat certain patients within the community rather than taking them to hospital.

They can take blood tests, which HCJ says then can be processed by the hospital lab within 60 minutes.

A new Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) unit will allow patients – who previously would have been admitted to hospital – to be assessed, diagnosed, treated and safely discharged on the same day.  

A new Discharge to Assess service will also be launched, allowing patients to be discharged home, when medically appropriate, for care assessments to take place.

While awaiting assessment, the patient will be supported by a care agency for two weeks as well as with Telecare technology such as personal alarms and sensors. 

James Basilio-Mason, Head of Operational Resilience, said:

“A huge amount of work has gone into developing this Winter Plan which is focussed on enhancing care for Islanders.

"Winter can see increase demand on healthcare services which is why these measures are so important.

“By introducing new services and streamlining hospital flow, we’re making sure people get the right care at the right time, and that our teams are supported to deliver it.”

The Health department is also asking islanders to do their bit to protect frontline services by getting any vaccines they are eligible for and only attending A&E in a genuine emergency.