Queen Elizabeth Hospital Unveils Plans to Enhance Outpatient Services and Reduce Wait Times

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) has unveiled plans to comprehensively revamp its outpatient services, as a top official admitted that “laziness” has contributed to the long-standing issues of overcrowding and extensive waiting times.

In a frank discussion on the hospital’s Pulse Radio Show, Director of Medical Services Anthony Harris acknowledged the hospital’s shortcomings: “If we really analyse it, the fault is a bit of laziness. I think this is something that we have been grappling with… for many years, how to fix that problem.”

The island’s primary acute care facility is now developing strategies to address these challenges, including the creation of a dedicated social area and comfortable waiting lounges for patients who often endure hours-long waits for their appointments.

The reforms come as patients, particularly those travelling from rural areas, continue to face significant challenges. Many arrive early due to transport constraints, only to encounter insufficient seating and overcrowded waiting areas. “It’s really difficult to wait for hours without a comfortable place to sit. It would be nice to have somewhere to relax while we wait,” one patient reported.

Harris said: “Even if we were to give an appointment by schedule, they would still come early. We know that because we have experienced that. We certainly are looking to explore options of expanding the outpatient services and to provide a nice lounge where people can wait in comfort.”

This initiative aims to alleviate discomfort during peak hours when the outpatient area is often overcrowded.

Chief Executive Officer Neil Clark revealed that improved outpatient scheduling features prominently in the hospital’s 2025-2028 strategic plan. He said the aim is to improve efficiency and reduce wait times, while creating a more comfortable environment for patients.

“We are looking at creating a social area within the hospital that people can wait before they move towards the outpatient clinics,” Clark said.

The hospital is also considering using technology for outpatient appointments.

“We are also exploring using technology for some of the outpatient appointments, so telemedicine appointments are done virtually,” the hospital CEO said. “A number of patients might choose to take up virtual appointments rather than [in-person].”

The QEH is simultaneously preparing for a surge in elderly patients in a rapidly ageing population. Research from the University of the West Indies’ Chronic Disease Research Centre (CDRC) projects a tripling of Barbados’ over-70 population within the next two decades.

Harris emphasised the hospital’s readiness to meet this demographic shift: “We know what is coming [so] we know what needs to be delivered.”

The plans include adapting the hospital’s services and preparing its workforce and infrastructure to accommodate an increased number of elderly patients and provide the specialised care they need.