Islanders are being asked to keep all but essential cases out of hospital as the PEH experiences high admissions, with 87% of its 116 beds occupied.

The Critical Care unit is full, and some elective surgery has had to be postponed because there must always be a bed on standby.

Bed capacity is monitored throughout the day, but a variety of emergency admissions have resulted in the current pressure - including trauma, mental health, pneumonia, cardiac problems, stroke and admissions as a result of falls at home.

There are also around 13 patients delayed in hospital either awaiting packages of care or care home beds.

In addition, while the transfer of Les Bourgs Hospice patients has been accommodated in Le Marchant ward, it has added to capacity issues.

Space has been made available for five hospice patients and their needs will be met by Les Bourgs Hospice staff while they are on the ward.

Head of Acute Nursing Care, Elaine Burgess says: ‘There is the perception that the hospital is quiet post-lockdown, but it is busier than ever. Every minute in a hospital bed matters. Our beds are our most precious resource.’ 

Patients who are told it's safe for them to be discharged are being asked to make every effort to get home and continue their recovery there.

Hospital bosses say the current capacity issues demonstrate the need for the modernisation programme that will add five critical care beds as well as a ten bed theatre recovery unit.