Bermuda Hospitals Board issued a message for people to take care of themselves and loved ones throughout the holiday season.

Acting CEO R. Scott Pearman said: “We continue to work hard so people in Bermuda have the access they need to hospital services.

“BHB remains busy, and doctors, nurses and support staff are working round the clock to ensure those who need care in hospital and emergency receive the services they require while making certain those who are ready to be discharged can go home in a timely manner.

“We are also asking that the community use services wisely and take care of themselves as they enjoy the festive period.”

Advice includes:

• Pick up loved ones who are discharged when they are ready. To free rooms in a timely manner, people who have been discharged will no longer wait in their rooms, but in waiting areas on each of the acute care wards.

• Do not to try to admit seniors who do not need acute care to hospital beds, something which historically has been more common over the holiday period.

• Use the Lamb Foggo Urgent Care Centre for minor injuries and illnesses. It is open from 4pm to midnight weekdays and noon to midnight on weekends throughout the holiday period.

• Do not use emergency services when a visit to your family doctor would be appropriate.

• Do all you can to protect yourself from flu. Flu rates are rising, so practise good hygiene such as regular hand washing, and get vaccinated.

• Drive safely, slowly and with an abundance of caution. Do not drink and drive.

• Manage your own health and safety. The holiday period sees more drinking, eating unhealthy foods and socialising, which lead to greater risks of accidents, illness and poor management of existing diseases.

Mr Pearman said: “We understand the frustration of those who have experienced admission delays from emergency when we get busy.

“People can help by using services appropriately, and BHB is also working on short and longer term improvements in partnership with community providers and government that will improve flow and efficiency.

“Our work with partners over the last six months has been to develop a Clinical Services Plan which is due to be completed in January 2018, so we are looking forward to improvements this coming year as changes are implemented.

“In the meantime, BHB will continue to work hard to ensure everyone gets the care they need over the holiday season. Please look after yourself and your loved ones, be safe and enjoy the season in moderation.”

Holiday hours

The Lamb Foggo Urgent Care Centre will be open from noon to midnight on Saturday and Sunday and from 4pm to midnight on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

If your condition is serious, attendance at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital may still be necessary.

On New Year’s Eve, opening hours will be from noon to midnight. On New Year’s Day, opening hours will be from 4pm to midnight.

Call the Urgent Care Centre on 298-7700 or the KEMH Emergency Department on 239-2009.