More hospital beds 'could shut'

Patients have been warned that waiting lists may go up

Taking more beds at Guernsey's Princess Elizabeth Hospital out of service because of a shortage of nurses cannot be ruled out, a minister has said.

The capacity of Giffard Ward is to be reduced by 10 beds until September.

Deputy Barry Brehaut, deputy health and social services minister, said Guernsey was trying to attract the same staff as other countries.

Patients have been warned that waiting lists may go up as a result of the closures, which happen on 27 April.

Deputy Brehaut said: "We do not exist in isolation.

"Health authorities up and down the UK and in the Channel Islands are facing recruitment problems.

"It is about pay probably, it is about housing licences probably, it is about clinical facilities probably."

He said this was an opportunity for a "period of reflection" but said he got the feeling it would not be the last time it happened to local health authorities, including Guernsey's.