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A patient at Frontier Regional Hospital in Queenstown was found lying on the floor of the X-ray waiting area after waiting since 1:00am. The situation unfolded during repeated power outages that hit the facility on Tuesday 18 November. Families say the delays left injured patients in distress.
What Happened
Witnesses reported a man sleeping on the floor in the X-ray waiting room for nearly twelve hours. Another family said they arrived shortly after 1:00am with a child in severe pain, yet they remained in the queue as emergencies took priority.
Moreover, the scene sparked concern among community members who shared images and called for help online. They described the atmosphere as tense and emotionally draining.
Official Response
In a statement, the Department of Health acknowledged the incident and confirmed that power outages had severely disrupted operations.
According to officials, all patients referred from Outpatient Departments reached the X-ray unit at 08:00. However, recurring power failures from 10:00 forced the imaging machines to reboot repeatedly, slowing the workflow and extending waiting times.
Staff instructed two patients to sit while waiting, but one man refused, saying he preferred lying on the floor.
“The matter escalated but was resolved after intervention by a senior clinical official,” the department said.
Officials added that the hospital is working with local authorities to stabilise the electricity supply and protect critical services.
Community Impact
Residents say the delays highlight deeper challenges in healthcare access during power disruptions. Injured and vulnerable patients were left anxious and uncomfortable for long periods.
Furthermore, families urged government to prioritise backup systems to prevent similar incidents in the future.
