Particular concern was raised about the A&E department, which currently deals with a broad range of patients including those who might otherwise be treated through primary care, urgent care or specialist pathways.

The review found the hospital’s emergency department received about 120 patients each day.

Fewer than one in five ultimately require admission, however.

A recurring theme in the report was the need to strengthen services outside the hospital.

The report argued that greater investment in community care, rehabilitation, admission avoidance schemes and support for older people would help reduce pressure on acute services and better prepare the island for an “ageing population”.

The review also identified opportunities to improve discharge planning and modernise bed management systems through digital technology, enabling staff to track patient movement more effectively.

The report concluded that while there may be a case for increasing capacity in the future as demand grows, current efforts should instead focus on making better use of existing resources and addressing inefficiencies across the wider health and care system.