The Tribune

By SANCHESKA BROWN

Tribune Staff Reporter

sbrown@tribunemedia.net

OPPOSITION Leader Dr Hubert Minnis said yesterday repeated delays in the opening of the Critical Care Block at the Princess Margaret Hospital can result in “exacerbation of serious illnesses and even death”.

Speaking with the press, Dr Minnis said the delay in the opening of such a vital part of the heath service proves that the government does not care about the people.

“This cannot be the same government who claims they care so much about the people. It cannot be a government who say they care so much about the poor and the indigent and they allow this to continue. You know it was designed to improve space for the theatre and for the infants and out patient procedures which would assist in individuals receiving expeditious surgical procedures and to assist in the back log in the emergency room and the shortage of beds,” he said.

“Now with this delay then these problems are compounded. When we were in office, we made arrangements to ensure all the equipment and supplies, would have been assessed and determined by an independent group to ensure that we would receive the equipment on time and so the block can be open and those who need medical care can be seen very quickly. A delay in completing and furnishing the block can cause an exacerbation of illness and in some instances even death.”

Dr Minnis said the PLP put a hold on the process of furnishing the block, which has in turn left the building with no furniture for at least another year.

“The assessment was done by independent evaluators not political and by placing the process on hold you delay the process of the building being done on time. You will find that the building will not be furnished for at least an additional year, which means the building will be sitting there idle without the supplies and equipment,” he said.

“What that will do is compromise the health care of the poor and will not relieve the stress and problems faced in the emergency room and the bed situation when it was supposed to help. So I am concerned that the government has not made a quick decision in helping those that need the facilities, especially since they have said they are the government for the poor.”

Last week, Public Hospitals Authority Board Chairman, Frank Smith said the Critical Care Block, although near completion, is facing staffing challenges.

The opening of the facility has since last year been repeatedly delayed, but Mr Smith said officials are working assiduously to get the block ready for patient use and up to world class standards.

He said a date for full operation has not been set, but it is estimated that the opening will be delayed for another few months before taxpayers reap the benefits of the new block.

Construction on the 66,000 square foot facility began in November 2011. It houses 20 private ICU rooms, 18 recovery beds, a central sterile department, new lab facilities, administrative facilities and a new main entrance, which is disability friendly. It has been estimated that the block will cost taxpayers around $100m.

The government has said the block will improve access to critical care beds for adults and infants, and reduce waiting times for surgery. Other benefits include better surgical results and the quality of care through the use of modern medical and information technology. An enhanced diagnostic capacity and improved administrative offices are also expected.