Minister of Health Dr Duane Sands. (File photo)
By Earyel Bowleg
ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
HEALTH Minister Dr Duane Sands moved to explain the need to use the West End Clinic in Grand Bahama as a quarantine treatment centre for those who test positive for COVID-19 despite the objections of residents.
It was reported that some of the residents on West End were against the decision. They argued that the clinic does not have the capacity or enough medication to be a treatment centre.
Dr Sands explained to The Tribune that the recommendation was made by the health leadership in Grand Bahama. The minister added they understand the “concerns and fears” and are “sensitive” to the worries expressed, but stated “there’s no perfect place”. He explained having a hospital or a clinic caring for patients “in a compassionate way” is “not going to contaminate the community”.
“Grand Bahama health system has been ravaged by (Hurricane) Dorian and we’re in the process of trying to get it reconstructed so it limits the options. There are certain characteristics of a healthcare facility that have to be present in order to adequately care for patients who might need intubation and so on and so forth - West End Clinic has that.”
“If we got a case today, we needed to be able to manage it. So we have to have a back-up plan for managing patients at every given opportunity because when somebody comes in they are not interested in hearing this is not convenient or that’s not convenient. So we are looking at alternatives. We have no interest in antagonising the public”.
Dr Sands noted a site is being prepared at Rand Memorial Hospital but it is not yet completed. In the fight against COVID-19, he noted: “We don’t cut any corners and that we prepare and provide the best venue for patients. These patients are us.”
Currently, there are four confirmed COVID-19 cases.
Comments
Engineer 4 years, 8 months ago
Insensitive and unwise choice to use West End. Why not use University of Bahamas dorms. Renovations needed but better choice.
moncurcool 4 years, 8 months ago
Have you seen the University of the Bahamas dorms that got destroyed in Dorian? With no power and a destroyed building how could you put someone there?
TalRussell 4 years, 8 months ago
Four New Jersey family members have died after contracting Coronoavirus. They are the mother Grace Fusco and her three children Rita Fusco-Jackson, Carmine Fusco and Vincent Fusco.
Nearly 20 other relatives fell ill after attending a large family gathering.and are now self-quarantining and waiting to find out if they too have also been infected by the killer virus.
Our prayers be with the family!
bahamianson 4 years, 8 months ago
Since the start of this virus , I have never read news where any community ,neighhood, city , town , province or county have complained about a quarantine site being erected in their area. Are you crazy? I would be glad because I wouldn't have far to go if I need their service. Stop complaining! You can't be serious!
killemwitdakno 4 years, 8 months ago
Then protect Freeport altogether (the back up city) and stop anyone from going there.
Someone with shortness of breath would be dead by the time the reach way down West End anyway.
moncurcool 4 years, 8 months ago
There is no other place here in Freeport to put a person until something is set up at the makeshift hospital in Freeport. I'm appalled by the insensitivity by the people of West End. After all, isn't West End the capital of Grand Bahama? I guess if someone there gets the virus then they don't want them in their own community to be treated.
Ashinnabash 4 years, 8 months ago
Freeport is the capital
thephoenix562 4 years, 8 months ago
No.West End is still the capital.
West End (also referred to as "Settlement Point") is the oldest town and westernmost settlement on the Bahamian island of Grand Bahama. It is the current capital of Grand Bahama, contrary to the popular belief that Freeport City is the capital of the island. It is also the third largest settlement in The Bahamas.
TalRussell 4 years, 8 months ago
FREE port is a company town, A place where the natives are tolerated - provided they knows their place. Nod once for yeah, Twice for no?
The_Oracle 4 years, 8 months ago
U.S. and I believe England are planning to use Hotels, However G.B. hotels are closed and moldy. Not exactly good for respiratory patients. Another Samaritans purse Tent hospital would be good, has Govt Inquired about that?
TalRussell 4 years, 8 months ago
Is the PopoulacesOrdinary to assume a photo surfacing purporting be that of the Colony's comrade health minister, addressing some squeezed shoulder to shoulder 100 government workers was not that of the minister - pictured whilst ignoring the government's social distancing regulations? Rather strange be's it, if the picture is not Fake News - whilst PopoulacesOrdinary remain under threat imprisonment, should they disobey prime minister's state of emergency order to stay put, hunkered down, dead bolts shoved all way down. And, they must also remain - only in structures attached a piece land.. Nod once for yeah, Twice for no, if this isn't a government - gone all slippery bananas Sandilands?
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