The Tribune

THE Public Hospitals Authority has confirmed that Princess Margaret Hospital is experiencing “a spike in COVID-19 cases requiring admission” leading to the implementation of measures to manage the increase in cases.

This increase has required adjustments to hospital operations, including the discharge of patients who meet the criteria and the temporary suspension of in-person clinics, PHA said.

The hospital has now reverted to the tele-health/virtual platform for out-patient clinics.

Patients needing to reschedule clinic appointments or patients with new referrals who require an appointment are asked to e-mail a copy of their referral to appointments@pmh.phabahamas.org; send a clear photo of their referral form to 808-9972 via WhatsApp or SMS or contact the PMH Appointment Scheduling Unit for more assistance at 808-9972.

Out-patient Phlebotomy Services at PMH (commonly referred to as lab services) is closed. Patients requiring lab work for out-patient appointments are asked to use Lab Services at the PMH Agape Clinic (Family Medicine Clinic) at 4th Terrace Centreville.

Dental services have been suspended however Dialysis Unit services remain uninterrupted – by appointment only.

“The public is reminded that all patients coming to Princess Margaret Hospital must enter and exit the hospital via the Critical Care Block main entrance only,” PHA advised. “The public is also reminded that patient visitation remains suspended. Intensive Care and Neonatal Intensive Care Units visitation will take place on a case-by-case basis as determined by clinicians.”

Only emergency cases are encouraged to utilise the Emergency Department at PMH. Non-emergency patients are asked to contact their primary care physician or utilise community clinics for care.

At last report, 51 cases were in hospital in the country; 18 of those cases are in Doctors Hospital, six are in the South Beach Acute Care and Referral Centre; 18 are at PMH and nine are in Grand Bahama Health Services.