The Tribune

By KEILE CAMPBELL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

BOARDERS at the Princess Margaret Hospital are as young as four months old and as old as 80.

The Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) is asking families to come and take their loved ones, 22 of whom reside at PMH.

The PHA said the cost of housing the boarders “varies according to individual needs”.

Child boarders range from four months old to13 years old while adult boarders are between their late 30s and 80 years.

The PHA, in a statement to The Tribune, described the circumstances as “less than optimal” since boarders occupy hospital beds that could otherwise be used for patients who need to be admitted for care and treatment.

The PHA said it had actively contacted family members and engaged with the Ministry of Social Services for assistance.

The authority underlined the importance of “proactive long-term care planning and communication to enhance the well-being of our patients, many of whom receive little to no visitors”.

“Each boarder presents distinct challenges,” the PHA said. “For paediatric patients, we collaborate with agencies like social services to engage with next of kin, facilitate adoptions, and arrange placements in local children’s homes. Adult boarders without next of kin identified or with complex health needs may require specialised discharge plans, potentially leading to extended stays or transfers to appropriate long-term care facilities.

“It is crucial to note that our more vulnerable patients may become exposed to additional challenges that require further assistance and medical support, extending their stay at our facilities.”