The Tribune

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS

Tribune Staff Reporter

lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

GOVERNOR General Cynthia “Mother” Pratt visited Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) yesterday as part of her annual holiday tour of public health facilities, following an earlier visit to the Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre.

During her visit, she toured areas of the newly renovated Accident and Emergency (A&E) unit, which recently completed a phased move that began on November 10. The upgraded facility is designed to improve patient flow, reduce wait times, and provide a safer, more efficient environment for both patients and staff.

Addressing hospital staff, Ms Pratt praised their dedication and resilience. “Thank you for the nights you have to leave home, you have no car, you have to walk to work, and when you get here, there’s a short staff. Sometimes you’re alone, but you never gave up,” she said. She encouraged staff to recognise the value of their work, noting that their efforts make the Bahamas’ healthcare system stronger and more reliable.

Ms Pratt emphasised the importance of teamwork and compassion, highlighting that the hospital operates as a “single compassionate body, offering healing gifts to those in need.” She also recognised the improvements to the hospital’s infrastructure, which provide staff with better working conditions and tools to deliver care effectively. She extended her official Christmas greetings to all patients and staff, praying for a joyful, restorative holiday season and continued blessings for the hospital and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.

Aubynette Rolle, Managing Director of the Public Hospitals Authority (PHA), also addressed staff, reinforcing the theme of this year’s holiday message: “Thrive together, one team, one purpose.” She stressed that healthcare is a promise that requires teamwork, trust, and excellence. Ms Rolle commended PMH staff for their dedication and highlighted the recent completion of the A&E unit as an example of what can be achieved when staff work together.

PHA Chairman Andrew Edwards echoed this sentiment, acknowledging staff contributions to the hospital’s mission and emphasising the importance of giving compassionate care. He recognised individual employees from various departments for their service, gifting them hotel stays, electronics, and other tokens ahead of the holiday season.

Minister of Health Mr Michael Darville also addressed staff, praising their continued commitment despite staffing shortages, infrastructure challenges, and increasing public demand. He noted that PMH has outgrown its current infrastructure, with 80 percent of beds occupied by patients with chronic non-communicable diseases, often returning for care repeatedly.

He underscored the importance of modernising the hospital’s digital systems and infrastructure and highlighted the recently launched National Health Strategy for the next five years, alongside plans for a new specialty hospital.