The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas Nurses Union is demanding the results of environmental tests conducted at temporary trailers at Rand Memorial Hospital after nurses complained of an odour, sore throats and other irritation amid concerns about mould.

Union president Muriel Lightbourne said nurses raised concerns with hospital officials two weeks ago, prompting an inspection of the trailers the following day.

A union representative in Grand Bahama joined the hospital’s Principal Nursing Officer for the walkabout, while Mrs Lightbourne participated by video conference.

Mrs Lightbourne said an odour was detected and hospital officials advised that tests would be conducted and the findings shared with the union. However, the union is still awaiting the results.

Mrs Lightbourne stressed that she could not confirm claims that nurses were working in mould-contaminated conditions without the test results or other evidence.

She said several nurses had complained of sore throats and other irritation before the inspection and were advised to seek medical attention.

One nurse sought medical treatment and was giventime off from work, Mrs Lightbourne said.

Hospital officials advised after the walkabout that the trailers would be cleaned. Mrs Lightbourne said the union has received no further complaints since then.

Central Grand Bahama MP Frazette Gibson yesterday called for an urgent investigation into reports that nurses were being required to work from what she described as “mould-infested trailers” at the hospital.

Mrs Gibson called the reports “deeply troubling” and said they raised serious questions about the safety and well-being of healthcare workers.

“Our nurses are the backbone of our healthcare system, yet reports that they are being required to work from mould-infested trailers at the Rand Memorial Hospital are deeply troubling,” she said. “These reports raise serious concerns about the safety, health, and well-being of the very professionals who dedicate their lives to caring for others.”

“This is unacceptable. No nurse should ever have to choose between serving their community and risking their own health in the process.”

Attempts to reach the Rand Memorial Hospital administrator for comment were unsuccessful up to press time yesterday.