The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE Public Hospitals Authority has acknowledged that ageing air-conditioning systems at Rand Memorial Hospital’s operating theatre have disrupted surgical services and said replacement equipment is expected to be installed within weeks.

The authority’s statement came after Health and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville confirmed that some surgeries were postponed when an air-conditioning compressor malfunctioned, causing condensation and water to leak from the ceiling.

The PHA said it was replacing parts and carrying out other interventions to improve the performance and reliability of the existing heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system while pursuing a long-term solution.

“The PHA recognizes that the existing HVAC systems supporting the operating theatre are aging and, as a result, have presented challenges that require both immediate and long-term solutions,” the authority said.

It said it had been working with external vendors and partners to acquire new HVAC equipment for the operating theatre.

“These replacement systems are expected to be secured and installed within the coming weeks, representing a more sustainable long-term solution to the current challenges,” the PHA said.

The authority said it was also exploring arrangements with external healthcare providers to ensure patients continue to receive necessary surgical care while repairs proceed.

Elective procedures could be performed through external partners where necessary, while emergency surgeries would continue at Rand Memorial Hospital, the PHA said.

The disruption drew criticism from Central Grand Bahama MP Frazette Gibson, who raised concerns on Thursday about reports that major surgeries had been cancelled because of a leaking roof and non-functioning air conditioning.

“I am deeply concerned,” Mrs Gibson said. “This situation is unacceptable and underscores the urgent need for proper maintenance and sustained investment in Grand Bahama’s primary healthcare facility.”

When contacted by The Tribune, Dr Darville said the issue was brought to his attention after some surgeries had to be rescheduled because of an “AC challenge”.

He said a compressor malfunction caused condensation, resulting in moisture and water leaking from the ceiling.

Dr Darville said technicians were called to address the problem, but replacement parts had to be ordered, leading to the postponement of surgeries.

Mrs Gibson said the cancellation of critical surgical procedures disrupted patient care and raised serious concerns about the condition of essential public health infrastructure.

She said Grand Bahama residents deserved access to healthcare in an environment that was safe, reliable and fully functional.

Mrs Gibson called on the government to prioritise Grand Bahama residents by resolving longstanding maintenance problems at the hospital.

“Access to quality healthcare is not a luxury—it is a fundamental right and a core responsibility of any government,” she said.

“Our healthcare professionals should have the facilities and resources they need to provide uninterrupted care, and patients should never have to worry that infrastructure failures will delay or prevent life-changing medical treatment.”

Mrs Gibson urged the government to take decisive action to ensure Rand Memorial Hospital could adequately serve the Grand Bahama community.

“The residents of Grand Bahama deserve a healthcare system that is safe, dependable, and capable of meeting the needs of our community. The time for decisive action is now,” she said.

The PHA said it appreciated the patience of patients, families, healthcare professionals and the wider Grand Bahama community while the corrective measures were being carried out.