Government Struggles to Meet Nursing Demand

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – As the world watches the Omicron Coronavirus variant, Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Michael Darville admits health officials are having trouble meeting the demand for nurses amid a serious shortage.

Berthony McDermott reports.

As the country continues to battle a severe nursing shortage, Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Michael Darville admitting today that finding nurses to staff the country’s healthcare facilities is proving to be a challenge.

This as he says they’re looking to fill 30 spots.

Dr. Darville stresses, the time to fill these positions is now while The Bahamas is seeing low COVID numbers.

However, as government looks to recruit these nurses, Bahamian nurses are being recruited by other countries, making an already difficult situation worse.

The Bahamas has long faced a nursing deficit, even before COVID-19 brought the world to its knees.

The issue became a vital one during the pandemic, as hospitals quickly became overwhelmed stretching the staff complement.

At multiple points during the second and third waves, beds were available, but could not be used because of the shortage of nurses.

Several nurses in The Bahamas have died of COVID-19, while others have left the country for opportunities elsewhere.