Health

Former Health Min: This is Deeply Unfortunate but Not Surprising

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Sands argues the dispute goes beyond overtime pay, pointing to what he calls long-standing challenges faced by nurses, doctors, and allied health care professionals.

Published

6 hours ago

January 29, 2026

Our News

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The alleged nurses sick-out began Wednesday night, with sources telling Our News several key units at Princess Margaret Hospital, including the intensive care unit, accident and emergency, and the dialysis unit, were reportedly left without coverage overnight after multiple nurses called in sick.

And it’s said to have continued today. The action is believed to be tied to frustration over unpaid overtime and outstanding holiday pay. Health officials have acknowledged delays, saying the matter is being addressed, but staff say they are still waiting for results.

Our News reached out to former health minister and current Free National Movement Chairman Dr. Duane Sands, who says the reported sick-out is unfortunate.

Dr. Duane Sands, former health minister
“This administration can find money for anything else that it wants. Luxury travel, millions, hundreds of millions of dollars of roadworks. You know, a dusty-made delegation to travel to Grand Bahama for a non-announcement, but they can’t find the money to pay the hardworking staff to take care of our people.”

Sands argues the dispute goes beyond overtime pay, pointing to what he calls long-standing challenges faced by nurses, doctors, and allied health care professionals.

He says many are struggling financially while continuing to shoulder demanding workloads.

Dr. Duane Sands, former health minister
“It is an existential problem when you have to combat your ethical and moral obligations as a care provider against your own personal welfare. There are people who are unable to pay their bills, even as they have to put on a happy face and come to work in our health care system. Can’t afford to pay their children’s school fees, their rent, groceries, light bill,”

I reached out to the president of the Nurses’ Union to confirm the sick out, but got no response up to news time.

However, the press secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister has confirmed reports of a nurses’ calling-out.

Describing the situation as deeply concerning, emphasizing that health care delivery remains a top government priority.

Keishla Adderley, press secretary, OPM
“An assessment is on their way today to try and determine the extent of the problem and to make sure that the coverage is in place where needed, and that is prioritized, as is the case in emergency situations and scenarios like these. In the meantime, we are very hopeful to speak with the relevant union stakeholders to get a handle on the problem, to speak about the situation and to come to a resolution.”