Health Minister: PMH “Bursting at the Seams”

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Princess Margaret Hospital is in crisis mode as the Health Minister says the state-run health care facility is again bursting at the seams, with more than 50 patients in need of beds. The patients apparently battling chronic non-communicable diseases as they await treatment.

The issue prompting the government to call on Doctors Hospital to help to carry the load.

Berthony McDermott reports.

According to officials up to 54 patients are awaiting beds at PMH resulting in Doctors hospital stepping in to assist.

Darville says the influx of patients started a few days ago and escalated to a massive flow of individuals dealing with non-communicable diseases.

As a result, he said at least 30 patients were moved to Doctor’s Hospital West to be treated.

At the time, he was unable to say how much this partnership is costing the public purse.

The situation has also impacted operations at the Accident & Emergency department, with emergency service workers warning that the public can experience longer wait times due to limited resources.

The issue stems from a major shortage of nurses and structural issues and a lack of equipment like beds and trollies.

In hopes of providing more bed space and additional equipment soon, there is a temporary fix until the construction of the new hospitals promised by the Davis administration when taking office.