RAND IMPROVEMENTS, PERSONNEL CHANGES IN PIPELINE
FREEPORT, Grand Bahama — As the Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) maps its way forward in providing quality healthcare throughout the country under its ‘Renew, Refresh, and Reimagine’ initiative, steps are being taken to improve service at Rand Memorial Hospital (RMH), PHA Chairman Andrew Edwards said, The Nassau Guardian reported on Tuesday, October 4, in an article written by Barbara Walkin.
Edwards said immediate action is being taken to improve conditions where patients are waiting outside under tents and on the porch at RMH for services. He expects the situation will be rectified by the end of the year.
“I am pleased to announce that we have procured a number of modular units that will expand our capacity to treat patients,” said Edwards during a meet-the-press event last week. “The enabling works for these units are underway. We are moving swiftly to get these units fully operational and integrated. The patients will be triaged and wait for care with dignity in a secure area out of the elements and off the porch as the modular units provide much-needed increase in capacity.”
Since suffering major flood damage due to Hurricane Dorian and later adjusting for the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic, many key hospital services have been interrupted and sections modified, including the Accident and Emergency Department and other sections located throughout central Freeport.
The Minnis administration spent $20 million to renovate the hospital following the storm.
In April 2021, then-Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis recommissioned the first redevelopment phase of the hospital, which included the Pharmacy, the Lula Knowles Pediatrics Ward, the Maternal & Child Health Block, the Medical/Surgical Block, the Critical Care Block, Operating Theatre, Chapel, Healing Garden and Medical/Surgical Ward Three.
While a few of the services have returned to the premises following renovations and repairs of the facility, the administration and physiotherapy departments, and the Freeport Community Clinic, remain outsourced.
Hospital officials are seeking to have all services back at RMH as soon as possible; in the meantime, the modular units are expected to solve a number of outstanding issues.
Aubynette Rolle, PHA managing director, explained that the units are customized for triaging and rehabilitative services –– occupational and physical therapy — with air quality, oxygen, and negative pressure capability. See complete article in The Nassau Guardian at https://thenassauguardian.com/improved-healthcare-delivery-promised/
