FREEPORT, Grand Bahama — Grand Bahama Health Services (GBHS) Administrator Sharon Williams said on Thursday, July 29, that the Rand Memorial Hospital is beyond its capacity with COVID-19 patients, noting that the government may have to offer additional assistance if the steady increase in hospitalizations continues, The Nassau Guardian reported on Friday, July 30.
“It’s very hectic, of course, for our clinicians and I’m sure for our patients and their families,” Williams told The Nassau Guardian. “We are doing as much as we can in Grand Bahama Health Services to make sure that our patients’ need for care are tended to as soon as possible. Yes, we do have some concerns with nursing shortages and, of course, with other clinical discipline shortages in those areas as well. But we always continue to make sure that the necessary staffing to give optimal care [is] addressed and we will continue to do the best for our clients.”
She said GBHS is using its internal contingencies amid a recent surge in COVID hospitalizations on the island.
“If this increase continues, of course, then the government will have to look at additional assistance for Grand Bahama from any NGO (non-governmental organization) or Samaritan’s Purse if that is the way the government is going at the moment,” Williams said.
“But we are hoping that our community listens and that we all adhere to the protocols in place and get this concern under control.”
The Bahamas confirmed more than 1,800 cases between July 1 and July 28. The number of hospitalization increased from 50 on July 1 to 106 on July 28. See complete story in The Nassau Guardian at https://thenassauguardian.com/rand-beyond-capacity/
