More than three months after the official opening of the Critical Care Block at Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH), two key areas are still not available in the new facility, according to the Public Hospitals Authority (PHA). The $100 million block was commissioned on January 22.

In a statement, the PHA said all theaters with the exception of the endoscopy theater transitioned from PMH to the new block. That theater will transition from PMH to the new block this month following the completion of user training exercises, according to the PHA.

The food court also remains closed because officials have yet to hire a food vendor. However, the PHA said it will engage in a tender process before the end of this week to find a suitable vendor.

The PHA said as of April 20, surgeries started in the new block. At the end of March, the neonatal unit, the Intensive Care Unit and the lab had opened. However, six operating theaters and other areas had not opened.

The PHA said the Pediatric Acute Care Unit, the Medical Surgical Supplies Department and the Central Sterile Supplies Department are now open and fully operational. The PHA said those state-of-the-art theaters are on a "rotational system".

PHA Chairman Frank Smith has said repeatedly the delay in fully opening the Critical Care Block is to ensure that officials "err on the side of caution".

Last September, PMH obtained a $35 million loan from CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank for equipment and furniture for the new block. In March, PMH Administrator Mary Walker said officials were still in the process of hiring staff and finding furniture. The PHA's statement made no mention of staff or furniture in the new block. During the grand opening ceremony, Prime Minister Perry Christie said the commissioning marked the beginning of a new era for the country's oldest hospital.

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