The Public Hospitals Authority wishes to advise the public of various measures that have been implemented to ensure the safety of patients and staff during the COVID-19 crisis.

Specialty Clinics & Elective Surgeries The Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) and the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) wishes to advise that effective July 28th, 2020 Specialty Clinics have been SUSPENDED at the Hospital until further notice; with the exception of the Eye Care Centre on Soldier Road and Family Medicine Clinic at 4 th Terrace Centerville.

Patients with appointments are asked to contact the Patient Appointment and Scheduling Unit at the Princess Margaret Hospital at telephone number 808-9972, or via email at appointments@pmh.phabahamas.org .

Elective Surgeries have also been suspended until further notice. Only emergency surgeries will be accommodated at this time with the exception of Oncology, Vascular and Caesarean Section procedures.

The public is advised that ONLY Emergency Cases will be managed during this period. The public is asked to use Ambulance Services for EMERGENCIES ONLY. The public should contact their personal physicians or community clinics for non-emergencies during the day and Accident & Emergency after hours.

Access to the Hospital

ALL patients and visitors must enter the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) through the Critical Care Block Entrance ONLY.

All Maternity patients including Maternity-Day cases must enter through the Maternity Entrance.

Only Dialysis patients will be permitted to use the Medical Block Entrance prior to their appointment times.

ALL staff are required to access the hospital via the Hospital’s main entrance at the Critical Care Block. Staff are required to wear their ID badge at all times.

Visitation

All visitation remains suspended at the Hospital during this period. The public is reminded to follow the Ministry of Health’s guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19. These include:

▪ Wear a face mask when you leave home.

▪ Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and if soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with an alcohol content of at least 70%.

▪ Cover your cough or sneeze in your inner elbow or with a tissue. ▪ Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as phones, remote controls, counters, doorknobs, and keyboards.

The PHA thanks the public for their continued support during this time. Further announcements and updates on hospital services will be disseminated as it becomes necessary.