Minister of Health the Hon. Renward Wells said it is a well-known fact that proper infrastructure in a Health system improves effectiveness, safety, timeliness, patient-centeredness, access, and efficiency.

“Inadequacies in any health system infrastructure can limit access and contribute to poor quality of care and outcomes, particularly among vulnerable population groups,” Minister Wells stated at the COVID-19 Update Press Conference at the Ministry of Health, Friday, August 28, 2020.

He said consequently, $10 million have been allocated for Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) renovations. This includes –

• the Emergency Department Urgent Care Phase A project which features –

o a New Entrance;

o Enhanced Security;

o Isolation Room;

o Wound Care; and

o Orthopaedic Departments.

• Agape Family Medical Clinic Expansion;

• Conversion of the Old Operating Theatre Suites into a 19 Bed Inpatient Suite;

• Male Surgical I (15 Beds); and

• Bathrooms in the old ICU, Legacy, and Outpatient Department.

Minister Wells stated that upon completion in September 2020, it is expected that much-needed inpatient beds will be restored to address the overcrowded PMH.

He said enabling works and renovations to the Emergency Department are ongoing and the public will see some phases of this renovation being completed by the end of the year.

The Health Minister also noted that renovations for the relocation of the orthopaedic and wound care departments are also ongoing.

He said the phase II of the project is the Metal Roof Replacements program which should come on-stream in October 2020.

“It is true, our focus has been COVID-19 and stopping the spread of the virus. However, the Government of The Bahamas remains committed to providing its citizens with quality and accessible healthcare.”

Minister Wells stated that as work continues to progress the public will be updated with timelines and accessibility to all healthcare facilities.

By Llonella Gilbert