Minister of Health the Hon. Renward Wells explained that with the exponential increase in cases during this second wave, the Ministry of Health continues to execute a comprehensive COVID-19 response strategy to meet the significant demands being placed on the public healthcare system and to ensure the well-being of all Bahamians and residents.
“Our strategy includes increasing hospital bed capacity, increased testing capacity in our labs, and fast-tracking repairs and upgrades to public health facilities, specifically in New Providence and Grand Bahama,” Minister Wells stated at the COVID-19 Update Press Conference at the Ministry of Health, Friday, August 28, 2020.
He said for the COVID-19 response, there are –
• 10 beds at the South Beach Urgent Care and Referral Centre;
• 16 beds at the Cancer Association of The Bahamas building in Freeport, Grand Bahama;
• Four beds are available in the Legacy Unit of the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH);
• 10 beds in the old General Practice Clinic;
• 18 beds currently available at the 62-bed National Response Facility at the SuperClubs Breezes resort;
• 21 beds at Doctors Hospital West;
• Five beds at Doctors Hospital East; and
• 30 beds are expected to come on stream in short order following the re-location of boarders from PMH.
This represents a total of 114 beds added to the healthcare system. Minister Wells explained that on August 27, both he and the Prime Minister had the opportunity to tour the 62-bed facility that will be used to expand the capacity to care for COVID-19 patients, in the East Wing of Breezes.
He noted that patients will experience soothing oceanfront and garden views that can boost mental health. Eighteen patients can be accommodated on the first floor and 22 patient rooms each, on the second and third floors.
The Health Minister stated that each floor has a lounge for nurses and a lounge for physicians.
“Staff accommodations are on the fourth floor. This makes it possible for staff members to isolate effectively and avoid the potential risk of taking the COVID-19 virus home to their families.”
He added that the facility will provide much-needed relief to the stressed bed capacity at PMH.
The Minister also explained that there are a total of 2020 confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of 9:28p.m. August 27. Of that number –
• 1218 cases are in New Providence;
• 543 in Grand Bahama;
• 67 in Abaco;
• 53 in Bimini;
• 19 in Exuma;
• 15 in Berry Islands;
• Eight in Cat Island;
• Eight in Inagua;
• Five in Eleuthera;
• Four in Acklins;
• Two in Crooked Island; and
• One in Andros.
There were 97 new cases reported on August 27. There are 742 recovered cases, 1221 active cases, and 82 hospitalized cases.
Minister Wells said, “Regrettably, there have been a total of 50 deaths. This total includes deaths that are currently under investigation. A total of 10,625 tests have been completed.”
Chief of Service, Accident and Emergency Department, Dr. Christa Wells described the various rooms in the facility to Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis and Minister of Health the Hon. Renward Wells on Thursday, August 27, 2020. (BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna)
