A new modern health care facility at a different location will replace the current Rand Memorial Hospital in Grand Bahama, the Minister of Health Senator Dr. Bernard Nottage announced yesterday while on a tour of health care facilities on the island. <\/p>\n
It was his first official visit to the island since assuming the post earlier in the year. The visit provided a chance for the health minister to give an update on the government’s plans to improve access to essential health care.<\/p>\n
He admitted that the state owned Rand Memorial Hospital has “outlived its efficient usage on its current site,” and the government, after discussions with relevant authorities, has made a decision.<\/p>\n
“The decision has now virtually been made to build a new hospital in Freeport as opposed to renovating and extending the existing hospital on the present site, which does not allow sufficient room for expansion,” he said.<\/p>\n
“The proposal is now for a new hospital to be located on East Highway. This will be a fully equipped, modern, 110-bed healthcare facility, with all the specialty, diagnostic and therapeutic services presently offered at Princess Margaret Hospital,” Dr. Nottage said.<\/p>\n
The minister noted that when the hospital is completed and operational, it should reduce the need for persons to travel to New Providence for healthcare.<\/p>\n
It is proposed that the new hospital, that is being designed, will be located on 90 acres of property. <\/p>\n
“We don’t at this time have a timeline except to say we expect the construction itself to take about 18 months and we expect it to be underway in 12 to 18 months,” he said. <\/p>\n
There have been numerous complaints about the level of service and overcrowding at the Rand. Dr. Nottage acknowledged that addressing these shortcomings is an immediate need.<\/p>\n
He pledged that steps will be taken to rectify the situation particularly in the Pediatric Ward, the hospital’s pharmacy, and the Accident and Emergency Department.<\/p>\n
Additionally, a building has been identified in the vicinity of the current hospital to relocate the Out Patient Specialty Clinic and Training and Social Services departments.<\/p>\n
Recently, a much needed CT scan machine was donated to the Rand which is expected to become fully operational by the end of May. <\/p>\n
Also, a resident Radiologist is already in place and another is intended to be hired to guarantee “consistent 24 hour service.”<\/p>\n
As for the $1.2 million clinic for Grand Cay, the health minister reported that it is expected to be completed by the end of the summer. <\/p>\n
“We intend to provide back up generators for the clinics in East End, that is, High Rock, McCleans Town and Sweeting’s Cay Clinics,” he revealed. <\/p>\n
The aim is to have the process completed prior to the start of the hurricane season which begins on June 1.<\/p>\n
The plan is also for the clinic in McClean’s Town and High Rock to be expanded to include dental services and to provide a resident nurse.<\/p>\n
By: Daphne McIntosh, The Bahama Journal<\/small><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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