NASSAU, The Bahamas — The completion of the Medical Records Warehouse and the recent launch of construction of the Critical Care Block on the grounds of the Princess Margaret Hospital, were two of several major accomplishments recorded by hospital officials during the course of 2011 despite a still sluggish economy, Minister of Health Dr. Hubert A. Minnis said Monday.
Dr. Minnis said the construction of the warehouse was another step in improving the “efficient location and retention” of patient records in The Bahamas.
An “impressive” ground-breaking ceremony for the $53 million Critical Care Block was held two weeks ago.
The Health Minister said the Executive Management team at the PMH were also able to facilitate the relocation of the Family Medicine Clinic to First Terrace, Centreville; launch a LIS System that is used for recording and tracking laboratory results for all patients; introduce a specialised nursing course and “successfully” plan for and launch construction of the Critical Care Block at the Princess Margaret Hospital.
Dr. Minnis said hospital officials were able to accomplish “these objectives” due to Government’s ability to provide the necessary resources, despite the sluggish economy.
“As a country, we were not immune to the international challenges that impacted every aspect of our lives,” Dr. Minnis said. “When external pressures mount, so do the presentation of health problems, problems that must be immediately addressed.
“The statistics shared by our local entities show the increases in visits to the Emergency Room as a result of the many crises resulting from financial shortfalls due to the economic meltdown.
“In spite of these increased demands, and in spite of other, national commitments, the Government was able to increase its approbation to healthcare which has allowed the Princess Margaret Hospital to not only empower its team, but to realise a significant number of accomplishments,” Dr. Minnis added.
Accompanying His Excellency, Sir Arthur Foulkes on his annual visit to the Princess Margaret Hospital, the Health Minister lauded the administration and staff of the healthcare facility for what he termed as their “outstanding service over the course of 2011.
“Every year, administration and staff at the Princess Margaret Hospital have been there to meet the needs of the country in any given situation (and) I want to thank them for their commitment and tireless efforts in providing an essential service to the people of The Bahamas.
“During the summer, the country experienced an outbreak of dengue fever. Our public hospital, in true PMH style, stood poised and ready to address the needs of the Bahamian people and respond appropriately.
“This was not a unique situation,” Dr. Minnis continued, “for the Princess Margaret Hospital is always ready and eager to lead the healthcare recovery and response efforts at a national level.”
By Matt Maura
Bahamas Information Services
