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.
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.
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.
“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.
“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.
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.
It is proposed that the new hospital, that is being designed, will be located on 90 acres of property.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
Recently, a much needed CT scan machine was donated to the Rand which is expected to become fully operational by the end of May.
Also, a resident Radiologist is already in place and another is intended to be hired to guarantee “consistent 24 hour service.”
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.
“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.
The aim is to have the process completed prior to the start of the hurricane season which begins on June 1.
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.
By: Daphne McIntosh, The Bahama Journal
