By Leandra Rolle

lrolle@tribunemedia.net

SENATOR Dr Michael Darville has called for the government to address the reasoning behind "malfunctioning sterilisation equipment” at Princess Margaret Hospital, which have reportedly led to the suspension of several elective surgeries at the hospital.

According to Dr Darville elective surgeries at PMH were postponed for over a week due to the issue.

“The Ministry of Health must explain how is it that elective surgeries have been suspended for more than one week reportedly because of malfunctioning sterilisation equipment,” the Progressive Liberal Party Senator said in a press statement Thursday.

“The government must explain how the equipment got to the state it is currently in, the steps being taken to resolve this challenge and the proactive measures to be implemented to avoid a recurrence of this nightmare."

However, speaking on the matter earlier this week, Health Minister Dr Duane Sands said the issue was being dealt with, noting that one of the sterilisation machines had already been repaired.

The Tribune understands that elective surgeries at PMH have already been resumed.

Despite this, Dr Darville noted that working conditions at the Public Hospital Authority’s healthcare facilities have “steadily deteriorated” over the last several months.

Calling the country’s public health system “dysfunctional", he said: “The air condition systems don’t work, the children’s ward can’t get fixed, nurses and doctors can’t get paid outstanding funds duly owed to them and now the sterilisation equipment don’t work.”

“…While the part time health minister who wants to play both service provider and regulator insults healthcare professionals, describes the problems in the system and blames the PLP.”

“Patients, loved ones and Bahamians generally are losing confidence in the PHA," he said.

The Tribune understands that elective surgeries at PMH have already been resumed.

Despite this, Dr Darville noted that working conditions at the Public Hospital Authority’s healthcare facilities have “steadily deteriorated” over the last several months.

Calling the country’s public health system “dysfunctional", he said: “The air condition systems don’t work, the children’s ward can’t get fixed, nurses and doctors can’t get paid outstanding funds duly owed to them and now the sterilisation equipment don’t work.”

“…While the part time Health Minister who wants to play both service provider and regulator insults healthcare professionals, describes the problems in the system and blames the PLP.”

“Patients, loved ones and Bahamians generally are losing confidence in the PHA.”