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http://solomonstarnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10019&change=71&changeown=78&Itemid=26Steps taken to address problems at hospitalMonday, 06 July 2009

HEALTH authorities say steps are being taken to address the problems encountered by doctors at the National Referral Hospital.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health Dr Lester Ross said this yesterday.

He was responding to complaints and frustrations raised by doctors on the shortage of medical equipment, medicines and linen.

Dr Ross said their investigations revealed that all the supplies mentioned were in stock except for one of their essential drugs in anaesthesia.

He said in a meeting with relevant stakeholders, including the clinical specialists and the hospital management, they have identified minor weaknesses.

 “We have problems with the supplies some of which are beyond our control.

“For example the  trans-shipment company which was engaged to carry our medical supplies went bankrupt due to the down turn in the world economy therefore was off-loaded last year in New Zealand,” Dr Ross said.

He said another example was on the international stage Solomon Islands is a small customer and is only natural that the suppliers tend to attend to the big customers first.

Dr Ross said even though their international shipment is arriving late, it is still better than never.

He assured the public that despite the negative reports in the past the Ministry is working closely with hospital executive and senior doctors and nurses to overcome adversity and provide care for the patients.

He also confirmed the shortage of linen in the hospital for the past three days, saying this was due to the break down of four washing machines.

“The reason was the machines were old and have been working for 12-14 hours a day for 10-15 years.

“But as of Wednesday this week a new industrial washing machine and a dryer were installed and two of the old washing machines have been repaired.

“As of Wednesday afternoon the laundry will be capable to do the washings and hospital’s executive had already had their plans to improve the laundry facility and will soon start.

 “MSHMS executive and National Medical Stores, NRH doctors and Nurses will ensure that we work through our difficult times,” he said.

Under Secretary for Health Care Dr Carl Susuaira explains that with the new washing machine being installed there will be no more postponing of operations at the hospital.

 “One thing that I want to clarify is at the time when linens were short, it was only the elected surgeries that were slowed down, not the emergency ones,” he said.

By GINA MAKA’AClose Window