Minister of Health and Wellness Jeffrey Bostic has not yet delivered on the 24-hour polyclinics, but he is reporting other improvements at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) which should provide a better patient experience.
Bostic delivered the report card on his ministry earlier tonight at the Barbados Labour Party’s public meeting at Carlisle Park, Bridgetown, on the anniversary of the first year in office.
As they work towards building a better Accident & Emergency Department, Bostic said they introduced a second triage station – manned by a doctor – which has reduced the wait time in the department.
The minister said there were other staff issues which had to be addressed, some of which were brought to his attention when he convened the meetings on the 24-hour polyclinic.
These include transportation for those who work the graveyard shifts, security, nurses working and not being paid for five or six months on a stretch and doctors not being paid gratuity at the end of contracts.
Bostic also announced more than 180 nurses would soon be appointed.
The 40-odd elderly people who were abandoned at the QEH have all been relocated and housed, but Bostic said 20 new ones had taken their place. He said his ministry would have to work in conjunction with the office of the Attorney General and the Ministry of Elder Affairs to address the vexing issue of those who have abandoned the elderly but enjoy the benefits of their pensions.
The Minister said discussion would continue towards a solution for the 24-hour polyclinics while also announcing nationals of St Lucia and St Vincent, for example, who have toiled in Barbados, would soon enjoy free healthcare once legislation made its way through Parliament. (SAT)