Minister of Health, Dr. the Honourable Christopher Tufton has reviewed and accepted the findings of the report on the renovation that occurred at the Savanna-La-Mar Hospital Paediatric Ward, while being occupied by patients.
Dr. Tufton has asked the Western Regional Health Authority to proceed to take appropriate action under the HR and Industrial Relations Guidelines of the Ministry of Health. The Minister has also asked the region to submit in one month, a recommended proposal for the Ministry of Health to review and approval of the protocol of how all future renovation work should take place in public health facilities.
The report has concluded the following:
- There was a breach of the work plan
- There is a need for a disciplinary hearing involving supervisory staff
- A review and recommendation of protocol, including approach to supervision for renovations within public health system is needed.
Dr. Tufton, had requested an urgent investigation and report into the matter with a view to not have a repeat of the incident. According to Dr. Tufton “The safety of staff and patients during renovation at any facility is of utmost importance and there was a breakdown of procedures during construction at the hospital.” He added, “We must hold persons accountable and ensure through policy that we do not have a repeat of these incidents.”