Health Minister Dr. Jerome Walcott gives the assurance that progress is being made in fixing the issues at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, in the face of scathing criticism of the institution from an independent Senator who is a doctor.
Independent Senator, Dr. Christopher Maynard, who’s a surgeon spoke as debate on government’s budget continued in the House of Assembly.
He highlighted what he felt were continuing major issues at the QEH and urged action to fix them and also alleges that efforts to correct the issues at the Accident and Emergency Department are not working.
Independent Senator Dr. Christopher Maynard.
However, Minister of Health, Senator Jerome Walcott, who is also a surgeon, stated that many issues at the A and E result from the large number of non-emergency cases that arrive there.
He added that the pressure for bed space is compounded by elderly people being abandoned at the hospital.
Senator Walcott also detailed the money being spent to purchase equipment to deal with a number of issues at the QEH, including eye surgeries. He said they are doing well in correcting those problems.
Health Minister Dr. Jerome Walcott.
