From:TheBahamasWeekly.com
Government ensuring healthcare providers have the necessary personal protection equipment needed
By Llonella Gilbert
Apr 3, 2020 - 5:34:17 PM
Nassau, Bahamas - Minister of Health Dr. the Hon. Duane Sands stated that the Government is doing its part to ensure that healthcare providers have the necessary personal protection equipment needed to treat patients.
“We have ensured that there is adequate IPC and PPE supplies in sufficient quantity for all those caring for suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients,” Dr. Sands explained while giving an update on the COVID-19 virus at his office, Friday, April 3, 2020.
He added that the new Emergency Order has ended many non-emergency medical and dental services.
“Of the 24 confirmed cases, five are health workers. Additionally, more than 50 health care workers are currently in isolation or quarantine have been taken out of the system.”
Dr. Sands stressed that this is a grave concern that 21 per cent of the country’s cases are health care workers.
“This high percentage of exposure to our health workforce cannot continue, or we will find ourselves without enough workers in our army to wage a war against COVID-19.
He said “I need you to do your part to protect our healthcare workers and not to overburden the system.
The Health Minister stated that those who have non-emergency needs should call their medical health professionals for assistance rather than coming in.
Those with COVID-19-related questions should call the hotline.
The procedure for emergency calls remains the same: call 911.
Dr. Sands said, “We need Bahamians to only seek medical attention if it is necessary during this crisis. This is important.
“We need our medical professionals to be safe. We need them to have time to help with the crisis.”
He said doctors, nurses and medical staff need to be free to attend to health matters.
Dr. Sands said those who need care and suspect they have COVID-19 symptoms should advise medical professionals of this before coming in so they are prepared.
He said, “All Bahamians should be proud of the men and women in our healthcare system.”
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